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An elderly man in a tan cardigan sits in the worn cab of an old pickup truck beside a ruddy Abyssinian cat sitting upright. 27 / 31

Grandpa Otis Opened the Door of His Old Pickup. Saffron Hopped In First.

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The cab of the old pickup has seen better days, with dusty seats, a scuffed dashboard, and a big steering wheel worn smooth by years of use. Grandpa Otis sits back on the bench seat in a tan cardigan, glasses perched low, smiling softly at his passenger. Saffron sits tall on the cracked upholstery right beside him, her ears straight up and her amber eyes turned toward him as if waiting to hear where they're headed. Through the windshield, a quiet house with potted plants glows in the soft morning light.

Some cats can learn to tolerate car rides, but safety should always come first. A loose cat in a moving vehicle can become a dangerous distraction for the driver or slip under the pedals, and it can be badly hurt in a sudden stop. The safest way for a cat to travel is in a secure, well-ventilated carrier that's buckled in or wedged so it won't slide. Getting a cat used to the carrier at home, with treats and a familiar blanket inside, makes trips much less stressful. Never leave a cat alone in a parked vehicle, since temperatures inside can rise or fall quickly. Abyssinians are confident and curious, which may make them better travelers than many cats, but every cat is different.

For Grandpa Otis, the old truck is full of memories, and having Saffron along adds a new chapter to its story.

Wherever they're going, whether it's the hardware store or a slow drive around the block, Saffron has made it clear she's ready to ride shotgun, preferably from the safety of her carrier.

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