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Elderly couple in the backyard with an orange cat crouched low near a bright orange ball bouncing on the grass 26 / 33

Harold Tossed the Ball Across the Lawn. Toffee Beat It There Anyway.

AI imageexotic shorthairfetchbackyard

A bright orange ball skitters across the lawn, and Toffee has locked on to it like a tiny orange missile. His round face is tipped down, his shoulders are low and a front paw is already reaching. Behind him, Harold and Bev stand side by side in their cream sweaters, Harold with his hand still in the air from the throw and Bev laughing. The fence, the dusk-lit grass and the potted plants behind them make a quiet little stadium for a game of backyard fetch. A scuff of dirt on the grass shows where he has already skidded through a few times today.

Some cats love to fetch, and many do it without being taught. Short, playful bursts that copy the chase, pounce and catch routine of hunting are great exercise, especially for indoor cats and for stockier breeds like the Exotic Shorthair, which can gain weight if they do not move enough. Pick a ball that is too big to swallow, keep sessions brief, and stop before your cat gets tired or overheated. Always play in a fenced or enclosed area, since a cat chasing a ball can bolt toward danger in a flash. Rewarding with a gentle pet or a small treat keeps the game fun for everyone.

Harold's throwing arm may be a little rusty, but Toffee is never disappointed. A round ball and a good run is all he needs.

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