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A smiling woman in a denim shirt holds out a small yellow blossom to a crouching fluffy Ragdoll cat on a backyard lawn. 11 / 31

Grandma Nell Held Out a Tiny Flower. Bluebell Dropped Low and Stared.

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Down on the grass, a game is about to begin. Grandma Nell leans in with a wide, delighted smile, holding out a tiny yellow blossom between her fingers. Bluebell crouches low in front of her with her front paws planted and her ears slightly back, the classic pose of a cat deciding exactly when to pounce. Behind them are a wooden fence, potted herbs and a coiled garden hose, all bathed in soft late light.

Some cats do enjoy a version of fetch, and Ragdolls are often said to be playful and willing to join in with their people. The key is to follow the cat's lead: short bursts of play, lightweight toys, and an easy way to end the game when she loses interest. One note about the flower: many common garden plants can upset a cat's stomach, and some, like lilies, are seriously dangerous, so it is best to play with a cat-safe toy rather than let her chew on blooms. Keep an eye on what is growing in your yard, and call your vet if your cat nibbles a plant you are unsure about.

Play is one of the nicest ways to spend time with a pet, and it does not need to be fancy. A small flower, a patch of grass and a patient friend are plenty. Nell looks ready for the chase, and Bluebell looks ready to win it.

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A woman with a gray braid waters a flower bed with a metal can while a blue point Ragdoll cat sits beside her.Nell Started Watering the Flowers. Bluebell Took Over Supervision.A gray-haired woman plays an old upright piano while a fluffy blue point Ragdoll cat sits on the bench beside her.Grandma Nell Sat Down at the Old Piano. Bluebell Jumped Up Beside Her.
A gray-braided woman works on a weathered wooden fence while a Ragdoll cat sits on top holding a thin stick.Nell Went Out to Fix One Loose Fence Board. Bluebell Brought a Stick.A woman in denim stirs dough in a steel bowl by a tray of cookie dough while a Ragdoll cat with flour on her nose watches.A Dusting of Flour, a Tray of Cookies, and Bluebell's Very Serious FaceA smiling woman in denim flips a pancake in a skillet at the stove while a Ragdoll cat sits and watches beside her.Bluebell Sat Perfectly Still While the Pancake Went Up in the AirA smiling gray-braided woman sits in a wooden rocking chair while a fluffy Ragdoll cat sleeps curled on a rug at her feet.Nell Rocked Slowly in Her Chair. Bluebell Had Picked a Very Specific Spot.