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An elderly Black woman in a cream sweater holds a soaking wet black cat wrapped in a plaid blanket inside her entryway. 23 / 36

The Sky Opened Up Halfway Through Their Walk. Licorice Came Home Looking Like This.

AI imageblack catrainy daygrandparents

Well, that walk didn't go as planned. Licorice has come home looking like a drowned paintbrush, his usually sleek black fur plastered into wet spikes, golden eyes wide with a mix of indignation and relief. Grandma Odessa has scooped him up the moment they came through the door, wrapping him snugly in a soft plaid blanket and holding him close against her cream sweater. Her smile says she isn't the least bit upset. Behind them, a pair of rubber boots and an umbrella drip by the door, family photos hang on the wall, and puddles shine on the entry floor.

Most cats aren't fans of getting soaked, and for good reason. A drenched coat loses much of its insulation, so a wet cat can get chilled quickly, especially in cool weather. Gently towel-drying, pressing rather than rubbing against the grain, is usually the best approach, followed by a warm, draft-free spot to finish drying. Some cats tolerate a hair dryer on a low, cool setting, but many find the noise frightening, so never force it. Check paws and ears, wipe off any mud or road salt, and if your cat seems unusually lethargic or keeps shivering, talk to your vet.

Licorice will probably spend the next hour grooming himself back to perfection, muttering the whole time. Odessa, meanwhile, will likely put the kettle on. There's nothing quite like coming in from the rain to someone ready with a warm blanket.

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