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An elderly Asian American grandpa in a sweater vest gently bathes a wet black Devon Rex in a sudsy metal tub outdoors. 14 / 21

Grandpa Filled the Old Washtub With Suds. Pepper's Ears Told the Whole Story.

AI imagedevon rexcat bathbackyard

An old galvanized tub sits in the backyard, filled with sudsy water, and Grandpa Kenji is crouched beside it with his sleeves pushed up. He wears a brown sweater vest over a grey shirt, glasses hanging from his collar, and he smiles gently as he supports Pepper in the water. The Devon Rex's curly coat is plastered flat, making her ears look even larger, and her golden eyes peer up with an expression of deep patience. A woodpile, terracotta pots, coiled hoses and a weathered shed fill the yard behind them.

Devon Rex cats are one of the few breeds that may actually need occasional baths. Their short, fine coat does not absorb skin oils as well as a thicker coat, so oils can build up and leave the fur feeling greasy. Many owners bathe them on an as-needed basis with lukewarm water and a gentle shampoo made for cats. Because their coat is so thin, drying them quickly and keeping them warm afterward is very important, ideally indoors and away from drafts. Their large ears can also collect wax, so asking your vet about safe cleaning is a good idea.

Caring for a pet's grooming needs is a gentle, hands-on routine that many older adults enjoy. It creates moments of trust and closeness, even when the pet is not thrilled.

Pepper is enduring this with impressive grace. Once she is dry and fluffy again, she will surely expect a warm lap and a treat.

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An elderly Asian American grandpa in a sweater vest hammers a wooden fence as a black Devon Rex holds a stick in its mouth.Grandpa Grabbed His Hammer to Fix the Fence. His Assistant Brought Her Own Tool.An elderly Asian American grandpa in a tan sweater plants tomato seedlings while a black Devon Rex digs in the soil.Grandpa Knelt Down to Plant His Tomatoes. Pepper Decided to Dig Her Own Hole.
An elderly Asian American grandpa in a navy sweater vest holds a bamboo fishing rod on a dock beside a black Devon Rex.Grandpa Cast His Line Off the Old Dock. Pepper Already Had Plans for the Catch.An elderly Asian American grandpa in a sweater vest sways in a sunny kitchen as a black Devon Rex trots beside his feet.Grandpa Started a Little Shuffle Across the Kitchen. His Dance Partner Joined Fast.An elderly Asian American grandpa in a sweater vest shovels snow on a driveway as a black Devon Rex pounces in the snowbank.Grandpa Went Out to Shovel the Driveway. Pepper Had Very Different Plans for the Snow.An elderly Asian American grandpa in a brown sweater sits on a lake dock with his feet in the water beside a black Devon Rex.Grandpa Dipped His Toes in the Lake. Pepper Stayed Dry and Got Closer Instead.