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An elderly couple sit on wooden back steps brushing a Siamese cat together, one with a pink brush and one with a black brush. 24 / 31

Two Brushes, Two Grandparents and One Siamese Who Didn't Want It to End

AI imagesiamese catcat groomingback porch

Grooming day happens on the back steps, where the light is good and the loose fur can blow away on the breeze. Ruth, in a green cardigan and jeans, runs a pink brush down Miso's side, smiling as she works. Harold, in a gray sweatshirt, holds a black bristle brush to the cat's head and steadies him gently with his other hand. Miso stands between them on the weathered step, eyes half closed, his cream coat looking smoother by the minute. A green watering can, a potted plant and a pair of worn sneakers sit nearby, along with the half-open screen door leading back inside.

Siamese cats have short, fine coats that shed relatively little compared with longhaired breeds, but they still benefit from regular brushing. A soft brush or grooming mitt once a week or so can remove loose hair, cut down on hairballs and help spread natural skin oils. Grooming is also a great chance to check for lumps, scratches or fleas. Keep sessions short and calm, follow the direction the fur grows and stop if your cat seems annoyed. Many cats come to enjoy brushing, especially when it is paired with a favorite treat at the end.

By the time they are done, Miso will be sleek, Ruth will have fur on her sleeves and Harold will swear the cat is purring louder than ever. Not a bad way to spend ten minutes on the back steps.

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