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A smiling grandma with curly gray hair and glasses hugs a fluffy gray tabby cat to her chest on wooden porch steps. 9 / 24

The Walk Was Long and Pebble's Paws Were Done. Grandma Edie Knew What to Do.

AI imagegray tabbyfront porchgrandma and cat

The long walk is over, and somebody's paws have officially given up. Grandma Edie stands on the weathered porch steps in a gray knit cardigan, cheeks pink, glasses on, holding Pebble snugly against her chest with both arms. His coat looks especially fluffy today, puffed out around his face and tail, and he gazes off to the side with the dignified calm of a cat being chauffeured. A backpack leans against the siding, a pair of sneakers waits by the blue door, and a potted plant brightens the corner.

Carrying a cat the right way makes the experience better for both of you. The key is support. Slide one hand under the chest just behind the front legs, and use the other arm to cradle the hindquarters so the cat's weight is not hanging. Holding the cat close against your body helps it feel secure. Many cats prefer short carries and like to have their feet back on the ground fairly quickly, so watch for a twitching tail or squirming as signs to set them down gently. For older adults, it is smart to carry heavy cats only short distances and to keep a free hand for railings on steps.

Pebble does not look eager to be put down just yet. He has found the perfect seat, after all, and the view from up here is excellent. Grandma Edie will probably carry him right through the door to his favorite cushion, where a well-earned nap awaits.

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