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An older couple in cream sweaters drink coffee on blue painted porch steps while a tortoiseshell cat gazes up at them. 17 / 34

Morning Coffee on the Blue Porch Steps, Plus One Very Hopeful Stare

AI imagetortoiseshell catmorning coffeefront porch

Golden morning light spills across the blue painted porch steps where Walt and June sit with their mugs of coffee, laughing about something only the two of them understand. Their cream sweaters glow in the early sun, potted succulents and herbs line the steps, and a clothesline of laundry hangs in the yard next door. At their feet, Mabel the tortoiseshell sits upright and gazes at Walt's mug with an expression of deep and hopeful interest, as though she is certain there must be something in there for her.

However politely a cat asks, coffee is not for sharing. Caffeine is toxic to cats, and even small amounts from coffee, tea, energy drinks or coffee grounds can cause restlessness, a racing heart, vomiting and other serious symptoms. Keep mugs out of reach, toss used grounds and pods somewhere a curious nose cannot get to, and be careful with chocolate-covered coffee beans too. If you think your cat has lapped up something with caffeine, call your vet right away. A better morning ritual for a cat is a fresh bowl of water and their usual breakfast, served at about the same time every day.

Mabel may never get a sip, but she will always get a seat on the steps beside her favorite people. For Walt and June, the coffee tastes better with her there anyway.

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An older couple in patterned sweaters fish from a wooden dock on a pond while a tortoiseshell cat sits beside their rods.Walt Cast His Line Off the Old Dock. The Most Patient Fisherman Has Fur.A smiling older couple in cream sweaters hold a tortoiseshell cat together at the foot of their porch steps.Mabel's Little Legs Gave Out, So She Got Carried Home Like a QueenAn older couple in navy vests over cream sweaters shovel snow while a tortoiseshell cat plays in a snowbank in front.Walt and June Were Shoveling the Driveway. Mabel Had a Better Idea.An older couple in cream sweaters read a folded old letter together on a couch while a tortoiseshell cat lies across a lap.June Read the Old Letter Aloud, and Mabel Settled In to Listen