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An elderly Black grandma scrubs a dark green car with a sponge while an orange cat rears up to swat at the hose spray. 29 / 30

Everyone Says Cats Hate Water. Nobody Told Marmalade.

AI imageorange catcar washdriveway

Evening is settling over the driveway, the porch light glowing by the front door, and Odessa has decided the old dark-green sedan needs a scrub. In a navy hoodie and wire-rimmed glasses, she leans over the hood with a soapy yellow sponge, suds streaking down the paint. The garden hose lies at her feet, still running, and a stream of water arcs out across the concrete. That is where Marmalade comes in. Up on his hind legs, front paws raised and one batting at the sparkling spray, he is completely absorbed in his new game. His long orange fur is a bit damp at the edges, and his tail is fluffed straight up with excitement.

It surprises many people, but some cats are fascinated by moving water, even if they would never volunteer for a bath. The sparkle and sound of a stream can trigger the same pouncing instincts as a wiggling toy. A few cats even enjoy a light misting on hot days. Still, it is important to let cats choose their level of involvement and never spray them directly, which can frighten them. Car wash soaps, waxes, and other automotive products can irritate a cat's skin and be harmful if licked off fur, so keep cats away from suds and rinse water. A pet fountain indoors can satisfy that water curiosity safely.

Marmalade has decided the car wash is his personal entertainment, and Odessa does not seem to mind sharing. The car will sparkle eventually, and one orange cat will retire to the porch to groom himself dry, very pleased with his performance.

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