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An elderly Hispanic woman in a floral apron plants a tomato seedling while a fluffy orange cat digs a hole in the soil. 21 / 33

Abuela Carmen Was Planting Tomatoes. Mango Decided to Dig the Next Hole Himself.

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The garden bed is freshly turned, the tomato seedlings are lined up, and Abuela Carmen is on her knees in her floral apron, tucking a young plant into the dark soil with a satisfied smile. Right in front of her, Mango has decided to take on the next hole himself. The big orange longhair has his front paw buried in the earth, mid-scoop, his fluffy chest smudged with dirt and his amber eyes looking up with an expression of pure innocence. A trowel lies nearby, more tomato starts poke up around them, and potted plants line the wall of the stucco house.

Gardening alongside a cat is a joy, but a few hygiene habits are worth keeping. Soft garden soil is appealing to cats as a bathroom spot, and soil where cats have relieved themselves can carry germs and parasites. Wearing gloves while you dig and washing your hands well afterward is a smart routine for everyone, and especially important for pregnant people or anyone with a weakened immune system. Washing homegrown vegetables before eating them helps too. Tomato leaves and stems aren't good for cats to chew, so it's wise to discourage nibbling and offer a pot of cat grass as an alternative.

Mango is convinced he's the best gardener on the block, and honestly, his enthusiasm is hard to beat. Carmen's tomato rows might end up a little crooked this year, but they'll grow up with plenty of love.

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