Grandma Was Making Pancakes. Someone on the Counter Was Taking Notes.
Saturday breakfast is underway, and Willow has claimed the best seat in the kitchen. Perched on the granite counter beside the stove, the fluffy Ragdoll stares up at Grandma Ruth with wide blue eyes, as if checking that the pancake is being handled properly. Ruth smiles, spatula in hand, while a golden pancake bubbles in the black skillet. A bowl of batter sits nearby, a dish towel is crumpled on the counter, and soft gray light comes through the window over the sink.
Plenty of cats love kitchens, since they are full of smells, warmth, and the people they adore. Still, the stovetop is one of the riskiest places in the house for a curious cat. Burners can stay hot after cooking, and a fluffy tail can brush a flame or a hot pan before anyone notices. Many owners teach cats to stay off counters by giving them a better option, such as a sturdy cat tree or a stool placed a safe distance from the stove. As for the pancakes, a plain nibble is not toxic, but butter, syrup, and sugary toppings are not good for cats. A little bit of cooked plain chicken or a cat treat makes a better breakfast reward.
Willow will not be getting a pancake today, but she does not seem to mind. Being part of the morning routine, right next to her favorite person, appears to be reward enough.






