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An older man in a cap and vest holds a wide-eyed tuxedo cat upright at the bottom of concrete porch steps. 17 / 37

The Walk Was Over, and Somebody Decided His Legs Were Finished for the Day

AI imagetuxedo catfront porchautumn

The walk is over, the autumn leaves are scattered across the steps, and someone has decided his legs are finished for the day. Grandpa, cap pulled low and vest zipped up against the chill, has hoisted Domino into his arms at the foot of the porch. The cat dangles upright with his white paws hanging down, wide yellow eyes staring straight ahead with a look of mild astonishment, as though he can't quite believe he's being transported like a sack of groceries. Grandpa just looks down at him fondly.

Picking up a cat the right way makes a big difference to its comfort. The safest method is to support the chest with one hand and the hindquarters with the other, so the cat's weight isn't hanging from its front legs. Holding a cat close against your body helps it feel secure. Avoid lifting by the scruff, especially with adult cats. Many cats tolerate being carried for short distances but don't love it, so watch for signs like a lashing tail, flattened ears, or squirming, and set them down gently if they've had enough. Older cats with stiff joints may especially appreciate careful, well-supported handling.

Domino's expression suggests he's still deciding whether this counts as a favor or an indignity. Either way, he isn't wriggling, which in cat language is high praise.

A few more steps and they'll both be home, warm, and ready for supper.

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