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A white-haired grandma in a quilted vest fills in a crossword at a breakfast table while an orange tabby sits on the table. 11 / 29

Grandma Had the Crossword Almost Done. Marmalade Found the Perfect Spot.

AI imageorange tabbycrosswordbreakfast

Morning light pours through the kitchen window, and Grandma Hazel has her pen poised over the daily crossword. She sits at the wooden table in a sage quilted vest and cream sweater, white hair twisted into a bun, eyes narrowed in concentration. Right on top of the table, plopped in front of her newspaper, sits Marmalade, looking off to the side with an air of supreme innocence. A cup of coffee steams nearby, a plate holds buttered toast with cheese, and a bowl of fruit and a dish rack sit on the counter behind them.

Many cats love to sit on whatever their person is focused on, whether that is a newspaper, a keyboard or a book. Part of it is warmth, part is the attention it brings, and part is simply wanting to be close. If you would rather keep cats off the table, consistency helps: offer a comfy chair or perch nearby and reward the cat for using it. Keep human breakfast items out of reach, since some foods like onions, garlic and certain spreads are not safe for cats. Puzzles like crosswords are a popular way for older adults to stay mentally engaged and enjoy a quiet morning routine.

Marmalade does not seem to know any answers, but he has clearly placed himself in charge of the morning. Every good crossword needs a distraction or two.

Hazel may need a longer pen or a bigger table. Seven down can wait until the cat has finished his inspection.

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