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A small black kitten with golden eyes peeks out of the open top of a large carved jack-o'-lantern on a porch step. 19 / 23

Someone Lifted the Lid Off the Jack-o'-Lantern and Found a New Resident

AI imagehalloweenblack kittenjack-o-lantern

The lid has been lifted off this jack-o'-lantern, but instead of a candle, something much better has moved in. A tiny black kitten sits inside the hollowed-out pumpkin, her head and shoulders popping up through the top. Her golden eyes are round and serious, her ears are pricked, and a few stray seeds cling to the inside walls around her. The carved face below, with its triangle eyes and jagged grin, now looks like it's smiling about its new resident. A plaid blanket, garden gloves, pots of orange flowers, and more pumpkins fill the porch behind her.

Cats are famous for squeezing into boxes, baskets, sinks, and, apparently, pumpkins. Small enclosed spaces help a cat feel secure, since walls on every side mean fewer directions to watch for danger. They also hold body heat, which is especially appealing for little kittens. Offering a few cozy hideaways around the house, like a covered bed or a cardboard box with a blanket inside, can help cats feel calm, especially during noisy, busy times like holidays. If your kitten does climb into a carved pumpkin, keep it short and supervised, make sure no candle has been lit inside, and wipe her paws afterward.

This little one looks very pleased with her discovery. It's the right size, the right shape, and perfectly in season.

Some pumpkins hold candles. This one holds something that glows in a different way.

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