Browse ›
A cinnamon Abyssinian cat sleeps on sunny porch boards beside a straw scarecrow in a plaid shirt and a jack-o'-lantern. 8 / 23

A Friendly Scarecrow Sat on the Porch, and Someone Curled Up Right Beside It

AI imageabyssinian cathalloweenscarecrow

A friendly scarecrow sits on the porch in a floppy straw hat and a plaid flannel shirt, its painted face smiling and straw hands resting in its lap. Curled up right beside it on the warm wooden boards, a cinnamon Abyssinian is fast asleep, chin tucked against the floor, eyes shut tight, and one ear turned toward the scarecrow as if listening to a bedtime story. Golden afternoon light washes over everything: dried corn stalks, ears of colorful corn, a carved jack-o'-lantern with a crooked grin, and a pot of yellow mums by the steps.

As autumn days get shorter and cooler, many cats change their habits. They often seek out sunny spots and warm surfaces more, and some grow a slightly thicker coat or seem a bit hungrier. Cooler weather can also make stiffness more noticeable in older cats. Signs of joint discomfort include hesitating before jumping, sleeping more, grooming less along the back, or having trouble getting into the litter box. Soft, warm beds placed in sunny areas, low-sided litter boxes, and steps up to favorite perches can make a real difference. If you notice your cat slowing down, it is worth talking to your vet.

For this Abyssinian, though, the only plan for the afternoon is a long, sunny nap. With a scarecrow standing guard, nothing is going to disturb this peaceful porch.

More from this collection

All 23 →
A long-haired white cat with golden eyes sits on a front step next to a glowing carved jack-o'-lantern at dusk.The Jack-o'-Lantern Lit Up at Dusk, and a White Persian Sat Down Right Next to ItAn orange tabby cat crouches in a pile of brown and orange autumn leaves on an entryway floor beside several pumpkins.Someone Brought the Autumn Leaves Indoors, and the Orange Tabby Couldn't Be Happier
A long-haired orange cat sits on a front doorstep wearing a plush orange pumpkin costume with a green stem hat.Of All the Pumpkins on This Porch, One Is Clearly Everyone's FavoriteA pale snow Bengal cat with blue eyes lies in autumn leaves wearing a fuzzy yellow and black bumblebee costume with antennae.Buzz Buzz. The Fuzziest Bumblebee in the Neighborhood Is Lying in the Leaves.A cream Exotic Shorthair cat with copper eyes wears small black bat wings on a blue porch decorated with jack-o'-lanterns.The Smallest Vampire Bat in Town Is Sitting on a Blue Porch, Ready for the NightA cream Exotic Shorthair cat sits upright in a wooden wagon filled with small orange and white pumpkins in a living room.The Wagon Was Loaded With Mini Pumpkins. Then Someone Climbed In and Wouldn't Leave.