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A grandmother in glasses plays checkers on a porch table while a large tabby Maine Coon rests a paw on the board. 34 / 36

Nora Planned Her Next Checker Move While Maple Judged From Across

AI imagemaine cooncheckersporch

Red and black pieces sit in neat rows on the checkerboard, and Nora has just made her move. She studies the board through her glasses with a quiet, pleased smile, one hand reaching into the game. Across the table, Maple the Maine Coon rests her chin and one paw on the edge of the board, her golden eyes narrowed in concentration. She looks every bit like a rival who has seen this strategy before. Behind them, the porch posts, a flowerpot of red blooms and a patio stretch out in the afternoon light.

Board games are a great way to keep the mind active, and they can be even more fun with a pet in the room. Cats cannot play checkers, of course, but they love sitting where their people are busy, and a table with pieces moving across it can attract their attention. Keep small game pieces out of reach, since cats can bat, chew or swallow them. If she gets too interested, offer a toy on a string to channel her energy. Maine Coons are intelligent and sociable, and many enjoy being part of whatever is going on. A good routine of play, attention and rest keeps a cat content.

Nora taps a checker and pauses, deciding. Maple's tail flicks once. The afternoon is slow and the game is slower, and neither player minds. Winning is not really the point here. The point is the company and the quiet challenge, and the feeling that a good move might still be coming.

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