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An older woman picks apples from a tree in a misty orchard while a ruddy Abyssinian cat sniffs red apples on the grass. 18 / 34

Grandma Picked Apples in the Misty Orchard. Saffron Took a Different Job.

AI imageabyssinian catapple orchardautumn

Mist hangs low between the rows of apple trees, and the grass is scattered with fruit that fell overnight. Grandma Ruth reaches up into the branches in her green quilted vest and gray sweater, white hair caught in a loose bun, picking the ripest apples one by one. A wicker basket and a wooden crate already brimming with red fruit sit behind her. Saffron, meanwhile, has taken charge of quality control on the ground. Nose down, ears forward, he is sniffing his way from one rosy apple to the next, whiskers brushing the skins, as serious as any inspector.

A cat's nose is a remarkable tool, and sniffing is one of the main ways cats explore new places. An orchard full of fallen fruit, leaves, and wildlife trails is a feast of interesting scents. Still, it pays to keep an eye on what gets nibbled. Apple flesh in small amounts is not generally considered harmful, but the seeds, stems, and leaves are best avoided, and rotting fruit can grow molds that may upset a stomach. Cats are carnivores and do not need fruit in their diets anyway. If you bring a cat to an orchard, a harness and leash and a quick paw and fur check afterward for burrs or ticks are good habits.

By the time the basket is full, Saffron will have personally approved every apple on the ground. Ruth may not need his help, but she would never turn down such a dedicated assistant.

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