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Tortoiseshell cat sitting in a wicker laundry basket full of clean clothes, with shirts and towels strewn on the floor. 15 / 37

The Laundry Was Clean and Almost Folded. Then She Climbed In.

AI imagetortoiseshellcaught in the actlaundry

The laundry was clean. It was folded, or at least it was headed that way. Now a wicker basket sits in the middle of the floor with pink sweatshirts, grey tees, and white towels spilling over the sides and onto the boards below. Nestled snugly in the center is a tortoiseshell with her paws tucked in, ears tipped slightly back, and a sheepish look on her face as she peeks up at whoever came back to finish the folding.

Cats love laundry baskets for a few good reasons. Freshly washed clothes are often still warm from the dryer, and warmth is something cats seek out constantly. The basket itself provides a cozy, enclosed nest with high sides, which helps a cat feel secure. Clean clothes also carry the familiar scent of their favorite people, which can be comforting. If you want to reclaim your laundry, try offering a soft cat bed or a folded blanket in a sunny spot nearby. Some owners keep a dedicated old towel that the cat is allowed to claim. Be careful with dryers, though. Always check inside before closing the door and starting a cycle, because a curious cat may hop in looking for warmth.

A little cat hair on the shirts is a small price for such a charming scene. The laundry can wait another ten minutes. Maybe twenty. Possibly until she decides to get up on her own.

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