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Elderly Black man planting tomato seedlings in a raised garden bed while a spotted Bengal cat digs a hole next to him. 4 / 27

Grandpa Planted Tomato Seedlings. Jasper Started Digging a Hole of His Own.

AI imagebengalgrandpavegetable garden

Spring planting is in full swing. Grandpa, in a brown cable-knit cardigan and glasses, kneels at the edge of a raised garden bed, pressing his bare hands into the dark, crumbly soil around a young tomato seedling. Rows of tiny green plants stand in neat lines, and a watering can, a basket, and garden tools wait nearby. Right next to him, deep in concentration, is Jasper the Bengal, front paws working furiously as he excavates a hole of his own, dirt flying and spotted tail held low.

Freshly turned garden soil is a magnet for cats, who dig instinctively to bury waste or simply because loose earth is fun to move. Bengals, with their high energy and curiosity, are especially likely to join in. There is one important safety note here, though. The leaves and stems of tomato plants contain compounds that can upset a cat's stomach if chewed, so it is best to discourage nibbling. Fertilizers, slug pellets, and certain pest sprays can also be dangerous to pets. Choose pet-safe garden products, keep a close eye on any cat that spends time in the garden, and consider netting or a small fence around young plants.

Grandpa is planting a garden for summer salads, and Jasper is apparently planting himself. Between the two of them, this little plot is certain to grow plenty of tomatoes and even more happy memories.

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