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A ruddy Abyssinian cat sniffs fallen apples in an orchard as an elderly couple picks apples into a wicker basket behind it. 32 / 38

Harold Was Picking Apples for Pie. Saffron Was Running Her Own Inspection.

AI imageabyssinianapple orchardautumn

The apple trees are heavy with fruit, and the ground beneath them is dotted with windfalls. Harold, in a knit beanie and green jacket, crouches with a wicker basket on his arm and hands a shiny red apple to Ruth, who sits on an upturned bucket in a gray cardigan, holding another up to admire. Below them, Saffron has her nose to the ground, prowling through the straw and fallen leaves, ears forward as she sniffs at the scattered apples with great seriousness. Stacked firewood, an old shed, and more fruit-laden branches complete the cozy autumn orchard.

Orchards are full of interesting smells for a curious cat, but a few things are worth knowing. Apple flesh in small amounts isn't considered toxic to cats, but the seeds, stems, and leaves contain compounds that can be harmful, so it's best not to let a cat chew on fallen fruit or branches. Rotting windfalls can also ferment and attract wasps, which are a stinging risk for a nosy pet. If you bring your cat along on harvest day, keep it on a harness, steer it away from fruit piles, and watch for any yard chemicals that may have been sprayed nearby.

Harold and Ruth will be heading home with a full basket and plans for pie. Saffron will be heading home with a nose full of new scents and the satisfaction of a thorough inspection.

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A ruddy Abyssinian cat sits at a floury kitchen counter as an elderly couple rolls dough and shapes cookies behind it.Cookie Day Got Messy Fast, and Saffron Was Not Impressed by the RulesAn elderly couple repairs a wooden fence with tools while a ruddy Abyssinian cat sits nearby holding a twig in its mouth.Harold and Ruth Were Fixing the Fence When Saffron Showed Up With SuppliesA ruddy Abyssinian cat sleeps on a pile of patterned quilt fabric while an elderly couple sews at the table behind it.Ruth Laid Out Every Quilt Square on the Table. Saffron Found Them First.An elderly couple on a couch shares a vanilla ice cream cone while a ruddy Abyssinian cat leans in to sniff it.Ruth and Harold Were Sharing One Vanilla Cone. Saffron Wanted to Be Included.