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A red tabby Exotic Shorthair kitten with a flat face sits on a floor mat beside a glass bowl of wrapped candy. 1 / 21

Waiting by the Candy Bowl Was a Red Tabby Kitten With a Very Round Face

AI imageexotic shorthairhalloweencandy bowl

Doorbell season has begun, and a red tabby Exotic Shorthair kitten is waiting beside the candy bowl with a look of pure concentration. Her round, flat face is turned toward the side, her copper eyes wide, and her little paws are neatly planted on the floor mat. The bowl next to her overflows with wrapped candy in red, gold, and blue, and a small pumpkin and a pair of shoes sit near the open door behind her.

Exotic Shorthairs are often described as the short-haired cousin of the Persian, with the same sweet, pushed-in face and a coat that needs far less grooming. That flat face means they can have narrow tear ducts, so wiping around the eyes gently with a soft, damp cloth is a common part of their care. Because of their short noses, they can also overheat easily, so keep them cool and calm during busy evenings like Halloween.

Candy is the real concern tonight. Chocolate and sugar-free sweets can be harmful to pets, and crinkly wrappers are tempting to chew. Put the bowl up high, or keep it on a counter until the first knock. If a kitten manages to swallow any candy or wrapper, call your vet promptly. Meanwhile, this kitten sits like a little guard dog, even if she's far more likely to purr than bark. She seems perfectly happy to watch the bowl and the door, and to wait for whatever the evening brings.

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