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An elderly man in glasses and a cream cable-knit vest crouches on a wooden porch, smiling at a black and white tuxedo cat. 3 / 22

Grandpa Ken Knelt Down on the Porch to Say Something to Domino

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Down on the weathered porch boards, Grandpa Ken has lowered himself to cat level. He crouches in his cream cable-knit vest and plaid shirt, glasses perched on his nose, smiling softly at Domino, who sits upright with his green eyes fixed on Ken's face. The light is late and golden, a few pairs of shoes are kicked off by the door, and potted plants crowd the steps behind them. It looks like a conversation is happening, and both sides are listening closely.

Getting down to a cat's level is one of the friendliest things a person can do. Cats tend to feel more at ease when someone isn't towering over them, and a slow, soft gaze often reads as a sign of calm. Many cat lovers practice the slow blink: look at the cat, close your eyes gently for a second, then open them. Cats often blink back, and it's widely seen as a relaxed, friendly gesture. Letting the cat come forward to sniff your hand, rather than reaching straight for its head, also helps build trust. For older adults with stiff knees, a low stool or a seat on the steps works just as well as crouching.

Whatever Ken is saying, Domino appears to agree with every word. Some of the best talks on this porch need no words at all.

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