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A smiling older man in denim overalls carries a large fluffy white Persian cat in his arms near wooden porch steps. 11 / 36

Duchess Walked Halfway Home Like a Champ. Then She Decided She Was Done.

AI imagepersian catcat walkporch

The walk is over, and the princess would like to be carried home. Earl stands at the foot of his weathered porch steps holding Duchess in his arms, her enormous white fluff spilling over his forearms. She looks back over his shoulder with a classic flat-faced Persian expression, part regal and part grumpy, while he grins down at her with total affection. The porch around them is wonderfully cluttered: muddy boots, a row of rubber garden clogs, a hanging plant with beaded strands, watering cans, and baskets of supplies by the open door.

If you walk a cat outdoors, a secure harness is far safer than a collar alone, since cats can slip out of collars easily. Start indoors, letting your cat get used to wearing the harness for short periods with treats and praise. Many cats prefer to explore at their own pace rather than walk on a set route, so let them sniff and wander under supervision. When lifting a cat, support both the chest and hindquarters, especially with a large or heavy breed. Persians are calm but not built for long hikes, and their flat faces can make breathing harder in heat or after exertion, so keep outings short.

Duchess may have walked only part of the way, but she has clearly decided that the best part of the outing is the ride home. Earl, for his part, does not seem to mind one little bit.

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