The Candy Bowl Is Ready for Trick-or-Treaters, and a Tiny Guard Has Taken Up Post

The candy bowl is filled and ready for trick-or-treaters, and a tiny guard has taken up a post beside it. A seal point Birman kitten sits on a fluffy cream rug next to a clear glass bowl heaped with shiny wrapped candies in orange, purple, and gold foil. Its dark brown ears and face mask frame a pair of bright blue eyes, and its little white paws, the Birman's famous gloves, are tucked neatly in front. The kitten studies the bowl with polite curiosity. Behind it, the front door is open to the night, with a coat hanging on a hook, sneakers by the wall, and a lamp glowing warmly.

Birmans are gentle, affectionate cats, and Birman kittens are usually sweet and social. Even so, Halloween candy is not something any pet should get into. Chocolate is toxic to cats as well as dogs, and shiny, crinkly wrappers are especially tempting for kittens to bat around and chew, which can lead to choking or blockages. Keep candy bowls in a closed cabinet or on a high shelf, and pick up any dropped wrappers. With the front door opening often on Halloween night, it is also safest to keep kittens in a quiet, closed room until the visitors are done.

This little doorkeeper seems far more interested in the sparkle of the wrappers than the treats inside. The trick-or-treaters will get the candy, and everyone in the house will get the joy of this sweet face.