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A white-haired woman brushes a ruddy Abyssinian cat on wooden back steps beside a green watering can. 7 / 34

Saffron Pretends He Hates Being Brushed. Then Grandma Ruth Starts.

AI imageabyssinian catcat groomingback porch

On the weathered back steps, Grandma Ruth has set aside her chores for a few slow minutes with a soft pink brush. Her glasses are pushed up into her white hair, and her plaid shirt peeks out from under the green quilted vest as she draws the bristles carefully down Saffron's back. The Abyssinian sits like a little sphinx on her lap and the step below, eyes narrowed into a contented squint, whiskers relaxed. A green watering can rests on the landing behind them, a potted herb sits by the door, and a pair of sneakers waits on the steps for later.

Abyssinians have a short, close-lying coat with a ticked pattern, where each hair carries bands of color, giving that warm, glowing look. Short coats like this are generally low-maintenance, but a gentle weekly brushing still helps remove loose hair, cut down on hairballs, and spread natural oils for a healthy shine. A soft brush or rubber grooming mitt usually works well. Grooming sessions are also a handy chance to check for anything unusual, such as fleas, small lumps, or sore spots, so you can talk to your vet if something seems off. Keep sessions short and pleasant, and stop if your cat starts twitching its tail or turning to swat.

Saffron would never admit he enjoys this. He just happens to show up on the back steps every time Ruth picks up that pink brush, and he always seems to stay until she is finished.

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