The Scarecrow Had Company, and She Was Fast Asleep on the Porch
The scarecrow is supposed to guard the porch, but the real guard is fast asleep. A fluffy orange longhair kitten lies curled on the boards with her paws tucked and her eyes shut, resting right beside a smiling straw scarecrow in a plaid shirt and straw hat. Pumpkins, a pot of golden mums, and a watering can fill the corner, and warm light slips through the open front door.
Kittens sleep a lot, often 16 hours a day or more, and they tend to nap in short bursts between bursts of play. A sleeping spot that feels safe, with soft bedding and a bit of warmth, helps them rest well. If you decorate with straw, keep an eye out for loose pieces, since they can be sharp or get swallowed. Mums are also toxic to cats, so keep them out of nibbling range.
Orange kittens often look like they have captured a sunbeam in their fur, and this one glows against the plaid and straw. Her little round belly rises and falls in a way that suggests she's having a good dream. The scarecrow doesn't seem to mind sharing his porch, and the quiet end to the day is the best possible reward after a busy Halloween afternoon. Somewhere down the street the first trick-or-treaters are laughing, but on this porch, the only sound is soft, steady breathing.
