Hank Was Quietly Whittling on the Porch. Ziggy Thought It Was a Magic Show.
Curls of pale wood are drifting down onto Hank's knees and the porch boards with every careful stroke of his small knife. He's bent low over a little block of wood, brow furrowed, hands steady, working slowly toward a shape only he can see yet. Ziggy has crept in as close as he dares, nose nearly touching the falling shavings, eyes wide and locked on every flake as it tumbles. A crate of firewood, a canvas bag, and a folded plaid blanket sit in the background of this cluttered, comfortable porch.
Cats are drawn to anything that moves unpredictably, which is exactly what falling wood shavings do, so it's no surprise Ziggy is mesmerized. That curiosity is exactly why sharp tools and pets need a little planning. Whittling knives and carving tools should be put away securely after each session, and it's wise to keep a curious cat at arm's length while blades are in use. Wood shavings themselves are generally harmless to sniff, but cats shouldn't chew or swallow them, and some treated or stained woods contain chemicals that aren't safe. Sweeping up after a project keeps the porch tidy and the cat safe.
Whatever Hank is carving, Ziggy is clearly its biggest fan already. Maybe, when it's finished, it will turn out to be a little wooden cat.
