Browse ›
An older couple in gray sweaters fix a wooden fence in the yard while a tortoiseshell cat holds a stick in its mouth. 5 / 34

Walt Had the Hammer, June Had the Board. Mabel Brought Her Own Tool.

AI imagetortoiseshell catbackyardgrandparents

Every repair crew needs a foreman, and today the job falls to Mabel. While June steadies a weathered board and Walt works a hammer and nail into the old wooden fence, the tortoiseshell sits right in front of the project with a twig clamped crossways in her mouth, staring straight ahead with wide golden eyes. The couple have traded their usual cream sweaters for cozy gray knits, autumn leaves are scattered across the patchy lawn, and a blue watering can waits by the house. Mabel looks thoroughly pleased with her contribution.

Cats carrying sticks and other small objects is less unusual than it might seem. Many cats enjoy toting toys around, and some will even bring items to their people as a kind of offering or invitation to play. It ties into natural hunting behavior, where carrying prey is part of the sequence. When working on outdoor projects, though, it helps to keep a curious cat at a safe distance from tools, nails, splinters and paint. Picking up dropped nails and screws afterward is a good habit, since a playful cat may bat them around or step on them. A favorite toy or a sunny spot nearby can keep a helper entertained without being underfoot.

The fence will probably stand a little straighter by sundown, and Mabel will surely take credit for all of it. Walt and June will let her have that one.

More from this collection

All 34 →
A smiling older couple in cream sweaters sit on a boardwalk bench by the beach, holding a tortoiseshell cat on their laps.A Breezy Day on the Boardwalk, and Mabel Got the Best SeatAn older couple in cream sweaters sit in the cab of a rusty vintage pickup with a tortoiseshell cat on the seat beside them.Walt Drives, June Rides Shotgun, and the Middle Seat Has Strong Opinions
An older couple in cream sweaters tuck a plaid blanket around a tortoiseshell cat lying in a round plush pet bed.Bedtime at Walt and June's Comes With Full Turndown ServiceAn older couple in patterned sweaters assemble a jigsaw puzzle of a village while a tortoiseshell cat sits on a nearby chair.Half a Snowy Village Was Done. Mabel Was Eyeing the Rest of the Pieces.An older couple in cream sweaters nap on a hanging porch swing with a tortoiseshell cat curled asleep on their laps.One Porch Swing, Three Sleepyheads, and One Paw Over a FaceA smiling older couple in cream sweaters walk hand in hand past farmers market stalls as a tortoiseshell cat walks ahead.Walt and June Went to the Farmers Market. Mabel Led the Parade.