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A smiling grandma with a silver braid sits in an old pickup truck as a black Maine Coon perches by the steering wheel. 7 / 24

Grandma Nell Climbed Into Her Old Truck, but Someone Got to the Wheel First

AI imagemaine coonpickup truckblack cat

The cab of the old pickup has seen decades of use. The dashboard paint is chipped, the seat is cracked and patched, and the big thin steering wheel has been worn smooth by countless trips into town. Nell sits in the driver's spot in her denim shirt, laughing softly, her silver braid falling over her shoulder. The trouble is, she cannot quite reach the wheel, because Onyx has settled himself squarely in front of it, perched on her lap with his ears pointed forward and his bright golden eyes staring through the windshield. Outside, a flowering pot and a neat garden wait by a pale house. It is not clear who is driving today.

Many cats find car rides stressful, but some, especially laid-back breeds like Maine Coons, can learn to tolerate or even enjoy short trips. For safety, a cat should always travel in a secure, well-ventilated carrier that is buckled in, ideally on the back seat. A loose cat in a moving vehicle can distract the driver, slip under the pedals, or be badly hurt in a sudden stop. Getting a cat used to the carrier at home, with treats and a familiar blanket inside, makes travel much easier. Never leave a cat alone in a parked car, as temperatures can rise dangerously fast.

Luckily, this truck is not going anywhere just yet. Nell is simply enjoying a laugh with her co-pilot before the real trip, and Onyx is enjoying the feeling of being in charge, if only for a moment.

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