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An elderly man sprays a garden hose in the driveway while a ruddy Abyssinian cat stands on hind legs pawing at the water. 5 / 31

Cats Hate Water, Right? Grandpa Otis Turned On the Hose and Saffron Did This.

AI imageabyssinian catcar washdriveway

The driveway is shiny and wet, the porch light is glowing, and an old silver sedan is dripping from its first rinse. Grandpa Otis stands beside it in a tan knit cardigan, aiming the garden hose down toward the pavement. Instead of running for cover, Saffron is standing tall on her hind legs, one paw raised as she bats at the arcing spray, water droplets glittering around her copper fur. Grandpa Otis watches her over his glasses with an amused, slightly baffled expression.

Most cats famously dislike water, but some Abyssinians are known for a playful fascination with it. They may dip their paws in water bowls, watch dripping faucets, or swat at running water. That curiosity is part of what makes the breed so entertaining. Still, getting soaked can chill a cat, so it's a good idea to keep water play light and towel off a wet cat afterward. Driveways come with hazards, too: car-washing soaps and other automotive chemicals shouldn't be licked off fur, and antifreeze is extremely toxic, even in small amounts, so any spills should be cleaned up immediately. A pet fountain indoors can satisfy a water-loving cat's curiosity in a safe way.

Saffron's antics show just how much personality can fit into one small cat. Abyssinians tend to approach new experiences with enthusiasm rather than caution.

The car may end up cleaner than the cat, or the other way around. Either way, Grandpa Otis has turned a weekend chore into one of the funniest moments of the week.

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