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An elderly man fills in a crossword at a cluttered breakfast table while a blue point Ragdoll cat lies on the puzzle page. 12 / 34

Grandpa Wen Was Two Clues From Finishing. Misty Had Her Paws on the Answers.

AI imageragdoll catcrosswordbreakfast table

Grandpa Wen has his pencil poised over a half-finished crossword, but his biggest obstacle isn't a tricky clue. Misty has stretched out across the breakfast table with her front paws planted squarely on the paper, her fluffy chest puffed out and her bright blue eyes staring straight ahead with total confidence. A cup of coffee steams nearby, a spare pair of glasses rests on a saucer, berries and a bowl of nuts sit within reach, and the kitchen behind them is busy with dish racks, plants, and morning light.

Why do cats always land on whatever you're working on? It's a mix of attention seeking, warmth, and curiosity. Cats notice what holds their owner's focus, and moving onto that object is an effective way to redirect attention to themselves. For a sociable breed like the Ragdoll, being near their people is a high priority. At the breakfast table, though, a few food rules matter. Coffee and other caffeinated drinks are unsafe for cats, and some nuts, such as macadamias, are toxic to pets, while others are simply too fatty. Grapes and raisins are also risky for pets. Milk is another common misconception: many adult cats are lactose intolerant, so a saucer of milk can upset their stomachs.

Giving a cat its own chair at the table, or a cushion nearby, can satisfy that need to be included without losing the whole puzzle page.

For now, Grandpa Wen seems happy to work around her. Twelve down might be hidden under a fluffy paw, but the company is well worth it.

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