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A brown tabby American Shorthair and a tortoise sit among young plants in a raised vegetable bed with a glowing lantern. 22 / 33

A Brown Tabby and a Tortoise Toured the Garden at Their Own Pace

AI imageamerican shorthairtortoisevegetable garden

A string of lights glows over the fence, and the vegetable garden below is green and neat. A brown tabby American Shorthair sits among the raised beds with his eyes turned to the side and his ears relaxed. Next to him, Moss the tortoise plods across the soil with his head low and his shell dusted with earth. Tomato seedlings, lettuce and herbs fill the beds, and a blue watering can rests nearby.

A vegetable garden is full of interesting things for pets, but a few plants can cause harm. Tomato leaves and stems, onions, garlic and chives are not good for cats and dogs, and many garden chemicals and fertilizers are harmful too. Tortoises can enjoy certain greens, but they should have a diet suited to their species, so talk to your vet about the right plants to offer. American Shorthairs are sturdy, adaptable cats who often enjoy a calm stroll in the yard. A fenced, supervised garden is a safe way to let pets explore and enjoy the fresh air.

The two garden visitors look entirely relaxed. The cat inspects the plants, and the tortoise keeps a steady pace. It is a quiet evening in the garden, and the lights glow softly over them. Eventually the lantern will be the brightest thing in the yard, and the two of them will head in, one fast and one slow.

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