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An elderly Hispanic woman in a gray cardigan and floral apron holds a soaking wet orange cat wrapped snugly in a towel. 10 / 33

The Rain Caught Them Halfway Home. Mango Has Some Feelings About That.

AI imageorange catrainy daygrandparents

A sudden downpour caught them on the way home, and Mango has not taken it well. He's wrapped snugly in a thick beige towel, only his face poking out, his usually glorious orange fur plastered into damp little spikes. His half-closed eyes and flattened ears give him the look of a cat who would like to file a formal complaint. Abuela Carmen holds him close in her gray cardigan and blue floral apron, looking down with tender sympathy. Behind them, the front door stands open to the rain, a wet mat and sneakers sit by the entry, and a closed umbrella leans against the wall.

Long-haired cats take much longer to dry than short-haired ones, and damp fur is especially prone to tangling. After a soaking, gently blot rather than rub, since rubbing can create knots in a long coat. Wrap your cat in a dry towel, swap it for a fresh one as it gets wet, and let them finish drying in a warm, draft-free room. Once completely dry, a careful comb-through helps catch any tangles before they turn into mats. Check that paws and the fluffy fur between the toes are dry too, and if your cat seems chilled or lethargic afterward, give your vet a call.

Mango will no doubt spend the evening grooming himself back to perfection, perhaps with a few dramatic sighs. Carmen will make sure he has the warmest spot in the house. Some walks end soggy, but the welcome home makes up for it.

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