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An older man in an argyle sweater vest cooks a pancake in a skillet on a gas stove as a Bengal cat watches from the counter. 16 / 29

Grandpa Ken Flipped the Perfect Pancake. His Audience Was Already in Position.

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A golden pancake sizzles in a black skillet over the blue flame of the gas stove, and Grandpa Ken is beaming down at it like a proud chef. He wears a tan argyle sweater vest over a checked shirt, glasses sliding down his nose, spatula in hand. The kitchen around him is warm and busy, with a fridge covered in photos and notes, a jar of wooden spoons, folded dish towels, and a little bowl of eggs on the counter. And sitting neatly on the counter edge beside the stove, paws together and head tilted up, is Yuki. Her blue eyes are fixed on Ken with polite expectation, as if waiting for her own plate.

It is adorable to have a cat keep you company while you cook, but stovetops and cats are a risky combination. Cats can be burned by hot burners, pans, or open flames, and a curious paw or a swishing tail can get too close in an instant. Many owners train their cats to wait on a nearby stool or cat tree instead of the counter, using treats and praise to reward the right spot. Covering burners when not in use and turning pan handles inward also helps. Pancakes themselves are not toxic in small plain bites, but butter, syrup, and sugary toppings are not meant for cats.

Breakfast is almost ready, and Ken looks very pleased with his work. Yuki may not get a pancake, but she will surely get some attention once the cooking is done, and that is what she was waiting for all along.

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