Browse ›
An older man in overalls moves a checker on a wooden board on a screened porch while a white Persian cat rests beside it. 27 / 36

Grandpa Earl Was One Move From Winning at Checkers. Then Duchess Got Involved.

AI imagepersian catcheckersscreened porch

On the screened porch, a well-worn wooden checkerboard sits on a small table, black and red pieces scattered mid-game. Earl leans over it in his plaid shirt and overalls, fingers resting on a piece as he considers his next move with a little smile. Duchess has sprawled across the table edge right beside the board, her fluffy white front paws stretched out and her chin nearly resting on the wood. One eye is half-closed and the other is fixed on the game, as if she is pretending not to care while secretly keeping score. Potted succulents and a sunny garden fill the space beyond the screens.

Board games like checkers are a classic way for older adults to keep the mind active. They involve strategy, memory, and a bit of friendly competition. Cats, meanwhile, are often drawn to tables where their people are busy, partly for attention and partly because small movable pieces look a lot like toys. Checkers are usually too big to swallow, but smaller game pieces, dice, and tokens can be a choking hazard, so keep them put away when not in use. If your cat insists on joining game time, offering a nearby perch or a cozy mat on the table edge can keep the peace.

Whether Earl wins or loses this round, he has a very attentive audience. Duchess may not know the rules, but she is clearly invested in being part of every match.

More from this collection

All 36 →