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An older woman in glasses and a floral apron whittles wood on a porch while a grey Sphynx cat watches the shavings. 10 / 39

Every Curl of Wood Abuela Rosa Carved Off Had a Very Serious Audience

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Curl after curl of pale wood drops from Abuela Rosa's knife, collecting in a little drift on the porch boards. She works slowly and carefully, glasses low on her nose, a small block of wood turning in her hand as she shapes it. Chispa sits just at the edge of the shavings pile, wrinkled grey body upright, tail curled around her paws, bright eyes fixed on the falling pieces with total fascination. The porch railing is painted a soft blue, potted plants line the steps, and a green watering can sits out on the lawn beyond.

To a cat, a falling wood curl is basically a toy delivered from the sky. That instinct to watch and pounce on small moving things is part of normal feline hunting behavior, and giving cats safe outlets for it, such as wand toys, crinkle balls, or paper twists, helps keep them happy and active. Sphynx cats tend to be playful and energetic well into adulthood, so daily play sessions are a good idea. Around a whittling project, though, a little caution is wise. Sharp knives should stay well out of paw's reach, and small splinters or treated wood shouldn't end up being chewed or swallowed.

Rosa's carving will take shape in its own time. Meanwhile, she has the most devoted audience a woodworker could ask for, watching every single curl hit the floor.

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