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An elderly couple in cream sweaters holds a grey cat wrapped in a plaid blanket in an entryway with rain boots nearby. 7 / 37

A Rainy Walk Ended in the Entryway, and Misha Got the Royal Treatment

AI imagerussian bluegrandparentsrainy day

Raindrops still cling to the window as everyone comes back inside. In the snug entryway, Frank and Dot stand close together in thick cream sweaters, Dot cradling Misha in a soft plaid blanket while Frank tucks the edges snug with both hands. Only the cat's grey face peeks out, eyes calm and a little sleepy now that she's warm. Rubber boots sit on a wooden shoe rack, a blue umbrella leans by the door, and a potted plant brightens the windowsill. Dot's glasses have slipped down a touch, and her smile says this is the best part of any rainy walk.

A damp cat appreciates a gentle towel-off, and a few habits make it go smoothly. Use a soft, absorbent towel and pat or blot rather than rubbing hard against the grain, which can tangle the undercoat. A dense coat like the Russian Blue's can stay damp near the skin longer than it looks, so give her a warm, draft-free spot to finish drying. Many cats dislike the noise of a hair dryer, so it's usually best to skip it. Check paws for grit and wipe them clean, since cats groom carefully and will swallow whatever is stuck between their toes. If your cat walks on a harness in wet weather, also wipe down the harness and let it dry fully before the next outing. Wrapping a cat snugly can be comforting for some but stressful for others, so watch her body language and let her go if she wriggles.

Misha looks entirely content in her plaid cocoon. Rain or not, it seems the walk was worth it just for the cuddle at the end.

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