The Stockings Were Hung With Care, and Someone Fell Asleep Beneath Them
Three stockings hang above her, one red, one green and one striped, and none of them is as snug as the spot where she lies. A tortoiseshell kitten is curled on the wooden ledge below the stockings, her patchwork coat of black, amber and caramel melting into the warm tones around her. Her eyes are closed and her chin rests on her paws, and below the shelf lies a joyful clutter of toys, books and a basket of blankets.
Kittens sleep a lot, often 14 to 20 hours a day, because they are growing quickly and need rest between bursts of play. They like warm, elevated places where they can watch the room and feel secure. Mantels and shelves can be risky near fireplaces, candles and breakable ornaments, so make sure candles are in sturdy holders away from curious paws, and use a screen if the fire is lit. Tortoiseshell cats are not a breed but a coloring, and while owners often joke about their sassy 'tortitude', each kitten has her own personality. A cozy cat bed on a shelf of her own can offer the same appeal safely.
The stockings may be waiting for gifts, but the best gift of the evening is already here, breathing softly. It is a calm, golden scene that makes the whole room slow down for a minute.
