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An older couple washes a silver car with a sponge and hose as a cinnamon Abyssinian cat stands up to paw at the water. 3 / 26

Everyone Says Cats Hate Water. Saffron Never Heard That Rule.

AI imageabyssinian catcar washdriveway

The silver sedan is getting a scrub, and the driveway has turned into a splash zone. Ruth leans over the hood with a soapy blue sponge, her floral blouse sleeves pushed up and a big smile on her face. Harold, in a black cap and olive T-shirt, aims a hose nozzle along the fender, sending a bright stream of water down toward the tire. And right in the middle of the action is Saffron, up on her hind legs, front paws reaching out to swat at the falling water, ears forward and eyes wide with fascination. A bucket of suds sits nearby, and red flowers bloom by the house.

Most people picture cats avoiding water, but some cats are curious about it, especially running water. Abyssinians, with their inquisitive and playful nature, are sometimes known to paw at dripping faucets or splash in a water bowl. Even so, being sprayed or soaked is a different story, and most cats do not enjoy it. If your cat likes playing near water, let them explore on their own terms and avoid spraying them directly. Keep car-washing soaps, waxes, and cleaning chemicals away from pets, since cats groom themselves and can ingest anything left on their fur.

Saffron seems to have found the perfect spot to play with the water without getting completely drenched. Ruth and Harold look delighted to have an assistant, even one who is not exactly helping.

The car will shine when they are done. Saffron will probably need a little time in the sun to dry her paws.

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An older couple leans over a round woven pet bed, tucking a blue cloth around a cinnamon Abyssinian cat.It Takes Both Ruth and Harold to Put Saffron to Bed Every NightAn older couple sits close on a low wooden dock with bare feet in the water while a cinnamon Abyssinian cat sits beside them.Ruth and Harold Dipped Their Feet in the Pond. Saffron Had Her Own Opinion About That.
An older couple sits on a blue exercise mat in a living room while a cinnamon Abyssinian cat lies stretched in front.Ruth and Harold Laid Out the Exercise Mat. Saffron Was First to Class.An older couple inside a snowy window holds up a cinnamon Abyssinian cat, which presses its paws against the glass.The First Snow Started Falling. Ruth and Harold Wanted Saffron to See It.An older couple sits in the cab of an old pickup truck while a cinnamon Abyssinian cat sits upright on the seat in front.Harold Started Up the Old Pickup. Ruth Wasn't the Only Passenger Who Climbed In.An older couple relaxes in green lawn chairs on a patio while a cinnamon Abyssinian cat lounges in the foreground.Ruth and Harold Settled In to Watch the Sky. Saffron Was Watching Something Else.