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An elderly couple on a couch shares a vanilla ice cream cone while a ruddy Abyssinian cat leans in to sniff it. 38 / 38

Ruth and Harold Were Sharing One Vanilla Cone. Saffron Wanted to Be Included.

AI imageabyssinianice creamcouch

It's warm out, and a single vanilla cone is making the rounds on the couch. Ruth, in a pale blue cardigan, holds it up with a delighted smile, while Harold, in an olive polo, leans his cheek against hers, grinning. They've barely had a chance to share it, though, because Saffron has stretched forward from the cushion, nose just inches from the scoop, eyes wide and ears tilted with intense curiosity. A lamp glows in the corner, a plant sits on the windowsill, and a napkin waits on the side table for the inevitable drips.

Many cats show interest in ice cream, but it isn't a good treat for them. Most adult cats are lactose intolerant, meaning they lack enough of the enzyme needed to digest milk sugar well, so dairy can lead to an upset stomach. Ice cream is also high in sugar and fat, and some flavors contain chocolate or artificial sweeteners that are harmful to pets. If your cat begs during dessert, offer a cat-safe treat instead, or try a frozen treat made specifically for pets. Keeping the cone just out of reach usually saves everyone a messy cleanup.

Harold and Ruth will probably finish their cone with a little help from the napkin and a lot of laughter. Saffron may not get a lick, but she's made her interest very clear, and that's part of the fun.

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