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An elderly Black woman with a canvas tote walks through a patch of orange pumpkins while a black cat walks beside her. 24 / 36

Grandma Went Pumpkin Picking. Her Black Cat Had Strong Opinions on Which One.

AI imageblack catpumpkin patchfall

October has turned the backyard patch into a field of orange. Grandma Odessa strolls between the sprawling vines in a long olive cardigan and plaid shirt, a canvas tote slung across her body, glasses perched on her nose. She's smiling down at Licorice, who walks right at her side, tail low and eyes alert, picking his way past fat pumpkins and dried, curling leaves. The fence behind them is weathered gray, a few pots and garden odds and ends sit by the house, and the late afternoon sun gives the whole scene a warm, golden edge.

A pumpkin patch is a classic fall outing, and a black cat in one makes a perfect seasonal picture, but autumn does bring a few pet considerations. Plain cooked pumpkin is fine for most cats in small amounts, but raw pumpkin, rotting jack-o'-lanterns, and moldy gourds can cause stomach upset. As Halloween nears, keep candy, especially chocolate, well out of reach, and use battery-powered lights instead of real candles in carved pumpkins. Black cats in particular are often best kept indoors around Halloween night, when noise, costumes, and lots of foot traffic can make any cat anxious or prone to bolting.

Licorice seems to be scouting for the perfect pumpkin, or maybe just enjoying the crunch of leaves under his paws. Odessa looks happy to let him lead the way. It's hard to think of a cozier way to welcome fall.

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