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Smiling elderly couple sitting on the tailgate of a blue pickup truck at a field with an orange cat between them 12 / 33

Harold and Bev Took a Break on the Tailgate. Their Third Farmhand Joined Them.

AI imageexotic shorthairpickup truckfarm

The old blue pickup is backed up to the edge of a plowed field, tailgate down, bed full of tools, tarps and a bucket from a morning of farm chores. Harold and Bev sit on the tailgate side by side, their cream sweaters a little rumpled, both smiling down at the cat between them. Toffee sits upright on the truck bed with his front paws neatly together, wide orange eyes staring straight ahead, as serious as a farmhand on his lunch break. Bev's hand rests lightly near him, and rows of crops and a fence line stretch away under the hazy sky.

Taking a cat along on outings is less common than taking a dog, but some cats adapt well with practice. If you want your cat to join you outdoors, a secure carrier for the ride is essential, and loose cats should never ride in an open truck bed while the vehicle is moving. Once parked, a harness and leash give a cat a chance to explore without bolting at a strange sound. Watch for signs of stress, such as flattened ears, a low crouch or heavy panting, and head home if your cat seems uncomfortable. Flat-faced breeds can overheat easily, so shade and fresh water are especially important on warm days.

The field will be there tomorrow, and so will the chores. For now, it is just three friends sitting on a tailgate enjoying the quiet.

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