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A gray tabby kitten sleeps on a wooden porch beside a straw scarecrow in a plaid shirt and straw hat. 16 / 25

The Scarecrow Kept Watch While a Small Gray Kitten Slept

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The scarecrow has been standing guard all day, and the real guardian has fallen asleep on the job. A gray tabby kitten lies stretched out on the porch boards beside him, her eyes squeezed shut and her cheek resting on the wood. The scarecrow wears a plaid shirt and a floppy straw hat, with a stitched smile and button-style eyes that look rather pleased about the company. Straw has spilled across the porch, a few small gourds sit near the steps, and golden light falls through the trees. Let's call her Willow.

Kittens sleep a lot, often 16 hours a day or more, and that is healthy. Young cats are growing fast, and rest is when much of that happens. They tend to nap in short bursts, wherever they run out of steam, which explains a kitten curled up beside a scarecrow in the middle of an afternoon. Cats also like to sleep in spots where they feel safe and warm, ideally with a good view, so the sunny porch is a smart pick.

If your kitten naps outdoors, keep an eye out for hazards that come with the season. Fall straw and hay can hide burrs and mold, and bundled corn stalks and dried decorations are not good for chewing. Temperatures also drop fast at dusk, and a small kitten can get chilly even in mild weather. It's best to keep young kittens indoors or in a protected area for sleeping, and to make sure she has a warm bed ready when the sun goes down. For questions about vaccines or outdoor time, your vet is the right person to ask.

For now, Willow is deep in a dream, and the scarecrow keeps watch. It's a peaceful pairing, with both of them perfectly still.

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