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A grandmother sits on a lake dock with her bare feet in the water while a large tabby Maine Coon sits beside her. 18 / 36

Nora Dipped Her Feet in the Lake and Maple Kept a Safe Distance

AI imagemaine coonlake docksummer

Nora has slipped her shoes off and let her feet dangle into the cool lake, and the ripples spread around her toes. She sits at the edge of a gray wooden dock in her cream cardigan, gazing fondly down at Maple, who sits upright beside her with her thick tail curled behind and her eyes on the water. The Maine Coon's long striped fur ruffles slightly in the breeze. Across the water, reeds and distant trees fade into a cloudy sky, and an old building stands on the far shore.

Most cats avoid getting wet, but Maine Coons are sometimes more comfortable around water than other breeds, partly thanks to their thick, water-resistant coats. Even so, a dock is a risky place for any cat. A startled cat can slip into the water, and cold lakes can be dangerous. If she comes along, a snug harness with a leash is the safest choice, and she should never be left alone near water. Check the dock for splinters, loose nails and gaps. A shallow dish of fresh water is better than lake water for drinking, since lakes can contain algae and parasites. If she does fall in, towel her dry and warm her up.

Nora lets the water cool her feet and watches the clouds drift. Maple surveys the lake like a captain at the rail. A quiet afternoon at the edge of the water is not about doing anything, and a friend by your side makes the silence feel full. The ripples fade, new ones appear and the day goes by slowly.

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