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An elderly man in an olive cardigan fills in a crossword at a breakfast table while a ruddy Abyssinian cat sits beside him. 3 / 31

Grandpa Otis Was Working on the Crossword. Saffron Was Watching the Pencil.

AI imageabyssinian catcrosswordbreakfast

Pencil pressed to the grid, Grandpa Otis is concentrating hard on the morning crossword, his reading glasses low and his olive cardigan buttoned against the chill. Breakfast is half eaten: a slice of toast with a bite missing, a creamy mug of coffee, and a halved avocado in a bowl. Saffron has hopped up onto the table beside the puzzle, sitting tall with her big ears swiveled forward and her golden-green eyes fixed on the moving pencil, as if she's checking his spelling.

Abyssinians are famous for being 'helpers.' This busy, intelligent breed likes to be involved in whatever its people are doing, and a moving pencil is almost irresistible to a cat with strong play instincts. Puzzle toys and food puzzles are a great way to keep an Abyssinian's sharp mind engaged, since boredom can lead to mischief. At the breakfast table, a few items deserve attention. Coffee contains caffeine, which is toxic to cats. Avocado isn't a good choice for pets either, as it's very fatty and contains a substance called persin, which can cause problems in some animals. Toast is harmless but offers cats little nutritional value. A small cat treat is a safer way to include a feline helper.

For older adults, daily word puzzles are a pleasant way to keep the mind active, and a curious pet adds a bit of playful company to the routine.

Saffron may not know the answer to fourteen across, but she's certainly watching closely. Grandpa Otis would be wise to finish before she decides to bat at the pencil.

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