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An elderly Hispanic woman in a floral apron holds an ice cream cone while a fluffy orange cat leans in to sniff it. 2 / 33

Abuela Carmen Grabbed an Ice Cream Cone to Cool Off. Mango Noticed Immediately.

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A heat wave has settled over the neighborhood, and Abuela Carmen has found the only reasonable solution: a scoop of vanilla on a crisp waffle cone. She's standing at the kitchen counter in her rose-patterned apron and light blue tee, gray hair pinned up with a clip, leaning toward her furry companion with a teasing smile. Mango has risen up to meet the cone, his big orange plume of a tail curling behind him, amber eyes locked on the creamy swirl. Bananas sit in a bowl, wooden spoons stand in a jar, and dishes dry in the rack by the window.

Pets begging at snack time is a habit that can sneak up quickly, especially with a charming, persistent cat. The best way to manage it is consistency: decide what your cat can have, and stick to it. Ice cream isn't on the list, since many adult cats don't digest dairy well, and it's high in sugar and fat. Giving in now and then actually teaches a cat that persistence pays. Instead, try offering a cat treat in a separate spot whenever you have your own snack, so your cat learns a new routine. Puzzle feeders and short play sessions also help redirect attention.

Mango may not get a lick, but he's certainly getting Carmen's full attention, which might be the real prize. On a hot day in a warm kitchen, a sweet treat and a silly cat make the afternoon a little cooler.

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