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A smiling grandma leans on a rake as a fluffy silver cat leaps through the air into a pile of orange autumn leaves. 28 / 39

Grandma Finally Raked the Leaves Into One Neat Pile. It Didn't Last Long.

AI imagenorwegian forest catautumn leavesfall yard work

One second the leaf pile was tidy. The next, Frost was airborne. The silver Norwegian Forest Cat has sprung from the lawn with all four paws tucked and his tail streaming behind him, aiming straight for the crunchy heap of orange and brown leaves at Grandma Edie's feet. Edie leans on her wooden rake with a grin that suggests she saw this coming. Autumn shrubs glow red and gold along the fence, potted plants line the side of the house, and fallen leaves cover every path.

Leaf piles are a magnet for playful cats, offering rustling sounds, hidden bugs, and perfect pouncing targets. A few precautions keep the fun safe. Leaf piles can hide sticks, sharp debris, or even small wildlife, and damp piles can grow mold. Check the yard for fallen mushrooms, which can be toxic, and avoid letting pets play near recently treated lawns or garden chemicals. Ticks can also linger in leaf litter in the fall, so a quick check afterward is wise. If your cat isn't allowed outside, a box of crinkly paper indoors can offer a similar thrill.

Frost's leap is pure joy, the kind of athletic burst this sturdy breed is known for. Edie may have to rake the pile again, but she doesn't look disappointed in the slightest.

A little extra raking is a small price to pay for a front-row seat to the best leap of the season.

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