Counting Cats To Fall Asleep

Welcome to this unique twist on counting sheep - a tale of counting cat breeds from A to Z. As you imagine each one, find yourself sinking deeper into relaxation for sleep. Let the calming imagery of these furry feline friends lead you into the kind of sleep you’ve been searching for— deep, restorative, and restful. Relax, let go of the day, and settle in to count cats with me as you unwind and drift off to sleep.

Story by Susan Guttridge
Music credit to: Conscious Meditation, Alex Wit

Transcript

Hi,

Welcome to this bedtime story.

My name is Susan Guttridge and I'm so pleased to share this cat tale with you,

Counting cats to help you fall asleep.

People have counted sheep to fall asleep for years.

Why sheep you may wonder,

Why not cats?

That's exactly what I wondered,

And that's how this story came to be.

Before we begin,

Let's get you comfy cozy in your bed.

Give your body a stretch,

Shifting as you need,

Settling into a position that feels just right for you.

Notice your head resting on your soft pillow,

Feeling all the bits of relaxation as they spread throughout your body.

In tonight's story,

We'll count cat breeds from A to Z.

Short-haired,

Long-haired,

Black,

Ginger,

White,

Or tabby.

Though most cats are wonderfully mixed,

Each one is uniquely beautiful in its own way,

And you'll meet many of them here.

With each cat we describe,

I hope you find yourself relaxing deeper and deeper,

Sinking into calm comfort until you drift peacefully to sleep.

If it feels right for you,

You can imagine each cat walking past you and let your eyes follow them slowly from one side to the other,

Just with your eyes closed.

This gentle movement can help your body and your mind relax,

Just like when we look around while walking,

Making sure we're safe,

Not bumping into anything.

Moving our eyes from side to side helps calm the mind and body,

Making it easier to feel ready for sleep.

Plus,

It helps release tension and brings a sense of calm,

Almost like a little reset for your body.

And now,

If you're ready,

Let your eyes closed as we begin counting cats.

A is for Abyssinian.

Known for its grace and playful nature,

The Abyssinian cat is often thought to have ancient Egyptian roots,

As cats were highly revered and sometimes depicted in Egyptian art.

However,

Genetic studies trace the breed's true origins to Southeast Asia and the coasts of the Indian Ocean.

The first Abyssinians to be exhibited in England were brought from Abyssinia,

Now called Ethiopia,

Hence the breed's name.

This lively cat has short reddish-brown fur that gleams with a golden hue in the sunlight.

The Abyssinians are famous for their curious and playful personalities,

Often climbing to high places to survey their surroundings.

B is for Bengal.

A striking breed known for its sleek,

Muscular body and beautifully patterned coat,

Which resembles that of a wild leopard.

With their energetic and playful personalities,

Bengals are known for their love of climbing,

Jumping,

And even playing in the water,

Which is an unusual treat for cats.

Their large,

Expressive eyes and shimmering fur gives them an exotic and captivating appearance.

Bengals originated from a cross between domestic cats and the wild Asian leopard cat,

Resulting in a breed that retains a touch of the wild while being a loving and affectionate companion.

Bengals are known for their distinctive glitter effect.

Each hair can have a translucent outer shell that catches the light,

Giving their coats a sparkling sheen.

Highly intelligent and full of energy,

Bengals thrive in homes where they have plenty of space to play and explore.

B also stands for black cat.

While not a breed of cat,

Black cats are a unique and magical part of the feline world.

With their sleek,

Shiny coats and beautiful eyes,

They often seem to have a mysterious,

Almost magical aura about them.

Despite their long history of being misunderstood,

Black cats are known for their sweet and affectionate personalities.

Just like cats of any other color,

Black cats are very social and enjoy spending time with their human families.

They're playful and curious and love cuddling up in cozy places.

With their graceful movements and captivating presence,

Black cats are a special reminder of the beauty that's in every feline.

If you love these cats,

Mark your calendar for August 17th,

Which is National Black Cat Appreciation Day,

A day instituted with the aim of dispelling myths surrounding black cats.

Because,

Superstitions aside,

Cats are simply adorable.

C stands for Chartreux,

Known as the smiling cat of France.

The Chartreux has a rich history as a companion to the Carthusian monks.

Its plush,

Gray coat and golden eyes give it a serene and wise appearance.

Despite its quiet demeanor,

The Chartreux is playful and loyal,

Forming deep bonds with its humans as I feel so many cats do.

Imagine one padding softly across a cobblestone street in the countryside.

Its movements graceful,

Its energy calm.

C also stands for Cyprus cat,

A breed I discovered quite by accident one day when I used the Google Lens feature on my smartphone with a picture of my cat.

A natural-born explorer from the sunny Mediterranean island of Cyprus,

These cats have roamed the island for centuries,

With some stories saying they were brought there long ago to keep the land free of snakes.

Agile and strong,

The Cyprus cats are excellent climbers and love to leap to high places,

Always surveying their surroundings with curiosity.

Their coats come in many colors,

From sleek black to soft tabby stripes,

Making each one unique.

The Cyprus cat enjoys both adventure and affection,

Perhaps even curling up beside you for a cozy cat nap.

D is for Devon Rex,

A cat that looks as though it stepped out of a fairy tale,

With its large bat-like ears and curly coat.

This breed is known for its mischievous yet affectionate nature.

Originating from England,

The Devon Rex loves to climb,

Explore,

And engage in play.

Its short,

Soft coat is a unique feature,

And its personality is fun and energetic.

E is for Egyptian Mau.

As the fastest domesticated cat,

These cats can reach speeds of up to 30 miles per hour,

Or so I've read,

Making them quite incredible sprinters.

Its sleek spotted coat is not only beautiful,

But also quite unique.

No other domestic breed has quite the same pattern.

The Mau's origins trace back to ancient Egypt,

Where it's often depicted in artwork and revered as a very sacred animal.

In fact,

It's said that the Mau's ancestors roamed the temples and streets of Egypt,

Even being kept as companions by pharaohs.

These cats are known for their intelligence,

Loyalty,

And playful nature,

And their wild appearance.

With striking silver or bronze coat and mesmerizing green eyes,

These cats certainly would stand out in any crowd.

F is for Fold,

Scottish Fold,

A breed known for its distinctive folded ears which give it a sweet wide-eyed expression,

Almost like that of an owl.

These cats are gentle,

Good-natured,

And quiet,

Making them wonderful companions who enjoy spending time with their families.

The origin story of the Scottish Fold begins in 1961 on a farm in Scotland,

Where a white barn cat named Susie was born with an unusual fold in the middle of her ears.

When Susie had kittens,

Two of them inherited the same unique trait.

One of these kittens was adopted by a nearby farmer,

Who became fascinated by the folded ear gene and started a breeding program.

Over time,

However,

It was discovered that this genetic mutation,

While giving the cats their signature fold,

Was also linked to health concerns affecting their bones and joints.

As a result,

Breeding Scottish Folds was restricted and even prohibited in some countries to protect their well-being.

These cats remain a beloved breed,

Treasured for their affection and laid-back nature.

G is for German Rex,

A breed with a soft wavy coat and a sweet,

Playful personality.

Like the Devon Rex,

The German Rex's coat is curly,

But it's known for being even more plush and velvety to the touch.

They originated in Germany and are known for being intelligent,

Energetic,

And very good with children.

H is for Himalayan,

A breed known for its luxurious long fur and captivating blue eyes.

Sometimes called gentle giants,

These cats have a calm and affectionate nature,

Earning them a reputation for being perfect lap cats.

While they enjoy playtime,

They tend to be more relaxed than some of their high-energy feline counterparts.

You won't find these cats scaling your curtains or turning your walls into a parkour course.

Instead,

Himalayans thrive on companionship,

Often following their humans from room to room and greeting them at the door with quiet affection.

A cross between the Persian and Siamese,

The Himalayan is easily recognized by its elegant color point markings.

That refers to their darker fur on their ears,

Face,

Paws,

And tail.

The Himalayan's long silky coat does require regular grooming,

But this daily ritual can be a wonderful way to strengthen the bond between cat and human.

I is for Iriomote.

The Iriomote cat is a rare wild cat from Iriomote Island,

A small lush island in Japan.

The island is mostly covered in thick forest,

And is home to only a few thousand people,

Making it a quiet and peaceful place.

The Iriomote cat is a skilled climber,

Moving easily through trees and dense jungle.

With its spotted coat and strong build,

This mysterious cat is rarely seen by humans,

And only a small number are thought to remain in the wild.

It's considered an endangered species,

And many people are working hard to protect it.

The Japanese government for one,

And wildlife groups are dedicated to keeping the Iriomote cats home safe,

Making sure the forests are protected,

And helping the cats live peacefully in their natural habitats.

J is for Japanese Bobtail,

A breed known for its distinctive short bobtail that curls upwards.

These cats are friendly,

Playful,

And highly social,

Often featured in Japanese folklore as symbols of good luck.

With their slender bodies and expressive faces,

Japanese bobtails are as energetic as they are endearing.

K is for Korat,

A breed of cat that originates from Thailand and is known for its sleek silver blue coat and striking green eyes.

The Korat is often described as a lucky cat,

Traditionally given as a gift of good fortune,

Especially to newlyweds.

In Thai culture,

These cats were so highly valued that they were rarely sold,

Only gifted as a symbol of prosperity and happiness,

Or so I've read.

Beyond their beautiful appearance,

Korats are deeply affectionate and intelligent.

They form strong bonds with their humans,

Keeping close when together in the home,

And wanting to be involved in everything.

Unlike some independent cats,

Korats thrive on companionship and are known to be quite vocal,

Using their soft,

Chirping meows to communicate.

Their alert and playful nature makes them wonderful interactive companions who seem to sense the emotions of those around them.

L is for Laperm,

A breed known for its curly soft coat that gives them a unique appearance.

In pictures,

I've noticed that even their whiskers are curled.

This is a breed I had not heard of before I began researching cats for this bedtime tale.

How delightful it was to view photo after photo of these inquisitive cats.

The Laperm,

With fur that looks like it has been permed and flows in soft waves,

Curls,

And ringlets resembling a shaggy perm,

Originated in the United States and is thought to originate from the Rex family of cats.

This breed has a playful and loving personality,

Often described as being dog-like in its attachments to humans.

The perms come in a variety of colors,

But all share the same distinctive curls.

Some of the writing on these cats describes them as hypoallergenic,

Meaning that they provoke a significantly lower level of an allergic response in humans than do normal cats,

But please don't take my word for it.

Do your own thorough research if you have allergies and are considering adopting a cat.

Imagine a Laperm dashing playfully across the floor,

Its curly coat bouncing with each step.

M is for Maine Coon,

One of the largest and most majestic domestic cat breeds.

The Maine Coon can grow to be quite large,

With males reaching about 13 to 18 pounds and females around 12 pounds.

Known for their thick fur and tufted ears,

Maine Coons have a wild appearance that reflects their origins in the cold,

Rugged climates of the northeastern United States.

Despite their large size,

These cats are often described as gentle giants due to their friendly nature.

Picture in your mind's eye a Maine Coon walking across a snowy landscape,

Its tufted ears standing tall as it moves confidently.

Let your eyes follow its steady movements,

Feeling the strength and calm this majestic cat brings.

Also starting with the letter M is the Manx,

A unique breed famous for its lack of a tail or its short stubby tail.

This breed is known for its strong muscular stature and affectionate nature.

They tend to be friendly,

Playful royal cats that have also been described as being able to learn tricks.

And I just couldn't resist mentioning the Munchkin,

A breed famous for its short legs,

Which give it a unique and endearing appearance.

Despite their tiny stature,

Munchkins are known for being energetic,

Playful,

And agile.

They move quickly and gracefully,

Using their strong bodies to jump,

Climb,

And explore,

Often surprising people with their athleticism.

Originating in the United States,

Munchkins have become popular for their charming personalities and their tendency to be affectionate,

Friendly,

And fun-loving.

N is for Norwegian Forest Cat,

A majestic breed known for its thick,

Long-haired coat and tufted ears,

Which help it survive the cold winters of Norway.

These cats are large,

With strong bodies and bushy tails,

Making them excellent climbers and hunters.

Norwegian Forest Cats are gentle,

Often described as calm and serene.

Picture a Norwegian Forest Cat jumping from branch to branch in a dense forest,

Its thick fur catching the sunlight as it moves.

Follow its graceful journey with your eyes,

Enjoying its strength and poise.

O is for Ossicat,

A breed that looks wild but is actually entirely domestic.

With its spotted coat resembling that of a wild ocelot,

The Ossicat is an active and playful breed that loves interaction and attention.

Despite its exotic appearance,

The Ossicat is affectionate and friendly,

Often forming strong bonds with its family.

It comes from a mix between the Abyssinian and the Siamese.

I've read that it can be trained to fetch,

Walk on a leash,

Come when called,

And perform various other dog-like behaviors.

O is also for the Oriental Shorthair,

A breed that is often described as an elegant and graceful version of the Siamese,

With a longer body and more varied coat colors and patterns.

Known for their affectionate and social nature,

These cats enjoy being the center of attention,

Forming strong attachments to their humans.

O is also for Orange Cat.

Also,

While not a breed,

I felt it worth mentioning.

These cats can also be referred to as Red,

Orange Tabby,

Ginger,

Marmalade,

Cinnamon,

And even Tiger Cat.

Now these are unique cats.

Did you know nearly all orange cats have tabby patterns and an M-shaped marking on their forehead?

Interestingly,

About 80% of orange cats are male due to a fascinating genetic trait.

And speaking of genetics,

Their orange color comes from a pigment called pheomelanin,

The very same pigment that gives red-haired people their fiery locks.

And just like red-haired humans,

Orange cats also tend to develop freckles.

These little black spots often appear around their lips,

Nose,

And other areas with thin fur,

Usually emerging when the cat is around a year or two old.

Orange cats are known for their bold and playful personalities,

With many orange cats being described as outgoing,

Affectionate,

And full of mischief.

That is especially true of my own orange cat named Bones,

Who has his very own series of cattails.

Some of the most famous fictional felines,

Like Garfield and Puss in Boots,

Are orange tabbies,

Adding to their reputation as charismatic and lovable companions.

P is for Persian,

One of the oldest and most iconic cat breeds in the world.

Known for their long,

Luxurious coats and round faces with flat noses,

Persians are calm,

Gentle,

And affectionate.

They tend to be indoor cats who love lounging in cozy spots,

Enjoying a quiet laid-back lifestyle.

It is also said that these cats have the most beautiful,

Melodic voice,

And they do require quite a bit of daily grooming.

P is also for Peterbald,

A variant of the Sphinx,

And thus a unique breed known for its hairless or semi-hairless coat,

Giving it a sleek appearance.

The Peterbald is affectionate,

Playful,

And sometimes described as a lap cat due to its love of cuddling and attention,

And I believe desire for warmth.

Despite its lack of fur,

The Peterbald has a warm,

Velvety texture to its skin.

R is for Ragdoll,

A breed known for its large size and its tendency to go limp when held,

Earning it the name Ragdoll.

These cats are gentle and often crave human companionship.

They're laid-back and easy-going,

And I've read that they like to follow their owners around.

I remember very fondly the Ragdoll my neighbor had.

When I first moved into my home,

I'd see it lounging in the sun on her balcony,

Or alert and watchful of the goings-on.

One day when I was making lunch,

I heard a mewing at my door,

And there she had been,

Standing on her hind legs,

Looking in,

Hungry for a taste of my lunch and some scratches under her chin.

We had become good friends from that point on,

With her wandering over for visits and sometimes even letting me brush her long,

Soft gray fur.

R is also for Russian Blue,

A breed known for its striking silvery blue coat and emerald green eyes.

Russian Blues are gentle,

Quiet and affectionate,

But can also be a little reserved with strangers.

They're known to bond deeply with their human families and can be very loyal companions.

S is for Siamese,

A breed that became famous,

Though not kindly depicted in Disney's movie The Lady and the Tramp.

In reality,

Siamese cats are one of the most loving and social breeds.

Originating from Thailand,

They were once considered sacred and kept by royalty,

Their sleek cream-colored coats and striking blue almond eyes make them unmistakable.

Siamese cats are highly vocal and love to chat with their humans,

Often following them around like curious shadows.

S is also for Sphinx,

With its hairless body and prominent cheekbones.

The Sphinx may look unusual,

But its affectionate and playful nature make it a favorite among cat lovers.

Originating in Canada in the 1960s,

This beloved breed loves to snuggle and thrives on human attention.

T is for Tonkinese,

A breed that combines the best traits of its Siamese and Burmese ancestors.

With their silky coats that come in a variety of colors and patterns,

Tonkinese cats are known for their sparkling aqua or gold-green eyes.

They are playful,

Curious,

And highly sociable,

Often forming very close bonds with their humans.

Another breed that begins with the letter T is the Turkish Angora.

This is an elegant and ancient breed known for its silky,

Flowing coats and playful personality.

Originating in Turkey,

This breed has been cherished for centuries,

With some records tracing its lineage back to the 15th century.

In fact,

Turkish Angoras were so treasured that they were once kept in the royal palaces of the Ottoman Empire.

These cats are typically medium-sized,

With long,

Slender bodies and a luxurious fine coat that comes in many colors,

Although white is the most iconic.

They have striking almond-shaped eyes which can be blue,

Green,

Amber,

Or even odd-eyed where each is a different color.

Beyond their beauty,

Turkish Angoras are known for their intelligent and friendly nature.

They love to form bonds with their humans,

Following them around.

They're highly energetic and love to climb,

Play,

And even learn tricks.

One of my favorite childhood movies was The Aristocats,

Featuring a graceful white Turkish Angora named Duchess and her three kittens.

In this classic tale,

Duchess and her kittens found themselves lost in the French countryside,

And a streetwise alley cat named Thomas O'Malley took them under his wing,

Leading them on an adventurous journey home.

The movie is full of charming characters,

Heartwarming moments,

And an unforgettable soundtrack.

One of its most iconic songs,

Everybody Wants to be a Cat,

Perfectly captures the film's playful,

Jazzy energy,

And quite perfectly captures the carefree,

Joyful life of a cat.

T is also for the Turkish Van,

A rare and ancient breed originating from the Lake Van region in Turkey.

Known as the Swimming Cat,

The Turkish Van is one of the few cat breeds that genuinely enjoys water and is even known to paddle around in lakes and bathtubs.

Their semi-long,

Water-resistant coats help keep them warm and dry while their striking appearance,

Predominantly white fur with distinctive color markings on their heads and tails,

Make them instantly recognizable.

These cats are not only beautiful,

But full of personality.

T is also for Torby,

A delightful mix of tortoiseshell and tabby.

I discovered this breed when my foster cat was identified as a Torby by the vet.

It was fascinating to learn that Torbys inherit the colorful,

Mottled fur of the tortoiseshell cat combined with the striped patterns of a tabby.

Torbys are known for being playful,

Friendly,

And affectionate,

With personalities that can vary based on their individual heritage.

They can have a variety of color coats,

But all share that unique blend of tortoiseshell's fiery colors and tabby's classic stripes.

U is for Ural Rex,

A rare and affectionate breed hailing from Russia.

With their soft,

Wavy fur that feels like silk,

Ural Rexes are as gentle as they are beautiful.

This breed's unique curly coat is the result of a genetic mutation different from that of other curly-coated cats,

Such as the Cornish Rex.

All modern rexes,

I've read,

Are descendants of Siberians,

Giving them a strong and resilient lineage.

Ural Rexes are said to be affectionate and trusting.

These cats are friendly toward people,

Playful,

And have a tendency to get along well with other pets.

They thrive in homes where they can spend a lot of time with their humans.

They don't tend to tolerate loneliness well.

Patient,

Obedient,

And calm,

Ural Rexes are relatively quiet cats,

Rarely said to display aggression.

Their well-developed hunting instincts are another endearing trait,

Making them both playful and attentive.

V is for Van Cat,

A rare and ancient breed from Turkey,

Much like the Turkish Van but distinct in its all-white coat and often mismatched eyes.

These cats are highly intelligent and known for their playful,

Energetic nature.

In their native region,

They are considered a symbol of good fortune.

Imagine a Van Cat darting gracefully across a meadow,

Its tail curling slightly as it moves with purpose.

And that brings us to the letter W.

While I could not find a cat breed that began with the letter W,

Together let's imagine a whimsical Whisker Cat.

This imagined breed would have the longest,

Curliest whiskers you've ever seen,

And it would move playfully yet softly as though dancing on the air.

The letter X brings us to another bit of creativity as I do not believe there is a cat breed that starts with X,

Nor have I known a cat whose name began with X,

So let's instead imagine our very own breed,

A Xenocat.

The Xenocat would be a fantastical feline with shimmering fur that glows softly in the dark.

Perhaps it comes from the dream world,

Where its coat changes colour depending on its mood.

Picture the Xenocat padding gracefully across a starlit path,

Its glowing paws leaving trails of illuminated paw prints on the ground.

Y is for the now-extinct York Chocolate Cat,

A breed that originated in the United States in the 1980s.

These cats had tapered tails,

Rich chocolate-coloured fur,

And some with a more dilute colour of brown,

Known as lavender.

Their fur was long and fluffy and oh so soft,

Making them look as sweet as their name.

Known for being both affectionate and gentle,

They were often happiest curled up next to their favourite human.

Imagine a York Chocolate Cat lazily strolling across a sunlit garden path,

Pausing to sniff a flower before continuing its walk.

Once again,

We are left to our imagination as we arrive at this final letter of the alphabet.

As we tap into our very best imagination,

Let's picture in our mind's eye the Xenocat.

This imagined feline embodies the ultimate calm with the softest of fur.

Picture the Xenocat sitting serenely in a patch of sunlight,

Its eyes half-closed in blissful meditation as it stands and begins to walk.

Your eyes follow its tail swaying like a metronome.

You follow its tranquil path,

Feeling its peaceful energy radiate into your own body.

As we arrive at the end of this cat tale,

I hope you're now sound asleep,

Just like a cat enjoying the perfect catnap in a cosy spot.

Cats are experts at finding peaceful places to rest,

And just like them,

I hope that's exactly where you are.

Had you been counting along while we went through the alphabet of cats?

You might have noticed that while there are just 26 letters in the alphabet,

We had many more cats here today,

Landing us at 37.

As we finish our journey counting cats through the alphabet,

Let their calm,

Restful energy wrap around you like the gentle purr of a cat curled up beside you.

May their quiet magic bring you the peaceful sleep you deserve.

Good night,

And sweet dreams,

Friend.

Reviews

For me, I knew that you were going to say Main Coon. Great meditation by the way! I don't have a cat, sadly, but I might be getting one and we are going to call it Magic Potato (Maggy for short) or Sparckle Penuts. Anyway I loved the meditation. Personally, I'm obsessed with the book Warrior Cats, and just obsessed with Cats in general. You might give Warrior Cats a try. To me, Warrior Cats is a really good book and I think it's kind of obsessive.

This is A to Z with warrior cats names:
A: Ashfur
B: Bluestar
C: Cloudtail
D: Darkstripe
E: ?
F: Fernsong
G: Goldenflower
H: ?
I: Ivypool
J: Jayfeather
K: ?
L: Longtail
M: Mosskit
N: ?
O: Onestar
P: Patchpelt
Q: Quince
R: Runningwind
S: Silvestream
T: Tigerstar
U: ?
V: Violetshine
W: Willowshine
X: ?
Y: Yellowfang
Z: ?