-- The Search for the Perfect Napping Spot--
-- The Search for the Perfect Napping Spot--
Like most cats, Hector and Jasper are absolute pros when it comes to sleeping. There’ s the morning nap, followed by the mid-morning snooze, and of course, a luxurious afternoon siesta. According to the experts, cats clock in about 12 to 14 hours of sleep a day- and older cats can nap even longer. A lot of that time is spent in light“ cat naps,” where they’ re resting but still keeping an ear out. But cats also slip into deep sleep, where they can dream and are totally unaware of what’ s going on around them. If you happen to wake them up during one of those deeper cycles, you’ ll probably see them leap up and start frantically grooming, trying to recover their dignity. And who can blame them? Being startled out of deep sleep isn’ t fun for anyone. But for cats, it’ s instinct. Even though Hector and Jasper live life around a bookshop as the fur family, their wildcat ancestors had to stay on alert. Cats are both hunters and prey in the wild, so finding a secure spot to sleep has always been crucial.
That’ s why a cat’ s ideal nap spot is all about safety. Up off the floor, with a good view of what’ s going on is the sweet spot. In the mornings, you’ ll usually find Jasper perched on a stack of boxes near the front wall of the shop. He’ s practically invisible there, dozing peacefully, despite the sound of the phone or the jingle of the shop bell. Hector, on the other hand, prefers to be front and center, curled up next to me at the checkout counter, maybe wrapped around the laptop or leaning against the screen. He’ s half-asleep but always ready for“ da peoples” to stop by with some pets and love. Right next to me, in the middle of everything, which is Hector’ s idea of a safe, happy place.
By afternoon, both cats often head upstairs to the top of the stairs in the house. It’ s warm there, too warm for most humans, but the air circulates and it’ s cooler than being out in the sun. From that perch, they can see the front door and know that only familiar folks are coming up. It’ s a cozy, strategic nap zone and perfect for relaxing, grooming, and keeping an eye on the doings in their world.
Another favorite spot is tucked under a bookcase in the shop. The bookcase has legs just tall enough for the two of them to squeeze under side-by-side. It’ s a snug fit, more like curling up in a beloved cardboard box than perching on high. But it’ s quiet, hidden, and apparently just right for a warm afternoon nap.
When night falls, we all retreat to the air-conditioned bedroom. The cats spread out across window sills, chairs, and the end of the bed. Hector sometimes stretches out on the cool floor to soak in the chill. And if someone leaves a door open, you can bet they’ ll do a nighttime check-in, slipping into other rooms to see who’ s still up reading or already fast asleep.
Safe, comfortable, and thoroughly loved, Hector and Jasper get their rest and get ready for another busy day of napping at the bookshop.
- by Linda Roller, Bookseller, Writer, & Owner of Liberty Book Shop in beautiful downtown Avis, PA.
LIBERTY BOOK SHOP Linda Roller
Hours: Thursday & Friday 10-6, Saturday 10-3, or by appt.
“ Where yesterday’ s books are today’ s treasures.”
LibertyBookShop @ comcast. net www. thelibertybookshop. com
570-753-5201
Pawsitively Pets-- August 5