Grandpa Baited His Hook at the Dock. The Cat Stared Up at Him
The boards of the dock are gray and weathered, and Harold sits near the edge with a fishing rod resting across his knee and a soft smile on his face. Smoky sits on the planks beside him with her silver tail curled around her paws and her face turned up toward him, eyes wide. A blue cooler, a pair of boots, and a coil of rope sit behind them on the dock, and a lantern glows warm over the porch door. The air is quiet and the evening is settling in.
Cats and fishing seem a natural match, though a dock deserves careful attention. Hooks, line, and bait can injure a curious cat, and fish scraps can attract trouble, so keep a close watch on her and never leave gear unattended. Even good swimmers can slip off slick wood, so a harness and a leash are a good idea, and a life vest made for cats may be worth asking your vet about. Fresh water should always be on hand since lake water can carry harmful organisms. Maine Coons are curious and sociable, so she may happily watch the line for hours. Rinse her paws if she steps on fish slime or bait, since it can be irritating if licked.
The line is quiet, but nobody is complaining. Fishing with a friend who gazes up at you with such patience is a good way to spend an evening.






