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An elderly Black woman in glasses and an olive jacket hugs a black cat to her chest at the bottom of wooden porch steps. 6 / 36

They Left for a Long Walk Together. Only One of Them Walked Back.

AI imageblack catcat walkinggrandparents

After a long wander around the neighborhood, somebody's little legs gave out, and it wasn't Grandma Odessa's. She stands at the foot of the wooden back steps in an olive jacket, glasses low on her nose, cradling Licorice against her chest with both hands. The black cat has gone completely limp in that contented way cats do when they've decided to be carried, his green-gold eyes heavy and his fur a bit tousled from the outing. Potted plants line the steps, a garden hose is coiled by the fence, and late sun slants across the yard.

Many cats can learn to enjoy walks, especially with a well-fitted harness and lots of patience. It helps to start indoors, letting your cat wear the harness for short stretches with treats, before trying quiet outdoor spots. Keep early walks brief, let your cat set the pace, and expect more sniffing and sitting than actual walking. Older cats and those new to the outdoors can tire quickly, so watch for signs like flopping down or refusing to move. Making sure vaccinations and parasite prevention are current before regular outings is a good idea, and your vet can help you decide what's right.

Licorice clearly decided he'd seen enough of the world for one afternoon. Odessa doesn't seem to mind the extra weight. Carrying a sleepy cat up the steps is, after all, one of life's nicer workouts.

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An elderly Black woman in a plaid shirt holds a bamboo fishing pole on a wooden dock while a black cat sits close beside her.Grandma Went Fishing for Some Peace and Quiet. Licorice Invited Himself.An elderly Black woman kneels on a wooden floor scattering corn for two brown hens while a black cat watches nearby.Grandma Odessa Scattered the Chicken Feed. The Hens Weren't the Only Ones Interested.
An elderly Black woman in a denim shirt naps on a blanket in the grass with a sleeping black cat curled against her.Grandma Odessa Lay Down on the Lawn for Just a Minute. Licorice Had Other Plans.An elderly Black woman sorts black-and-white photos at a kitchen table while a fluffy black cat sniffs the pictures.Grandma Spread Out a Lifetime of Old Photos. Licorice Picked a Favorite.A smiling elderly Black woman in a cream cardigan eats breakfast on a patio as a black cat rests its paws on the table.Grandma Odessa Sat Down to Breakfast. Someone Had Already Pulled Up a Paw.An elderly Black woman in a gray hoodie stretches on a green yoga mat while a black cat stretches out in front of her.Grandma Rolled Out Her Yoga Mat. Licorice Decided to Join the Class.