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An older man in a fishing vest reaches for an apple on a tree while a silver tabby cat sniffs fallen apples on the ground. 17 / 35

Grandpa Hank Reached for the Best Apple on the Tree. Pewter Went for the Ground.

AI imagesilver tabbyapple orchardfall harvest

The orchard is heavy with ripe red fruit, and a soft autumn haze hangs between the trees. Grandpa Hank stretches up in his plaid shirt and olive fishing vest, sunglasses perched on his head and a pair of gloves stuffed into one pocket, reaching for a perfect apple dangling from a branch. Down in the grass at his feet, Pewter has crouched low among the windfalls, nose pressed nearly to a shiny red apple, studying it with grave curiosity. More fallen apples dot the leaf-strewn ground, and a white house peeks through the branches behind them.

Cats are not big fruit eaters. As obligate carnivores, they get the nutrients they need from animal-based foods, and they lack taste receptors for sweetness, so an apple holds little appeal beyond its interesting smell. A tiny piece of peeled apple flesh is not considered toxic, but apple seeds, stems, and leaves contain compounds that are best avoided, and fermenting windfalls can upset a cat's stomach. Orchards can also be treated with sprays, so it is wise to keep cats from chewing on leaves or rotting fruit. The good news is that the sights and smells of an orchard are wonderful enrichment for a curious cat. If you bring a cat along on outdoor adventures, use a harness and leash and stay close by.

Pewter is unlikely to take a bite, but he has clearly made it his job to inspect every apple on the ground. That counts as helping with the harvest, cat style.

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