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A silver tabby kitten raises a paw to bat at fallen orange maple leaves next to two large pumpkins in a sunny yard. 3 / 22

The Yard Work Was Going Fine Until a Single Maple Leaf Dared to Flutter

AI imagehalloweenamerican shorthairautumn leaves

Orange maple leaves carpet the yard so thickly that the ground has nearly disappeared, and one small silver tabby is wading right through them. She's lifted a front paw mid-swat, golden eyes fixed on a leaf that dared to flutter, her bold black stripes swirling across a pale silver coat. Two round pumpkins sit beside her, glowing in the low afternoon sun. Behind her, a wicker basket full of leaves, a metal watering can, a coiled hose, and a pair of boots on the porch hint at yard work that's been happily interrupted.

That classic swirled silver tabby coat is closely associated with the American Shorthair, a breed with roots in the working cats that lived on farms and ships in early America, where they were valued for keeping mice in check. Today, American Shorthairs are known for being sturdy, adaptable, and easygoing, generally friendly with families and calm enough to fit into many kinds of homes. They tend to enjoy play without being overly demanding. Because they love their food and can be prone to gaining weight, measured meals and daily play sessions help keep them in good shape throughout their lives.

This kitten clearly hasn't lost any of that old mouse-hunting spirit. Today, though, the only quarry is a very crunchy leaf, and it doesn't stand a chance.

Autumn leaves fall for everyone, but they seem to fall especially for curious kittens.

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