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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. 11 / 39

Otis Started the Crossword. Clementine Took the Seat Next to the Clues.

AI imagecalico catcrosswordbreakfast table

Breakfast is on the table, with toast on a plate and a mug of something warm, and Otis has the crossword open with a pen ready. His cardigan and plaid collar make him look settled in for the long haul. Clementine has taken the seat of honor, sitting upright on the tabletop right next to the puzzle, calico chest bright white, front paws neatly together, amber eyes aimed straight at the camera. A thermos and a dish towel sit on the counter behind her, and soft light fills the kitchen. Nobody has asked her to proofread, but she is clearly on the job.

Many cats love to sit on whatever people are paying attention to, whether that is a newspaper, a laptop, or a puzzle. It is partly warmth and partly the simple desire to be part of the action. If you would like to keep the table clear, a nearby cat bed or a perch by the window gives her somewhere to watch. Crumbs, butter, and bits of toast are worth keeping out of reach, and cream or milk are not good for many cats, so it is best not to share breakfast. Cats also tend to knock small objects off tables out of curiosity, so pens and mugs near the edge deserve a second glance. If your cat seems to be eating things she should not, talk to your vet.

Otis will finish the puzzle eventually, with or without outside help. For now, Clementine sits tall and calm, a small calico editor who has already decided that every clue is easy.

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