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An older woman in a green quilted vest sits in a lawn chair at sunset as a ruddy Abyssinian cat lounges on the next seat. 6 / 34

Grandma Ruth Set Out Two Lawn Chairs for the Sunset. One Was Already Taken.

AI imageabyssinian catsunsetbackyard

The sky over the back fence has turned peach and gold, and Grandma Ruth is not going anywhere until it fades. She sits in a folding lawn chair with a knitted throw draped over the back, her white hair pinned in a loose bun and her reading glasses hooked onto the front of her green quilted vest. Her gaze is fixed on the horizon. Saffron, meanwhile, has stretched himself across the seat of the chair beside her, front paws crossed and chin lifted, studying the yard with those wide golden eyes. A string light glows on the porch post, and potted plants dot the darkening garden.

Evening is a naturally lively time for many cats. They are often described as crepuscular, meaning they tend to be most active around dawn and dusk, which is why a cat may suddenly perk up just as the light changes. If you enjoy sitting outside with your cat at this hour, keeping the cat on a harness and leash or inside a secure, enclosed space is the safest choice. Dusk is when many wild animals start moving, and indoor cats can be tempted to wander off after a moth or a noise in the bushes. A quiet outdoor routine with supervision can still give an indoor cat plenty of fresh air, new smells, and gentle entertainment.

Ruth will stay until the last streak of orange slips away and the porch lights take over. Saffron will stay exactly as long as she does. That has always been the deal between them.

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