Browse ›
A calico cat sniffs a pile of wood curls on a porch bench while an older man in a cardigan whittles with a small knife. 9 / 39

Otis Was Whittling on the Porch. Clementine Had Questions About the Curls.

AI imagecalico catwhittlingfront porch

A small knife, a block of wood, and a growing pile of pale curls are all Otis needs on the porch this evening. He sits in his sandy cardigan and plaid shirt, glasses low, working the blade with slow, careful strokes. The shavings spill onto the bench in a fragrant heap, and Clementine has leaned in to look them over, calico face tilted down, one white paw planted close to the pile. Behind them, a potted plant sits by the screen door and the last golden light is fading across the boards. She seems to be watching every curl as if it might do something.

Whittling shavings are lightweight, curly, and tempting to swat, which makes them a natural cat toy. The problem is that wood chips and tiny splinters can get into a cat's mouth or paws, and some woods and wood finishes are not good for pets. A tidy work area helps, such as a tray or cloth that catches the shavings, and a quick sweep when you are done. Keep the knife and any tools well out of reach when you step away, and never leave blades on a surface where a cat could knock them off. If you want to let her play, offer a safe toy like a crumpled paper ball or a feather wand instead. If a cat chews on wood or seems to have something stuck in her mouth, talk to your vet.

Otis keeps whittling at an easy pace, as if the shape in his hands is in no hurry either. Clementine will probably stay right there until the last curl lands, and then offer a very quiet review.

More from this collection

All 39 →
An older man in a knit cardigan sips coffee on weathered porch steps while a calico cat looks up at him.Otis Sat Down With His Coffee. Clementine Looked Up With One Idea.A calico cat sits upright on a breakfast table beside a crossword puzzle while an older man in a cardigan fills in answers.Otis Started the Crossword. Clementine Took the Seat Next to the Clues.
An older man in a green cardigan reads a newspaper on a couch while a calico cat sleeps curled up on his lap.Otis Opened the Newspaper. Clementine Claimed Her Spot on His Lap.An older man in a green cardigan holds a calico cat snugly wrapped in a blanket beside a door with rain outside.Otis Brought Clementine Inside Out of the Rain. The Blanket Did the Rest.A smiling older man in a green cardigan gently brushes the fur of a calico cat on weathered porch steps.Otis Brought the Little Brush Out to the Steps. Clementine Sat Right Down.An older man in a cream cardigan waters garden pots with a metal can while a calico cat watches the spray.Otis Was Watering the Flower Beds. Clementine Couldn't Look Away.