Karen Wils photo An old cat on an old chair really knows how to lounge away wintertime.

ESCANABA — February can be frantic.

We get busy looking for tax forms, paying township taxes, heating bills and finding out about stimulus checks.

Paperwork, even though much of it is done on the computer nowadays, is no fun.

Between the family budget and the daily chores there is a slice of sublime peace and contentment.

Unfortunately, it belongs to the cat.

Felines really know how to face February. Cats find comfort and contentment in a ray of warm afternoon sunshine beating in the window.

Night time finds them sprawled out by the woodstove or fireplace or furnace duct soaking up all of the heat.

When things get a little hectic around the house, it is good to take a cue from the family cat. The cat has noticed, even if we have not, that the hours of daylight are increasing.

That sunny spot on the window ledge is a great place to take a break. Move the cat over and grab a book or the newspaper and read.

February is a good time to be warm a fluffy. The new, super-fleecy lounge pants and socks that you got for Christmas are the real ticket for cold damp evenings.

Pull on a favorite afghan or comfy quilt and I’ll just bet you the cat will join you in your rocking chair.

The stress that comes from COVID or calling to get the COVID vaccine and social distancing can be a little over whelming at times. Here again we can look to our cats for reassurance. Home is a great place to be and there is nothing as refreshing as taking a good long winters nap.

Mitzi and Muffin sure know how to find a comfortable spot to snooze in. In a laundry basket, or under the bed, or in the hamper, or in the bathroom sink — all cats have their special resting hideaways.

The cats are right about one thing, sleep is important.

As we start to rebound after the pandemic and try to find some “new” sense of normal, it is important that we take care of ourselves and our family.

The family cat stretches out on the living room rug. She yawns, extends her paws and flexes her claws. It looks like she is doing yoga or floor exercises to start her day.

Those are good ideas for us too. Not everyone can get out on the ski trail or the ice rink, so indoor exercise is great for February.

So before you start to do your income tax or work on your family finances, take a few minutes to pet the cat. A purring friend relieves stress. Be well, be warm and enjoy a glass of milk.

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Karen (Rose) Wils is a lifelong north Escanaba resident. Her folksy columns appear weekly in Lifestyles.