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A grandpa sprays water from a garden hose near a soapy silver sedan while a white Persian cat jumps toward the spray. 22 / 36

Grandpa Turned On the Hose to Wash the Old Sedan. The Cat Took It Personally.

AI imagepersian catcar washdriveway

Car wash day has turned into something closer to a water park. An old silver sedan sits in the driveway covered in suds, and Grandpa Gus stands beside it with the garden hose, aiming a bright arc of water across the concrete. He looks down with a crinkle-eyed expression of mild disbelief. Pearl has launched herself up on her back legs, front paws reaching toward the sparkling spray, her white fur only slightly damp and her face full of pure determination. Puddles shine on the pavement, flowers bloom in pots by the house, and the late afternoon light makes every droplet glitter.

It might surprise some people that a cat would chase water, but moving water is a different story from being dunked in a tub. Sprays, drips, and streams flicker and sparkle, which can trigger the same pounce response as a darting toy. Some cats even prefer drinking from running water, which is why pet fountains are popular. When washing a car around pets, keep a few things in mind. Car shampoos, waxes, and wheel cleaners can contain chemicals that shouldn't be licked off fur or paws, so rinse your cat's feet if they walk through soapy runoff. Keep pets clear of a running engine and moving vehicles. A long-haired cat that gets soaked should be dried thoroughly.

Gus set out to clean the car and ended up hosting a one-cat splash party. The sedan will shine either way, and Pearl clearly had the more fun job.

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