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A grandpa kneels in a garden planting a tomato seedling while a pink Sphynx cat digs a hole in the soil next to him. 7 / 33

Grandpa Thought He Was Planting Tomatoes Alone. The Dirt Next to Him Started Flying.

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Evening is falling over the backyard garden, and a lantern on a post has flickered on, casting a soft glow across the freshly turned beds. Grandpa Earl kneels in the dirt in a navy tee and suspenders, settling a small tomato plant into the ground with gentle hands. He's watching his digging partner with an amused look. Peaches has gone full excavator, front paws flinging soil out of a hole of her own, her pink body stretched low and her face set in the intense squint of a cat who has found her calling. A watering can and a pair of gloves wait on the path behind them, and young plants rise in neat rows.

Cats are drawn to soft, freshly dug soil because it feels like a natural spot to dig and bury, which is an instinct shared by nearly all cats. To protect seedlings, many gardeners lay down mulch, decorative stones, or a light mesh over the bare soil. For a Sphynx specifically, a garden adventure has extra considerations. Their bare skin picks up dirt and oils easily, so a gentle wipe-down afterward is a good idea, and their skin is more prone to scratches and sunburn than a furry cat's. Keep fertilizers, slug pellets, and garden chemicals away from pets, and remember that tomato leaves and stems aren't safe for cats to chew.

Earl will end up with a fine row of tomatoes, and Peaches will end up with dirt on her nose and a strong sense of accomplishment. Gardening with a partner is always more fun, even one who doesn't follow the plan.

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