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An older man in a knit cardigan sips coffee on weathered porch steps while a calico cat looks up at him. 10 / 39

Otis Sat Down With His Coffee. Clementine Looked Up With One Idea.

AI imagecalico catmorning coffeeporch steps

Morning on the front steps starts with a warm mug, and Otis holds his in both hands, glasses low, eyes on the steaming cup. His chunky knit cardigan looks well worn in all the right ways. A pair of sneakers sits on the step above, a shopping bag leans against the wall, and fallen leaves are scattered across the boards and the grass. Clementine has climbed up next to him and turned her whole face toward his, calico fur bright in the early light, ears pointed, amber eyes fixed as if she is waiting for him to say something or at least to share the view.

Cats often watch their people intently in the morning, because they have figured out the routine. Coffee, steps, and quiet usually mean breakfast is near, and a cat who stares is often saying she is ready. Caffeine, however, is not safe for cats, so hot drinks and coffee grounds should stay out of her reach, and a spilled mug is worth wiping up right away. Tea bags, cream, and sweetened drinks are not meant for her either. If she wants something to do while you drink, a small bowl of fresh water or a few minutes with a toy is a good alternative. Watching from the steps also gives her a chance to take in birds, passing neighbors, and weather, which many cats find as interesting as television.

Otis takes another slow sip and lets Clementine have the staring contest. Neither of them seems to mind that nothing much is happening, which is exactly why the morning is so nice.

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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.An older man in a cream cardigan reads from an open book on a sofa while a calico cat sits beside him, listening.Otis Started a New Chapter Out Loud. Clementine Listened to Every Word.