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A grandma with a silver braid washes a dark car with a sponge and hose while a calico cat jumps up at the water spray. 18 / 32

Dottie Was Washing the Car When Marigold Spotted the Hose

AI imagecalico catcar washhose

Soap suds foam on the hood of the old car and a thin arc of water splashes from the hose in Dottie's hand. She grins as she works, silver braid swinging over her denim shirt, a blue sponge in her other hand. At the bottom of the picture Marigold the calico is caught mid-leap, front paws up, mouth open and eyes bright, chasing the drops. Spray flies, the driveway shines and the garden pots and fence in the background make a pleasant, ordinary backdrop.

Most cats are not fans of water, but a moving stream can be irresistible, because cats are drawn to movement. It tends to be a harmless game as long as a few things are kept in mind. Car wash products, soap and the puddles left behind can contain chemicals that are not safe for pets to lick or drink, and engine coolant in particular is poisonous to cats and dogs and has a sweet taste, so wipe up any spills fast. A wet cat outdoors can chill quickly, so keep a towel handy and dry her off afterward. If you think she has swallowed anything unusual, call your vet.

Marigold is a very good sport and a fine athlete. She will bounce back from this one with a shake and a lick of her paws. Dottie laughs and gives her another squirt for the road.

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A grandma with a silver braid sleeps on a blanket on a lawn with a calico cat curled asleep against her shoulder.Dottie Lay Down in the Grass for a Minute. Marigold Joined Her.A grandma with a silver braid sips lemonade through a straw on a porch while a calico cat stares at the camera beside her.Dottie Sat Down With a Cold Lemonade. Marigold Had Her Eye on the Glass.
A grandma in glasses paints green leaves on a canvas at an easel in a backyard while a calico cat sleeps on the grass.Dottie Set Up Her Easel in the Yard. Marigold Picked a Spot Nearby.A grandma with a silver braid holds a calico cat up to a window to watch snow falling over a yard and bare trees.Dottie Lifted Marigold to the Window for Her First Look at the SnowA grandma in glasses with a silver braid plays checkers on a porch table while a calico cat rests its chin near the board.Dottie Was One Move From Winning at Checkers. Marigold Moved Closer.A grandma with a silver braid holds a coffee mug on porch steps while a calico cat sits alert beside her.Dottie Took Her Coffee Out to the Steps. Marigold Kept Her Company.