A Black Kitten and a Steaming Mug Stared Each Other Down
On a wooden coffee table, a small black kitten stares at a mug of hot cocoa with the intensity of a detective studying a clue. Her green-gold eyes follow the marshmallows, her ears are alert and her tiny paws are planted close together. A few pine cones lie on the table and a knitted throw is draped over the couch behind her, all lit by soft winter light.
Maine Coons are one of the largest domestic cat breeds, but as kittens they are just fluffy and playful. They are known as gentle, sociable cats that often enjoy water and interactive play, and they take a few years to reach full size. Hot drinks are a hazard for curious kittens: a bump of the mug can mean a burn or a spill, and chocolate and some sweeteners are toxic to cats, so keep mugs away from table edges and cover them if you leave the room. A kitten who loves tabletops can be steered toward a cat tree or a sturdy window perch where she can watch the action safely.
For now, the cocoa is steaming, the marshmallows are slowly melting and the kitten is waiting patiently with her own sense of drama. It is a cozy evening and the most polite thing in the room is a small black shadow.
