Hank Was Busy Up in the Apple Tree. Ziggy Took Charge of the Ground Floor.
The little backyard orchard is heavy with red fruit, and Hank is stretched up on his toes, one arm high in the branches, fingers closing around a shiny apple. He's grinning behind his glasses, clearly pleased with the haul. Down in the grass, Ziggy has found a more practical project: a scattering of fallen apples, bruised and blushing, which he is examining one by one with his nose pressed close, like a quality inspector who takes the job very seriously.
Cats explore the world nose-first, and a sniff of a fallen apple is perfectly natural. It's worth knowing, though, that apple seeds, stems, and leaves contain compounds that can be harmful to pets in larger amounts, and fallen fruit that starts to ferment can upset a small stomach. Cats are obligate carnivores, so they don't need fruit in their diet at all, and most show little interest in eating it. If you have fruit trees, it's a good habit to rake up dropped fruit regularly, which also keeps wasps and other pests from gathering. If your cat chews on something from the garden and seems unwell, call your vet.
Ziggy has no intention of eating anything here. He's simply confirming, apple by apple, that everything on the ground meets his standards before Hank fills the basket. Somebody has to keep an eye on things.
