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An elderly man hangs towels on a clothesline while a silver Maine Coon leaps down the steps beside the laundry basket. 7 / 36

Grandpa Hung Out the Laundry. A Silver Streak Shot Past Him

AI imagemaine coonclotheslinebackyard

Towels and pale sheets hang in a row from a sagging clothesline, and Harold reaches up to pin one more with a patient hand. Smoky is mid-stride on the porch steps, her silver striped body stretched long and her bushy tail trailing behind, eyes locked on a target the rest of the yard cannot see. A laundry basket spilling over with clothes, a pair of work gloves, and a garden watering can fill the corner of the picture. Dusk is just beginning to settle.

Maine Coons are surprisingly athletic for their size, and many remain playful well into adulthood. Their strong legs and fluffy tails give them excellent balance for running and leaping, which is why they love chasing and climbing. Fresh laundry is an irresistible playground for many cats, though pins, clips, and loose threads can be dangerous if chewed or swallowed, so keep them out of reach. Wire or rope lines can also be hazards for a fast-moving cat, so supervise outdoor play. A daily play session with a wand toy helps a Maine Coon burn off energy, and an indoor cat tree gives her somewhere to leap. If your cat seems unusually frantic, check with your vet.

Harold keeps pinning towels while the silver blur makes its way down the steps. The laundry will get done eventually, and the cat will certainly have plenty of energy left afterward.

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