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A tortoiseshell kitten crouches in a pile of orange maple leaves beside large pumpkins on a driveway. 8 / 21

A Tortoiseshell Kitten Crouched in the Leaves, Ready to Strike

AI imagetortoiseshell kittenhalloweenautumn leaves

Crouched low in a heap of maple leaves, a tortoiseshell kitten fixes her gaze on something just out of sight. Her coat is a lovely swirl of black, rust and gold, with a dark tail and paws that almost vanish into the shadows between the leaves. Large pumpkins sit behind her, a doorway looms at the back and the whole scene glows in tones of orange.

Cats in a crouch like this are practicing the hunting skills that live inside every kitten. Stalking, pouncing and swatting are natural play, and a pile of crunchy leaves is the perfect setting. You can encourage that play with a wand toy or a ball, giving your kitten a safe outlet. It helps to avoid using your hands as toys, so she learns to pounce on the right things.

Tortoiseshell cats are sometimes said to have a lot of personality, a trait fans call tortitude. It's not science, but many owners enjoy the idea that these multicolored cats are bold and spirited. In reality, each cat's temperament comes from her own genes and experiences. Whatever the coat, a kitten benefits from gentle handling, steady routines and plenty of play.

This one has a plan, and the leaves are in trouble. A short sprint and a leap are surely just ahead. The orange pumpkins are only the audience, and the leaves are the stage.

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