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An elderly man in a brown sweater rakes autumn leaves as a fluffy Ragdoll cat leaps playfully toward the leaf pile. 25 / 34

Everyone Says Ragdolls Are Calm Cats. Misty Saw the Leaf Pile Anyway.

AI imageragdoll catfall leavesplaytime

Crisp red, orange, and gold leaves blanket the yard, and the rake has barely gathered a decent pile before Misty comes bounding in. Caught mid-leap with her front paws reaching and her plumed tail held high, she looks more like a playful kitten than a dignified Ragdoll. Grandpa Wen, bent over the rake in a brown sweater, laughs out loud at the sight. Pots of mums, a basket stuffed with gloves and blankets, a small pumpkin, and a row of sneakers line the porch behind them.

Even laid-back breeds have bursts of playful energy, and autumn leaves offer a world of crinkly, rustling fun. Ragdolls are often described as gentle and relaxed, but many keep a playful streak well into adulthood. Play is important for all cats, helping them stay fit, mentally sharp, and less prone to boredom. When cats play outdoors among fallen leaves, a few precautions help. Leaf piles can hide sticks, thorns, insects, or wild mushrooms, and some fall plants and decorations, such as certain bulbs and lilies in seasonal arrangements, are toxic to cats. Supervised outdoor time in a secure yard, or on a harness, keeps a curious cat safe from traffic and wandering off. Indoors, a paper bag or a crinkle toy can recreate the leaf-pile thrill.

Seeing a calm cat suddenly burst into play is one of the great joys of living with one. It's a reminder that playfulness doesn't have an age limit, for cats or grandpas.

The leaves may end up scattered across the whole yard again, but Grandpa Wen doesn't seem to mind one bit. Some chores are better when they take twice as long.

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