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An elderly woman in a cardigan and floral apron sits on a boardwalk bench by the beach with a fluffy calico cat on her lap. 15 / 21

Abuela Rosa Sat Down to Watch the Waves. Someone Else Got the Best View.

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Just past the weathered fence, the ocean is a soft gray line under an overcast sky. Abuela Rosa sits on a wooden bench along the boardwalk, wrapped in a tan cardigan over a blue sweater and her ever-present floral apron, a few strands of hair loosened by the breeze. Canela sprawls comfortably across her lap, fluffy chest puffed out, sniffing the salty air with her eyes half closed. Behind them, beach houses dot the dunes, and a little garden of potted succulents, a blue watering can, and coiled hose sits along the fence.

Cats experience the world through their noses far more than we do, so a breezy spot like this is full of interesting information: salt, seaweed, gulls, and all the people and dogs who walked by earlier. That said, beaches and boardwalks are not ideal places for most cats. Wind, crashing waves, crowds, and loose dogs can quickly overwhelm them. If you bring a cat to a new outdoor place, a well-fitted harness and leash or a secure carrier is a must, and short visits on calm days work best. Watch out for hot sand and boards in summer, which can burn sensitive paw pads. Fresh water and a bit of shade should always be on hand. Cats who seem anxious are better off enjoying the sea breeze through an open window at home.

Today, though, Canela appears perfectly content. A warm lap, a cool breeze, and the sound of distant waves make a very fine afternoon.

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