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An older man in a tan vest brushes a black and white tuxedo cat sitting on his lap on concrete back steps. 12 / 37

Grandpa Dropped His Garden Gloves on the Back Steps for a More Important Job

AI imagetuxedo catgroomingback porch

Out on the back steps, with gardening gloves tossed aside and a blue watering can waiting by the door, Grandpa has paused his yard work for a more important job. Domino sits across his lap while a soft brush glides down his glossy black back. The cat's eyes are half shut, ears relaxed, and one white paw dangles casually over Grandpa's knee. Grandpa looks just as absorbed, working slowly and carefully, as if he could keep this up all afternoon.

Regular brushing does more than keep a cat looking sharp. It removes loose fur, which means less shedding around the house and fewer hairballs, and it gives you a chance to notice lumps, scabs, fleas, or changes in the coat early. Short-haired cats usually do well with a brushing once a week or so, while long-haired cats may need it more often to prevent mats. Older cats sometimes groom themselves less thoroughly, so a little extra help can be appreciated. Keep sessions short and pleasant, follow the direction the fur grows, and stop if your cat gets restless. Many cats come to look forward to it as a kind of massage.

Judging by Domino's sleepy face, this one is going very well. A few more strokes and he may need to be carried back inside.

Sometimes the best part of a chore is the break you take in the middle of it.

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