A Rainy Afternoon on the Porch, Shared by Nora and Her Maine Coon
Rain falls in silver sheets beyond the porch rail, and two friends sit under the roof to watch. Nora sits at the right of the frame in her cable-knit cardigan, her face turned toward the wet yard with a quiet, thoughtful look. Maple the Maine Coon sits close beside her, ears up and amber eyes fixed on the same gray distance. Potted plants line the railing, the lawn is soft and green and the trees beyond are misty. The porch boards glisten at the edges where the drops blow in.
Many cats are drawn to rainy windows and porches. The sound, the movement and the fresh smells can be fascinating, and some cats find the rhythm soothing. Rainy days can also mean less outdoor exercise, so it helps to add some indoor play, such as puzzle feeders or a wand toy, to burn off energy. If your cat spends time on a porch, make sure it is enclosed or that she is on a harness, because thunder can startle her. If she gets wet, dry her with a warm towel. Maine Coons have thick, water-resistant fur, but a damp coat can still chill a cat. Provide a warm place to rest afterward.
Neither of them says a word. The rain keeps up its steady, soft rhythm, and the air smells of damp grass and earth. It is the kind of afternoon that asks nothing and gives a great deal of calm. If there is a better seat for a storm than a covered porch with a loyal friend beside you, it would be hard to find.
