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An elderly couple in cream sweaters sits on back steps, each brushing a grey Russian Blue cat with a wooden brush. 17 / 37

Frank Grabbed One Brush, Dot Grabbed the Other. Misha Couldn't Believe Her Luck.

AI imagerussian bluegroomingback porch

Brush strokes on both sides, and Misha is in heaven. Frank and Dot sit on the worn back steps of their clapboard house, both in cream cable-knit sweaters, each holding a small wooden-handled brush. Dot works gently along the cat's shoulder while Frank tends to her cheek, and both of them are smiling down with the concentration of people doing something they love. Misha sits between them with her eyes half-lowered and her chin lifted into the brush, the very picture of a cat getting exactly the attention she prefers. A screen door stands open behind them, with potted succulents and a pair of slippers on the steps.

Russian Blues have a short, dense double coat that stands out from the body and feels unusually plush. It doesn't tangle easily, so a weekly brushing is generally plenty to remove loose hair and spread natural oils, with a little extra during seasonal shedding. A soft bristle brush or a rubber grooming mitt works well, and gentle strokes in the direction the fur grows feel best. Grooming sessions are also a perfect chance to check for anything unusual, such as lumps, scabs, flaky skin, or tender spots, and to peek at the ears, eyes, and teeth. Many cats come to love being brushed if sessions are short and calm and end before they get restless. If you notice changes in the coat or skin, or excessive shedding, talk to your vet.

Misha clearly considers two brushes better than one. With Frank and Dot both on duty, her coat will be gleaming by suppertime.

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A grey cat sits in the foreground as wood shavings fall around it while an elderly couple whittles on a porch behind.Frank and Dot Took Out Their Whittling Knives. Misha Found the Best Seat in the House.An older couple in pale yellow sweaters sips lemonade with lemon slices on a porch while a grey cat sits up close.Two Tall Glasses of Lemonade on the Porch. Misha Wanted to Know Where Hers Was.An elderly couple in cream sweaters crouches at a park pond feeding mallard ducks while a grey cat sits at the edge.Frank and Dot Went to Feed the Ducks. Misha Sat Down at the Edge and Stared.A fluffy grey cat sleeps on a pile of quilt fabric in the foreground as an older couple in grey sweaters sews behind it.Frank and Dot Spent All Week on the Quilt. Misha Found the Best Part First.