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A smiling older couple in cream sweaters hold a tortoiseshell cat together at the foot of their porch steps. 21 / 34

Mabel's Little Legs Gave Out, So She Got Carried Home Like a Queen

AI imagetortoiseshell catgrandparentsporch steps

Little legs can only go so far, so the last stretch home is by special transport. June and Walt stand at the foot of their weathered porch steps, holding Mabel together between them, his hands supporting her chest and back legs while June steadies her side. Both are smiling down at the tortoiseshell, who stares straight ahead with calm golden eyes and the expression of a queen being carried in her chair. Potted plants and a wooden fence fill the yard behind them, and fallen leaves dot the steps.

Picking up a cat the right way makes all the difference to how relaxed they feel. Slide one hand under the chest just behind the front legs and use the other to support the hindquarters, so the cat's weight is spread out and their back feet are not dangling. Hold them close to your body and avoid lifting by the scruff or under the front legs alone. Not every cat enjoys being carried, so watch for a twitching tail, flattened ears or squirming, and set them down gently if they want down. Older cats who seem tired after exercise may have achy joints, which is worth mentioning to your vet.

Mabel walked a good distance today, and she has decided she has earned a ride home. With two such willing helpers, it is hard to argue with her logic.

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