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An older man in a brown cardigan rakes fallen leaves in a front yard as a grey cat leaps toward the pile. 6 / 40

Grandpa Spent All Afternoon Raking a Perfect Pile of Leaves. That Didn't Last.

AI imagerussian blueautumnfront yard

Raking leaves is a lot harder when someone keeps leaping into the pile. Grandpa grips the wooden rake handle and grins down at the scene, his brown cardigan buttoned against the evening chill. Mid-pounce, Sterling stretches across the crunchy carpet of oak and maple leaves, front paws reaching and eyes wide with mischief. Behind them, a pot of golden mums sits on the brick porch, and the warm glow of the front door light makes the whole yard feel like the very heart of fall.

Leaf piles are irresistible to cats because they rustle, shift, and hide all sorts of intriguing smells. A little supervised play is harmless fun, but there are a few autumn safety points to remember. Damp leaf piles can grow mold and harbor ticks, so a quick check of your cat's coat afterward is a good habit. Avoid letting pets play in piles that may hide sharp sticks or have been treated with lawn chemicals. Some fall plants, including certain mums, can upset a pet's stomach if chewed, so keep decorative pots in spots your cat doesn't nibble. If you notice unusual drooling, vomiting, or lethargy after outdoor play, talk to your vet.

As for the leaves, they'll get raked eventually. Maybe twice. A yard full of falling color seems made for exactly this kind of slow, happy afternoon, where the chores wait and the fun comes first.

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