Someone Raked the Leaves Onto the Porch. A Black Kitten Found Them First.
Crunch, crunch, pounce. A small black kitten with big bat-like ears and a soft, slightly wavy coat is tumbling through a drift of orange and brown leaves on the front porch. One paw is stretched out mid-swat, the other tucked beneath her, and her golden eyes are locked onto the next leaf she plans to attack. Two plump orange pumpkins sit beside the pile, while a pair of rubber boots, a doormat, a cardboard box of pinecones and a pair of gardening gloves crowd the step. A porch light glows softly above the door as evening falls.
That curly, almost crimped fur and those oversized ears are hallmarks of the Devon Rex, a breed known for its pixie-like look and playful, people-loving personality. Their coat is short and fine, so they can feel the cold more than some cats and often seek out warm laps and sunny spots. Black cats, meanwhile, are sometimes linked with Halloween superstitions, and many shelters and rescues take extra care around this time of year. Keeping cats of any color indoors on Halloween night is a good precaution against fright, escapes and mischief.
Right now, though, this little one is only interested in leaves. Every rustle is a challenge, and she plans to win every single one. When the leaves finally stop moving, a warm lap will be waiting for her indoors.
