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A cinnamon Abyssinian walks along a gravel path while a tortoise follows slowly behind among garden pots. 8 / 31

The Abyssinian Kept Stopping to Wait for Her Slowest Friend

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The gravel path is long, and a cinnamon Abyssinian is leading the way with her tail up and her ears alert. She glances back over her shoulder with her big golden eyes, checking on her follower. A step or two behind her, a tortoise trundles along on his sturdy legs, head low, shell scraping the stones. Flowerpots, a blue watering can, and a pair of work gloves line the path.

Abyssinians are fast, athletic cats who like to be on the move. Waiting for a tortoise must be a lesson in patience. Tortoises walk at a deliberate pace, and they can cover more ground than you might think over a day. Walking on gravel is fine for a tortoise, but he should not go on a long trek on hot stones, which can be uncomfortable. Check that the paths are free of sharp objects, and ask your reptile vet about exercise and safe outdoor time.

Let's call the tortoise Gus. He is not in any hurry. The cat stops, looks back, and sits down to wait, tail curled around her paws. When he catches up, she stands and sets off again. They have been doing this for a while. Somewhere along the way, it became less about getting there and more about walking together. The gravel crunches softly under every step, and the whole yard seems to wait for them.

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