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An elderly man in a knit cardigan cradles a ruddy Abyssinian cat in his arms at the foot of weathered wooden porch steps. 16 / 31

Saffron Never Lets Anyone Carry Her. Grandpa Otis Is the One Exception.

AI imageabyssinian catporch stepscuddles

Weathered wooden steps lead up to the back door, and Grandpa Otis is about to climb them with Saffron tucked securely against his chest. He's wrapped in a soft olive cardigan, one arm under her hind legs and the other around her middle, and his expression is gentle and proud. Saffron looks perfectly content, front paws resting on his arm, her tail dangling, and her alert golden eyes scanning the yard from her comfortable perch. Pots of greenery, a coiled garden hose, and a blue watering can sit around the steps.

Carrying a cat correctly helps it feel secure and keeps both of you safe. The best approach is to support the chest with one hand and the back end with the other, holding the cat close to your body so it doesn't dangle. Never lift a cat by the scruff or only by the front legs. Abyssinians are lean and athletic, often preferring to be on the move rather than held for long periods, so a cat that relaxes in your arms like this is showing a good deal of trust. For older adults, it's wise to take stairs carefully when carrying a pet, keep one hand free for the railing when possible, and let the cat down if it starts to squirm.

Saffron seems to think being carried home is the perfect way to end an outing. Sometimes even the most energetic cat likes a lift.

A few steps up, a door opens, and the two of them will be inside where it's warm. For Saffron, the ride is just one more perk of having a devoted grandpa.

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