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An elderly Hispanic woman in a floral apron flips a pancake at a gas stove as an orange cat sits watching from the floor. 8 / 33

Abuela Carmen's Pancakes Smelled Amazing. Mango Showed Surprising Self-Control.

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The smell of pancakes has drifted through the whole house, and one fluffy member of the family has come running. Abuela Carmen stands at the old white stove in a gray sweater and her floral apron, glasses on, spatula ready as she checks a golden pancake in a black skillet. On the floor just beside her, Mango sits in perfect, patient posture, front paws together, tail wrapped around him, amber eyes fixed on the pan with polite but intense interest. The tiled kitchen is warm and well-used, with a cutting board, a blue mug, a checkered towel, avocados in a bowl, and succulents on the windowsill.

Mango's spot on the floor is exactly where a cat should be while someone's cooking. Stovetops are one of the biggest kitchen hazards for cats: hot burners, open gas flames, and handles sticking out over the edge can all lead to burns or spills. Some cats learn to jump onto counters while food is cooking, so it helps to never feed them from the counter and to reward them for waiting on the floor or a nearby mat instead. Turning pan handles inward and keeping the stove clear when not in use add extra protection. Plain pancakes aren't toxic, but they're not a healthy snack for cats either.

Mango's patience will probably be rewarded with a scratch behind the ears and a proper cat breakfast. Carmen gets her pancakes, Mango gets his manners praised, and the kitchen stays warm and peaceful for everyone.

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