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A grandmother rakes leaves while a blue point Siamese cat leaps toward the pile in front of a porch. 20 / 20

Ruth Raked the Perfect Pile. Misty Saw It and Took Off.

AI imagesiameseautumn leavesraking

Ruth has only just gathered the pile when Misty takes off. In midair, the blue point Siamese stretches out with front paws reaching and tail trailing, aimed squarely at the heap of orange and brown leaves. Grandma Ruth watches from the side, rake in hand, her green vest and plaid shirt perfect for the crisp evening. A porch light glows warmly over the green door, and a pot of orange mums sits by the steps, with fall colors everywhere else.

A leaf pile is a cat playground, with its crunch, scent and surprise. Leaping in is natural play, and it lets cats use their athletic bodies. Still, a few safety notes apply. Check the pile for sharp objects, and watch for burrs, thorns and mold, which can cling to fur or irritate skin and noses. Fall is also the season when pets pick up ticks and other pests in leafy areas, so a check afterward is wise. Some autumn plants and mushrooms are poisonous, so keep her from nibbling. Supervised outdoor time or a harness keeps adventures safe, and a brush at home clears the fur of any twigs and bits.

Ruth leans on her rake and grins. The pile she worked so hard on is about to be rearranged, and she doesn't mind one bit. The work will be redone, the leaves will go back into place and there will be another leap. For now, the best part of autumn is happening right in front of her, in the fading light.

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