A Tabby Kitten Showed Up Right After the Pumpkin Carving Was Done

Nose down and ears tilted, a brown tabby kitten investigates a table covered in pumpkin seeds, orange strings of pumpkin pulp, and chunks of fresh pumpkin. A half-carved jack-o'-lantern sits in the corner, crumpled paper towels are scattered nearby, and the kitchen behind her is full of everyday clutter, from mugs to cooking tools. She is inspecting the whole scene with great, tiny seriousness.

Kittens explore with their noses, so a table full of new smells is irresistible. Plain pumpkin is generally not harmful to cats, and many vets use it in small amounts to help with digestion, but a kitten should not nibble on pulp and seeds without a vet's advice. Carving tools such as knives and scoops can cause injuries, and spices or seasoning on roasted seeds are not suitable for pets.

The best approach is to keep a kitten out of the room while carving. Clean up scraps quickly, wipe the table, and throw away anything that could be chewed. A kitten who loves the kitchen can be given a safe alternative, such as a cat tree or a puzzle feeder in another room. If your kitten has eaten something that worries you, call your vet.

For now, this curious tabby is happy to look and sniff. The table is a land of tiny discoveries, and she is the first explorer to arrive.