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A laughing grandmother pets a large tabby Maine Coon next to a plate of eggs, avocado and toast on a patio table. 14 / 36

Breakfast on the Patio Came With a Side of Maine Coon Cuddles

AI imagemaine coonbreakfastpatio

Breakfast is served on the sunny patio, and Maple has pressed in for her morning scratch. Nora laughs as she rubs the big tabby behind the ears, her face crinkling and her cardigan bright in the sun. On the table sit a plate of scrambled eggs with avocado and cherry tomatoes, a slice of buttered toast, a fork and a glass of water. Maple leans into the petting with her eyes half closed and ears turned back, as relaxed as a cat can be. Potted herbs and flowering plants line the sunny wall behind them.

Many cats show affection by leaning their heads and bodies into your hand, a behavior sometimes called bunting. It spreads their scent, which tells other cats, and themselves, that you belong to them. A slow blink can also mean trust. Breakfast can be tricky, though, since some people foods are unsafe for cats. Avocado, onions, garlic and chocolate should never be offered, and rich foods such as buttered toast can upset a stomach. Fresh water and her own meal are a better choice. Keep plates out of reach while you eat, and, if your cat has a medical condition, talk to your vet about what treats are appropriate.

Nora keeps one hand free for the cat and one for the fork, a balance learned over years. The morning is bright, the plates are full and the company is purring. She has nowhere to hurry to. A good breakfast might be half food, half affection, and this one comes with plenty of both.

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