I decided to take my indoor kitty for a shoulder-ride out into the carport (kitty liked shoulder-rides, and had been known to leap onto my vertical chest if I didn't go straight to her and pick her up). Older neighbor (now deceased) noticed and came over to pet Cheaumea (said kit's name). We chatted for a few moments, then he returned to what he was doing (blowing leaves or edging the sidewalk or something).

Kitty was not prepared for said noise and climbed over my shoulder to get back inside. My reaction was to hold her closer to keep her from getting away. Not a good idea. At one point in the exchange I was holding her sideways against the side of the house (i.e., she was standing on the side of the house...sideways). The end result: my favorite shirt (and me underneath) shredded.