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A grandpa kneels in a garden bed planting tomato seedlings while a white Persian cat digs in the soil beside him. 34 / 36

Grandpa Was Planting His Tomatoes Row by Row. Pearl Started Her Own Project.

AI imagepersian catgardeningbackyard

Spring planting is underway in the backyard garden. Grandpa Gus kneels in the dark soil with his sleeves rolled up, pressing a young tomato seedling into place with his weathered hands. Little yellow blossoms already dot the plants around him, and a trowel and gloves lie close by. Right next to him, Pearl is hard at work too, though not quite on the same project. The white Persian has both front paws in the dirt, scraping out a hole of her own with her face set in a squint of fierce determination. Her paws and chest fur are already speckled with soil, and a wooden fence and raised beds frame the scene behind them.

Digging is a completely natural cat behavior, since cats instinctively scratch at loose soil to bury waste. Freshly turned garden beds are especially inviting, which is why many gardeners find their new seedlings disturbed. Covering bare soil with mulch, stones, or chicken wire can discourage digging without harming the cat. It's also important to know that tomato leaves and stems contain compounds that can upset a pet's stomach, so it's best not to let cats chew on the plants. Garden fertilizers, slug bait, and pesticides can be dangerous too, so choose pet-safe products and store them securely. After a gardening session, gently wipe your cat's paws and coat.

Gus will have a row of tomatoes by summer. Pearl will have dirty paws, a very satisfying hole, and the sense that she contributed something important. Every garden needs a little help.

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