Grandma Wanted a Porch Selfie. Maple Had Clearly Done This Before.
Smile! Grandma is holding her phone at arm's length on the front porch, beaming through her round glasses, while Maple fills the bottom of the frame with an expression of serene indifference. The calico's golden eyes stare straight ahead, her white chest fluffed and her orange and black patches gleaming, as if she has posed for many of these and expects to be paid in treats. A porch lantern glows behind them, potted plants line the railing, and a pair of sneakers sits by the door in the dusky evening light.
Photos with pets can be a lovely way for older adults to stay connected with family. Sharing pictures of a cat's daily adventures gives grandchildren something to ask about and builds a little bridge across the miles. If your cat is camera shy, keep sessions short and positive. Natural light helps, so do photos at the cat's eye level, and a favorite toy or treat held near the lens can coax a look toward the camera. Avoid using flash close to a pet's face, as it can startle them. Most of all, let the cat set the pace; forced poses rarely go well.
Many cats are not fans of being held in place, so the best pictures often come from simply sitting nearby and waiting for a sweet moment.
Maple's face may say she has seen better selfies, but she stayed for the shot. That counts as love.
