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A white-haired grandma reaches for red apples in an orchard while an orange tabby sniffs fallen apples on the ground. 14 / 29

Grandma Reached for the Best Apple on the Tree. Her Cat Was Busy Down Below.

AI imageorange tabbyapple orchardautumn

Branches heavy with shiny red apples arch overhead, and Grandma Hazel is reaching up on tiptoe to twist one free. She wears a cream quilted vest over a blue plaid shirt, her white hair pulled back in a loose bun, and a wicker basket at her feet is already half full. Down below, Marmalade has found the windfalls. The orange tabby has his nose lowered toward the fallen apples scattered on the ground, whiskers forward, completely absorbed in sniffing. Rows of fruit trees stretch back into the orchard, with a blue bucket and fallen branches along the way.

Cats explore the world largely through their noses, and an orchard floor full of fallen fruit, leaves and small critters is irresistible. While a sniff is harmless, apple seeds, stems and leaves contain compounds that can be toxic to pets in larger amounts, so it is best to keep cats from chewing them. Fallen fruit can also ferment as it rots, which is another reason to keep curious animals away from it. If you bring a cat on an outing like this, a harness and leash keep it safe from wandering off, and checking for ticks afterward is a smart habit in grassy areas.

Apple picking is a cheerful autumn activity, offering fresh air, gentle movement and the reward of a basket full of fruit for pies and snacks.

Marmalade will not be helping with the pie, but he is doing a thorough job of inspecting every apple that hits the ground.

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