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An elderly Black woman waters a front-yard flower bed with a metal watering can while a black cat sits watching the spray. 36 / 36

Grandma Odessa Watered the Flowers. Licorice Was Watching Something Very Closely.

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Evening watering is in full swing along the front walk. Grandma Odessa tips a dented metal watering can over the flower bed, a fine silvery spray falling onto pink geraniums, purple violas, and sprigs of rosemary. She's wearing her green cardigan with a pair of glasses hooked onto her collar, smiling down at her small supervisor. Licorice sits just beside the stream of water, golden-green eyes locked onto the falling droplets with intense fascination, carefully staying exactly one paw's length from getting wet. A tote bag of gardening gloves, rubber boots, and a pair of brown shoes sit by the navy front door.

Many cats are mesmerized by moving water, from dripping faucets to sprinkler spray, likely because the motion and sparkle catch their keen eyes. Some even prefer drinking from running water, which is why pet water fountains are popular. When it comes to flower beds, though, choose plants with care. Lilies of all kinds are extremely dangerous to cats, and even small exposures can cause serious kidney damage, so they're best left out of any yard a cat visits. Many other common garden plants can be irritating too. Checking a plant's pet safety before buying and keeping fertilizers and pesticides stored away is always wise.

Licorice clearly takes his watering supervision role seriously, even if he has no intention of helping. Odessa doesn't mind. The flowers get their drink, the cat gets his show, and the front yard ends the day looking a little brighter.

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