Grandpa Was Washing the Old Car. Then Misty Saw the Hose.
Car-washing day in the driveway has turned into something else entirely. The old silver sedan is streaked with suds, buckets and sponges are scattered across the wet pavement, and Grandpa, in a brown shirt and glasses, is aiming the hose with a mischievous grin. Grandma, in a green cardigan, holds a blue sponge and laughs out loud. Because there in front of them, up on her hind legs with both front paws outstretched, is Misty the Russian Blue, batting at the arc of sparkling water as if it were the most fascinating toy ever invented.
Plenty of cats dislike being wet, yet many are fascinated by running water from faucets, fountains, and hoses. Moving water catches the light and makes interesting sounds, and some cats seem to enjoy swatting at it as long as they control the situation. It is fun to watch, but a few cautions apply. Car-washing soaps, waxes, and other automotive products can be harmful if a cat licks them off its fur, so it is best to keep pets away from soapy runoff and dry them off if they get splashed. Never spray a cat directly, and let them choose how close they want to be. Afterward, check that no cat has crept under or into the car before driving.
The car will sparkle, the driveway will dry, and Misty will spend the rest of the afternoon grooming her damp paws in the sun, entirely pleased with her contribution to the job.
