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An older man in a green cardigan hammers a wooden fence while a grey cat sits beside it holding a stick in its mouth. 24 / 40

Grandpa Was Mending the Fence. His Apprentice Brought a Very Important Part.

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Every repair crew needs someone to carry supplies. Grandpa leans over a section of weathered picket fence in his green cardigan, hammer raised and nails at the ready, concentrating hard behind his glasses. In the foreground, Sterling sits proudly on the walkway with a small stick clamped crosswise in his mouth, looking straight ahead like an apprentice who has brought exactly the right part. Gardening gloves, a terra-cotta pot with a succulent, and a basket of laundry sit by the house behind them.

Cats carrying objects in their mouths is a behavior many owners find charming. It often relates to natural hunting instincts, since wild cats carry prey back to a safe place, and some house cats bring their people toys, socks, or even sticks. Some cats also learn to fetch. Encourage this kind of play with safe toys rather than sticks, though, since wood can splinter and injure the mouth or gums. During home projects, keep nails, screws, and tools out of reach, because a curious cat might bat them around or step on something sharp. Freshly treated or painted wood should dry fully before your cat can rub against it.

Whether Sterling's stick will be used in the repair remains unclear. What's certain is that he takes his role seriously, and every good fence deserves a little help from a very dedicated assistant.

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