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A black Maine Coon cat and a tortoise lie in a patch of sunlight on an old wooden deck. 14 / 21

A Black Maine Coon and a Tortoise Bask on the Warm Deck

AI imagemaine coontortoisesunbathing

Slanting light stripes the old wooden deck, and a black Maine Coon lies in it with her paws tucked and her yellow-green eyes half closed. A few feet away, Gus the tortoise stretches out, head turned toward the sun, his shell warming. The deck boards are weathered and silvery, and a garden pot sits in the corner. The cat's long fur has a hint of brown where the sun hits it. Both animals look like they have been basking for an hour already. A little breeze lifts a few strands of fur and then settles.

Basking is something both cats and tortoises do instinctively. Cats love warm spots because they help regulate body temperature, and tortoises need the sun's warmth to digest food and get moving. Tortoises also need UVB light, which sunlight provides, to build strong bones and shells. A shaded retreat nearby is vital, since a tortoise can overheat if it can't escape the sun. Black cats can get quite warm on a sunny day too, so a bowl of fresh water close by is a good idea. Maine Coons have thick coats, so brushing helps them stay comfortable. A cool corner to move to is always a thoughtful extra for any sunbather.

The sun is warm, the deck is quiet, and the afternoon moves very slowly. There's nowhere to be, and no rush to get there.

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