Browse ›
An elderly man in green holds a ruddy Abyssinian cat at the bottom of wooden porch steps as his wife smiles beside him. 4 / 38

The Walk Was Over, but Saffron Wasn't Quite Ready to Climb the Steps

AI imageabyssiniangrandparentsbackyard

Home again, and nobody is in a hurry to go inside. Harold stands at the bottom of the weathered porch steps in his olive field jacket, holding Saffron snugly against his chest while Ruth leans in close, one hand cupped under the cat's back paws. The Abyssinian looks content but alert, ears forward, long tail hanging down past Harold's arm. Behind them, the backyard garden is winding down for the season, with a few fallen leaves in the grass, potted plants by the fence, and a gray autumn sky overhead.

Taking a cat outdoors for a stroll isn't for every cat, but some active breeds, Abyssinians included, can enjoy supervised time outside. The safest approach is a well-fitted harness and leash, introduced slowly indoors first with treats and short sessions until the cat is relaxed wearing it. Keep outings calm and in familiar areas, watch for dogs or loud traffic, and let the cat set the pace. Make sure vaccinations and parasite prevention are up to date, and talk to your vet if you're unsure whether outdoor walks suit your particular cat. A lot of cats, like Saffron here, also seem to enjoy being carried the last little stretch.

There's a sweetness to the way Ruth and Harold handle Saffron together, two sets of weathered hands making sure she feels safe. It's the kind of ordinary homecoming that ends up being one of the best parts of the day.

More from this collection

All 38 →
An elderly woman paints a watercolor landscape at an easel as her husband watches and an Abyssinian cat lies on the patio.Ruth Was Painting a Meadow. Harold Kept Looking at Something Else.An elderly man brushes a ruddy Abyssinian cat with a pink-handled brush while his wife gently strokes the cat's head.Harold Grabbed the Pink Brush, and Saffron Knew Exactly What That Meant
A ruddy Abyssinian cat sits on a dirt lane at dusk while an elderly couple walks hand in hand behind it past a porch light.Harold and Ruth Took Their Usual Sunset Walk. Saffron Insisted on Leading.An elderly couple plays checkers on a wooden porch table while a ruddy Abyssinian cat rests its chin on the table edge.Ruth Was One Move From Winning at Checkers When She Noticed the RefereeAn elderly couple on a couch reads a handwritten letter together while a ruddy Abyssinian cat sleeps across their laps.Ruth Found an Old Letter in the Drawer. Saffron Picked the Perfect Moment.An elderly couple plays an old upright piano together while a ruddy Abyssinian cat sits upright on the end of the bench.Harold and Ruth Sat Down for a Piano Duet. The Bench Had Room for Three.