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A smiling elderly man at a patio table with eggs and avocado toast while a ruddy Abyssinian cat rests a paw on the table. 7 / 31

Breakfast on the Patio Was Going Fine Until Saffron Put Her Paw on the Table

AI imageabyssinian catpatio breakfastgarden

Out on the garden patio, breakfast is served: fluffy scrambled eggs, avocado slices on toast, a little bowl of berries, a glass of ice water, and a cup of black coffee. Grandpa Otis leans back in a moss-green cardigan, chuckling warmly as he looks over at his breakfast companion. Saffron has propped one copper paw up on the table's edge beside a folded napkin and spoon, her tall ears angled forward and her golden eyes narrowed in casual, confident interest. Potted herbs, a watering can, and a weathered fence fill the backyard behind them.

Cats are true carnivores, so it's the eggs, not the avocado or toast, that are most likely catching Saffron's attention. A small bite of plain, fully cooked egg with no butter, salt, or seasoning is generally considered safe for most cats as an occasional treat, and it's a good source of protein. Raw eggs, however, can carry bacteria and aren't recommended. Avocado and coffee should be kept away from cats entirely. If you'd like your cat to join outdoor meals without begging, try giving her a designated spot, like a nearby chair with a cushion, and reward her for staying there. Abyssinians are quick learners and respond well to positive reinforcement, which makes this kind of training easier than you might think.

Eating outdoors on a calm morning is a simple joy, and a curious cat at the table adds plenty of personality to the scene.

Saffron's paw on the table is a polite request, not a demand, at least for now. Grandpa Otis might just set aside a forkful of plain eggs for his loyal patio guest.

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