At the age of 59, Bada Shanren had returned to secular life and married. Before this, he had experienced a bout of madness, tearing his monk's robe to shreds and burning it to ashes.
The 'Cat under Banana Leaves and Rock' (below) was completed by him at the age of 65. By this time, his painting style had matured.

At the age of 71, Bada Shanren created 'Cat, Stone, and Flowers.' (below).

In the painting, the lotus leaves and unnamed flowers are depicted with a bold splashing ink technique, contrasting with the few strokes used for the cat and stone.
In addition to the scroll, Bada Shanren also painted many other 'Cat and Stone' works.

Whether it's an awake cat or a cat with closed eyes, it's all part of his process of insightful realization of Zen in painting.