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A smiling white-haired grandma in a navy quilted vest holds a vanilla ice cream cone as an orange tabby licks it. 4 / 29

Grandma Bought One Ice Cream Cone on a Hot Day. It Didn't Stay Hers.

AI imageorange tabbyice creamsummer

It is a warm afternoon, and Grandma Hazel has treated herself to a waffle cone of vanilla ice cream. She has not gotten very far, though. Marmalade has stretched up from the edge of the table and is giving the scoop a determined lick, eyes narrowed in concentration. Hazel, in a navy quilted vest and grey tee, watches with a wide, crinkly smile that suggests she let this happen on purpose. A folded napkin and her spare glasses lie on the wooden table, and a sage green throw drapes the sofa in the soft window light behind them.

It surprises many people, but most adult cats do not digest dairy well. Many become less able to process lactose after kittenhood, so milk and ice cream can lead to an upset stomach or loose stools. Ice cream also contains sugar and fat that cats do not need, and some flavors include ingredients that are harmful to pets, such as chocolate or certain sweeteners. A tiny lick of plain vanilla is unlikely to cause harm in a healthy cat, but it is best kept rare. If you want to treat your cat on a hot day, cat-safe treats or a little cool water are better choices.

Of course, the real reason cats beg for treats is often the attention that comes with them. Marmalade clearly enjoys being part of whatever Hazel is doing.

Hazel might need a second cone for herself. Something tells her this one has been permanently claimed.

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