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A small black kitten sleeps curled up on porch boards next to a scarecrow wearing a plaid shirt and straw hat. 20 / 21

A Black Kitten Fell Asleep Right Next to the Porch Scarecrow

AI imageblack kittenhalloweenscarecrow

On the weathered porch boards, a small black kitten is curled into a tight ball, sound asleep next to a patched, plaid-shirted scarecrow. The scarecrow leans on the railing in his straw hat with a faint painted smile, while a lantern glows warmly behind him. Mums, pumpkins, and a pair of work boots crowd the porch, and a screen door and a few jackets hang along the wall.

Black cats often get left behind in shelters, and the myth that they are unlucky still hangs on in some places. Some shelters have special adoption events in October, and many also pause black-cat adoptions around Halloween out of concern for the animals' safety. If you're thinking of adding a cat to the family, a calm time of the year is usually best, and your local shelter can advise.

Kittens nap a lot, and a quiet spot is important. A porch with a scarecrow looks sweet, but make sure there are no loose straw bits or small decorations she could chew on. Mums in particular can upset a cat's stomach. This sleeper looks safe and snug, her tail curled over her nose, and the scarecrow looks pleased to have such a quiet guest. It's a peaceful picture of an October afternoon. Soon enough, the neighborhood will be full of costumes and laughter, but for now the porch belongs to the napper and her straw-stuffed friend.

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