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An elderly man plays checkers at a wooden porch table while a ruddy Abyssinian cat rests its chin and paw on the table edge. 23 / 31

Grandpa Otis Was Winning at Checkers. Then a Paw Appeared at the Table's Edge.

AI imageabyssinian catcheckersporch

A wooden checkerboard sits on the weathered porch table, red and black pieces lined up mid-game, and Grandpa Otis is sliding a black checker forward with a pleased little smile. He's wearing a brown shawl-collar cardigan, glasses perched on his nose, and a glass of iced tea with lemon waits at his elbow. At the far corner of the table, Saffron has rested her chin on the wood and hooked one paw over the edge, her eyes half closed as she watches the board with sleepy fascination. Autumn leaves dot the tabletop, and potted plants crowd the porch behind them.

Board games like checkers are a lovely way for older adults to keep the mind sharp, practice strategy, and enjoy friendly competition. For a curious cat, though, a board full of small round pieces looks a lot like a set of toys. Checkers are generally too large to swallow for most cats, but smaller game pieces, dice, and tokens can be a choking risk, so tidying up after play is a good habit. Abyssinians are intelligent, inquisitive cats that like to be included in their family's activities. Giving them their own enrichment, such as puzzle feeders or a window perch with a view of the yard, can help keep paws off the board.

Saffron seems content to supervise this round. Her relaxed pose suggests she's more interested in being near Grandpa Otis than in stealing his pieces.

Whoever wins this game, Grandpa Otis already has the best spectator on the porch. Maybe next time, Saffron will want to play red.

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