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A smiling elderly Black grandpa in a cardigan holds an ice cream cone close to a Siamese cat sniffing it. 7 / 23

Grandpa Got an Ice Cream Cone on a Hot Day. Sapphire Leaned In Close.

AI imagesiamese catice creamsummer

A waffle cone topped with a melting scoop of vanilla is held right at whisker level, and Sapphire is giving it a very careful sniff. Grandpa Walter laughs as he holds it out, his white beard framing a broad grin and his tan cardigan bunched at the sleeves. The Siamese sits upright on the arm of the chair, blue eyes wide and nose almost touching the scoop. Behind them, a coffee mug, a pair of glasses, a basket and a potted plant clutter the table, and soft light pours through the window across the lived-in room.

Ice cream is a summertime classic, but it is not a great treat for cats. Most adult cats have trouble digesting lactose, so dairy can lead to an upset stomach. Ice cream also contains sugar and fat that cats do not need, and some flavors include ingredients that can be harmful, such as chocolate or certain sweeteners. A tiny lick of plain vanilla is unlikely to be a problem for a healthy cat, but it should be an occasional exception rather than a habit. On a hot day, fresh water, a cool tile floor and a shady spot are better ways to help a cat beat the heat.

Sharing small moments like this is part of the joy of living with a pet. Sapphire's curiosity and Walter's delight make this simple scene feel like a celebration.

She may only get one polite sniff, but judging by Walter's grin, that sniff alone was worth the whole cone.

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