Grandpa Sat Down With His Croissant. Jasper Started the Staredown.
Morning haze drifts through the garden, softening the potted plants, the folding chairs, and the tote bag left on the bench. At a weathered patio table, Grandpa sits in a cozy brown cardigan, his glasses pushed up on his head and a broad, knowing smile on his face. In front of him is a plate with a golden croissant and a few bright berries, plus a mug of coffee. Leaning in from the very front of the scene, nose just inches from that plate, Jasper the Bengal fixes his huge green-gold eyes on the croissant with laser focus.
Cats are natural opportunists, and a buttery pastry at nose level is a tempting target. Bengals, being both clever and food-motivated, often learn quickly where the good smells are coming from. Keeping a cat at a healthy weight is one of the best things you can do for its long-term health, and extra people food adds calories fast. Measured meals at consistent times help, along with plenty of active play. Many owners use puzzle feeders, which make a cat work a little for its food and provide mental stimulation at the same time. If you are unsure how much your cat should be eating, your vet can help you set a target.
Grandpa knows that look very well, and he knows exactly how this standoff is going to end. Still, it is hard not to smile at a breakfast companion this determined.
