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A cinnamon Abyssinian cat sleeps curled on a woven rug in front of a fireplace with a screen, with dinner dishes behind. 1 / 23

The Dishes Were Still on the Table, but Biscotti Had Moved to the Hearth

AI imageabyssinianthanksgivingfireplace

The feast is over, the dishes are still waiting on the table, and a cinnamon Abyssinian has claimed the rug in front of the fireplace. Curled into a tight ruddy circle with her tail wrapped around her, she sleeps with her eyes shut and her face tucked against her paws. A metal screen guards the hearth behind her, a small pumpkin decorates the mantel, and the kitchen counter in the background shows the happy mess of a family meal.

Abyssinians are slim, athletic cats with a short coat that has a warm, ticked pattern, which gives that glowing cinnamon color. They are known for curiosity and energy, and many love climbing, exploring, and playing games with their people. That makes a deep nap like this one well earned. Cats sleep a lot, often 12 to 16 hours a day, and warm spots near a hearth or sunny window are favorites because cats like heat.

A fireplace is a lovely cat spot, but it comes with a few safety rules. Keep a sturdy screen in place, never leave a cat alone near an open fire, and keep decorations and dinner scraps out of reach. Cats should not be given turkey skin, bones, or heavily seasoned leftovers, which can upset the stomach or worse. Let us call this sleepy fellow Biscotti. He had a busy afternoon of watching the cooks, and now it is time to rest. The house is quiet and the warmth is perfect, so nothing else matters.

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