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An elderly man in a cable-knit cardigan sits on a lake dock with his feet in the water beside a ruddy Abyssinian cat. 8 / 31

Grandpa Otis Rolled Up His Jeans and Sat on the Dock. Saffron Joined Him.

AI imageabyssinian catlake docksummer evening

Cattails sway along the shoreline, the lake glows silver in the late afternoon, and Grandpa Otis has rolled up his jeans to dangle his bare feet in the cool water. He sits on the edge of the old wooden dock in a cream cable-knit cardigan, glasses on, a quiet smile tucked into his white beard. Beside him, Saffron sits upright on the warm planks, front paws neatly together, her ruddy coat glowing in the low light and her big eyes fixed on something across the water.

Abyssinians are adventurous cats, and some of them show more interest in water than the average feline, but that doesn't mean they're safe near deep water. A slip off a dock can be frightening and dangerous, and lakes may hide strong currents or slippery banks. If you bring a cat to the water's edge, a well-fitted harness and leash are essential, and the cat should never be left unattended. Lakes can also carry hazards like blue-green algae blooms, which can be toxic if pets drink the water or lick it off their fur. Bring fresh drinking water for your pet, and if a cat ingests lake water during an algae bloom, contact your vet promptly.

For Grandpa Otis, a dock and a quiet lake are the perfect places to slow down. Sitting by the water with a loyal companion is relaxing in a way few things are.

Saffron may never dip a paw in, but she clearly enjoys keeping watch. Together, they'll stay until the sun sinks behind the reeds.

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