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A man in an olive cardigan plants a seedling in garden soil while a gray cat digs a hole beside him. 26 / 31

Grandpa Planted Tomatoes While Pebble Dug a Hole of Her Own

AI imageexotic shorthairgardeningtomatoes

Grandpa kneels in a garden bed, pressing a young tomato seedling into the dark soil with careful hands. Pebble crouches right beside him, her round gray face frowning with concentration as she digs a hole of her own. Wooden stakes, a green watering can, and a pair of gloves sit behind them, and a fence frames the quiet yard.

Dirt has gathered under her paws, and a leafy herb grows next to her. Grandpa's olive cardigan and glasses give him a calm, patient air, and he does not seem to mind the competition.

Digging is a natural cat behavior, especially in loose garden soil, which is why many cats treat a freshly turned bed like a litter box. A fenced area, a sandbox of her own, or cat-safe plants like grass can redirect her. In the garden, keep her away from fertilizers, cocoa mulch, slug bait, and certain plants, since many are harmful to cats, including lilies, which can be especially dangerous. Tomato plants themselves can upset a cat's stomach if nibbled. Wash her paws afterward and check her coat. If she eats something unsafe, call your vet right away.

The tomatoes will grow tall by summer, and Pebble will take full credit for helping prepare the soil. A quiet garden is always better with a helper, even a messy one.

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