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A woman reaches for an apple on a tree while a tortoiseshell cat sniffs the red apples lying on the ground. 13 / 27

Grandma Reached for a Ripe Apple While Maple Inspected the Ground

AI imagetortoiseshell catapple orchardautumn

Grandma stretches one arm up into the branches of an orchard tree, her cream cardigan pulling a little as she reaches for a ripe red apple. Her gray hair is pinned back, and a small wicker basket already holds a few of the day's best. Down on the ground, Maple the tortoiseshell cat has her nose low among the windfalls, her patched coat of black and copper nearly blending with the leaves. Red apples lie scattered all around her, and the orchard glows soft and golden in the afternoon light. Every so often an apple thumps softly onto the grass, and she flicks an ear.

An orchard is a rich place for a curious cat, full of smells, rustling leaves, and small things to investigate. It is wise to keep an eye on what she nibbles, though. Apple seeds and fruit that has begun to ferment are not good for pets, and fallen fruit can attract wasps. Keep her away from any sprayed trees or fertilizers, and check her coat for burrs and ticks afterward. If you are ever unsure whether something is safe for her, your vet is the best person to ask.

Maple is clearly doing important inspection work down below. Grandma picks the high ones, and the cat takes care of the low ones. Between them the orchard is well covered.

The basket will fill soon enough.

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