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A woman with a hammer repairs a wooden fence while a gray tabby holds a stick and a tortoiseshell cat looks up. 27 / 27

A Stick-Carrying Tabby Offers Grandma Help With the Garden Fence

AI imagetortoiseshell catfence repairgarden helpers

Grandma kneels in the garden beside a weathered wooden fence, a small hammer raised in one hand and a look of calm determination on her face. A blue bucket of tools and a clay pot of dried stems sit at her side, and a canvas bag and a pair of gloves lie in the dirt. Nearby, a big gray tabby cat sits with a stick clamped proudly in his mouth, like an assistant who has brought the wrong tool. Maple the tortoiseshell cat gazes up at him, her whiskers forward and her eyes full of interest. A faint breeze moves the dry leaves around them.

Cats are natural hunters, and a stick or twig can become a favorite toy. If your cat likes to carry sticks, make sure they are not splintery or small enough to swallow, and keep an eye on her while she plays. Garden tools, nails, and screws should be stored safely, since cats can step on or swallow small hardware. Check the garden for chemicals and sharp objects before letting a cat roam, and ask your vet about any outdoor safety concerns.

The fence will get fixed eventually, and the helpers are doing their best. The tabby seems very proud of his contribution. Maple, as ever, is watching. Teamwork is a generous word for it, but the spirit is there.

Every project goes faster with assistants.

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