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An elderly Black man in a cardigan rakes autumn leaves as a seal point Birman leaps across the pile toward him. 14 / 32

Otis Spent All Afternoon Raking the Perfect Leaf Pile. It Lasted Two Seconds.

AI imagebirmanautumn leavesfall yard

Autumn has painted the yard in rust, gold, and amber, and Otis has spent the afternoon raking it all into one glorious, crunchy pile. He had about two seconds to admire his work. Mocha has launched herself across the top of the heap, mid-leap, front paws stretched out, ears forward, and blue eyes blazing with mischief. Leaves are scattering in every direction. Otis, holding his rake with both hands, is grinning like a man who saw this coming and secretly hoped it would happen. A wreath hangs on the front door, and the trees behind them are still dropping more leaves.

Leaf piles are a sensory playground for cats. The crunching sound, the hidden spaces, and the way leaves move when touched all appeal to a cat's love of pouncing and exploring. A few safety notes are worth keeping in mind. Damp leaf piles can grow mold, and some may hide sticks, sharp debris, or insects. Check the area for anything harmful, and avoid letting your cat play in piles near roads. Ticks can also lurk in leaf litter, so a quick check of your cat's fur after outdoor play is a good habit, and your vet can recommend the right parasite prevention for your area.

Otis will probably need to rake that pile one more time, maybe two. But judging by his smile, a little extra raking is a small price for a show like this.

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An elderly Black man in a cream cardigan fills in a crossword at a kitchen table as a seal point Birman sits in front of him.Otis Was One Clue From Finishing the Crossword. Then Mocha Sat Down on It.An elderly Black man in a cable-knit cardigan works on a blue jigsaw puzzle while a seal point Birman sits on a wooden chair.Mocha Got Her Own Chair for Puzzle Day. She Takes the Job Very Seriously.An elderly Black man in a knit cardigan holds a glass of lemonade with a straw as a seal point Birman sits in front.Otis Poured a Glass of Lemonade. Mocha Had Her Eyes on It.An elderly Black man in a knit cardigan holds a seal point Birman up to a window as snow covers the backyard outside.Otis Held Mocha Up to the Window. Her Reaction Was Priceless.