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Smiling gray-haired woman holds a gray Russian Blue cat in her arms in front of vegetable stalls at an outdoor market. 24 / 38

Grandma Went to the Farmers Market, but She Didn't Bring a Shopping Basket

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Saturday at the farmers market comes with fresh produce and a very special shopping companion. Grandma Dottie strolls past rows of crates piled with tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers and leafy greens, but the thing she's holding most carefully isn't a basket. It's Sterling, cradled against her chest in the crook of her arm. The Russian Blue gazes out at the bustle with round green eyes and a calm, curious expression, one paw tucked over her sleeve. Canopy tents, baskets of apples and potted herbs stretch down the sunny street behind them.

Busy public places can be overwhelming for many cats, so outings like this work best for confident, well-socialized cats and with some preparation. A harness and leash, or a secure carrier or pet stroller, gives a cat a safe place to retreat if the noise, crowds or dogs become too much. Watch for signs of stress, like flattened ears, a lashing tail or trying to hide, and head home if you see them. It's also important to check whether a market allows pets before bringing one. Russian Blues can be shy around strangers, so a short, quiet visit is kinder than a long, crowded one.

Sterling seems to be taking it all in stride, at least from the safety of his favorite person's arms. Fresh vegetables are nice, but a good snuggle in the sunshine might be the real find of the day.

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