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A smiling older man with a white mustache holds a vanilla ice cream cone while a gray Russian Blue cat licks the top. 2 / 37

Earl Bought a Vanilla Cone to Beat the Heat. He Didn't Get Very Far With It.

AI imagerussian blueice creamsummer

Earl was only trying to cool off with a vanilla cone, but Pewter had other plans. The sleek Russian Blue has stretched up and pressed her nose right into the scoop, sneaking a lick while Earl grins down at her through his white mustache. Fishing lures peek from the clear pocket of his vest, and behind them a cluttered desk holds a blue towel, a basket of yarn, a houseplant, and a calendar pinned to the wall. It is a warm, sleepy afternoon, and the cone is disappearing faster than he planned.

As cute as this moment is, ice cream is not a great treat for cats. Many adult cats do not digest lactose well, and dairy can lead to an upset stomach or diarrhea. Ice cream is also high in sugar and fat, which cats do not need, and some flavors, like chocolate or anything with xylitol, are dangerous for pets. A single tiny lick of plain vanilla is unlikely to cause trouble for most cats, but it is best not to make a habit of it. If your cat loves cold treats on hot days, a small amount of a cat-specific frozen treat or a few ice chips in her water bowl can be a safer way to share the fun. Ask your vet if you are unsure.

Earl does not seem too upset about sharing. After all, there is something to be said for splitting dessert with a friend who has such good taste.

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