Every Head Was Bowed for Grace. Every Head but One.
Around the table, every head is bowed and every pair of hands is folded. Every pair, that is, except one set of tiny paws. A ruddy Abyssinian kitten sits at the edge of the Thanksgiving table, big ears up, golden eyes turned sideways toward a dish of butter, a basket of dinner rolls, and a bowl of mashed potatoes. Behind him, four family members give thanks with closed eyes: a young woman in a gray sweater, a young man in green, an older woman in a red cardigan, and a gray-haired man in plaid. Glasses of ice water, cranberry sauce, and green beans complete the scene.
Butter, gravy, and other fatty holiday foods might look tempting to a kitten, but they're best kept on human plates. Rich, greasy foods can cause stomach upset, and in some pets, a sudden high-fat meal may contribute to more serious digestive problems. Kittens also have small bodies, so even a few licks of something salty or seasoned add up quickly. A good holiday strategy is to feed your cat a normal meal just before dinner so they're less hungry and less likely to beg or steal. Keeping dishes toward the center of the table, away from the edge, also helps reduce temptation.
In fairness, this kitten is showing some admirable restraint for the moment. He's just giving thanks in his own way, mostly for the butter.
