Browse ›
An elderly Black grandpa in a brown cardigan sips iced lemonade on a shady porch with a Siamese cat on his lap. 19 / 23

A Hot Afternoon, a Cold Lemonade and a Siamese Who Refused to Move

AI imagesiamese catlemonadeporch

A tall glass of iced lemonade is raised to Grandpa Walter's lips, the ice clinking against the sides as he takes a long, satisfying sip. He sits on the shady porch in a chunky brown cardigan over a green tee, glasses catching the afternoon light. Sapphire is stretched across his lap, her cream body relaxed and her dark-masked face turned toward the yard, blue eyes calm and watchful. Beyond the porch railing, a pergola, potted plants, a green watering can and a sunny patch of lawn make the backyard feel warm and summery.

Hot weather calls for extra care with pets. Cats generally handle heat a bit better than many dogs, but they can still overheat, especially if they are older, overweight or have short faces. Shade, fresh water and a cool spot to rest are essential. Signs that a cat is struggling in the heat include panting, drooling, restlessness or weakness, and these deserve prompt attention from a vet. As for lemonade, it is best kept for humans. Citrus can upset a cat's stomach, and sugary drinks offer pets no benefits. A bowl of cool water is the perfect porch refreshment for a cat.

Porch sitting on a summer afternoon is a classic American pastime, and it is even better with a beloved pet close by.

Sapphire seems to have no interest in the lemonade, only in the warm lap underneath her. For Walter, that is the best part of the afternoon.

More from this collection

All 23 →