The Plates Were Cleared, and One Guest Had Already Slipped Away to Dreamland
After the plates are cleared and the conversation quiets down, one guest has already slipped away to dreamland. A tiny blue point Siamese kitten lies curled on a chunky cream knit blanket in front of a stone fireplace, eyes closed, soft gray-blue ears and paws tucked close, tail trailing over the edge. A few logs still glow red in the hearth behind her. On the rustic wooden mantel sit small pumpkins, a rust-colored napkin, a pair of reading glasses, and a dish of cranberries, while leftover plates and a basket of towels hint at the feast that came before.
Kittens sleep a lot, often far more than adult cats, because their bodies and brains are growing quickly. After an exciting day full of new people, sounds, and smells, a long nap is exactly what they need. Siamese kittens are born nearly all white, and their darker points on the ears, face, paws, and tail develop over the following weeks and months. The pattern is linked to temperature, with cooler areas of the body growing darker fur. When kittens nap near a fireplace, a sturdy screen is important, since sleepy kittens may roll closer to the heat or wake up and investigate sparks.
This little Siamese clearly had a big day. Warm, full of love, and wrapped in soft wool, she's found the perfect way to end a Thanksgiving evening.
