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A silver tabby cat sleeps with her head against the shell of a tortoise in a pile of straw. 4 / 31

A Silver Tabby Used a Tortoise Shell as the Perfect Pillow

AI imagesilver tabbytortoisehay

The straw is soft and golden, and a silver tabby cat has pressed her whole cheek against the shell of a tortoise, eyes closed, a faint smile on her pink nose. The tortoise tucks his head halfway into his shell, his lids heavy and his scaly legs drawn in. Dust motes drift in the light from a broken barn wall, and a green watering can peeks out in the background.

Cats are creatures of comfort, and they often seek a warm, solid surface for sleeping. A tortoise shell, warmed by the sun, can feel like a pillow. Tortoises need warmth to be active, and they like to bask, which is why they are often found in sunny, sheltered spots. Hay or straw is a popular bedding for both pets and tortoises, but it should be clean, dry, and free of mold. If you keep a tortoise, a vet who knows reptiles is a valuable resource for housing and diet advice.

We can call the tortoise Gus. He has not moved in some time, and the cat has not either. Her whiskers twitch as she dreams, and his eyes stay half shut. They have the look of old companions who know that a good nap is better with company. The afternoon rolls on, and the hay keeps them both warm. Not even a barn mouse would dare interrupt them.

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