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Elderly couple whittling wood on a porch bench as curled shavings fall to the boards beside a watchful orange cat 15 / 33

The Wood Shavings Kept Falling. Toffee Kept a Very Careful Count.

AI imageexotic shorthairwhittlingporch

Curly pale shavings are piling up on the porch boards, and the late-day light makes every one of them glow. Harold grips his little block of wood and pocketknife with practiced care, eyes narrowed in concentration, while Bev sits just behind him carving her own piece with a calm, steady hand. Both wear their matching cream sweaters, a little dusted with wood. In the foreground, Toffee sits square and solid on the porch, his gaze fixed sideways toward the curls of wood scattered around his paws. He looks as if he is deciding whether those shavings count as toys, and he has not ruled it out.

Wood shavings are tempting to cats because they are light, crinkly and roll when batted, but they are not ideal playthings. Small splinters can poke paws or mouths, and some wood finishes, stains and varnishes can be harmful if licked or chewed. Sharp tools are an obvious hazard as well. If you enjoy hobbies like whittling, woodworking or crafting with a cat nearby, keep blades and finishes put away when not in use, and sweep up scraps once you are done. Offering a safe alternative, like a crinkle ball or a feather wand, gives a curious cat something to pounce on without the risks. Watching quietly, as Toffee does, is the best role a cat can play at the workbench.

Before long there may be a small carved cat on the porch railing. Toffee has certainly been sitting still enough to model for it.

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