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A tiny cream kitten sits beside a glass bowl of wrapped candy near an open front door with a carved pumpkin behind. 1 / 25

The Doorbell Hadn't Rung Yet. The Kitten Was Already On Duty.

AI imagecream kittenhalloweencandy bowl

The front door is propped open, a few autumn leaves have blown across the entryway, and a tiny cream kitten has parked herself right beside the candy bowl as if she were hired for the job. Let's call her Pudding. Her round face is turned toward the porch, ears pricked, watching for the first trick-or-treater. A jack-o'-lantern glows orange in the corner, and a pile of boots and a canvas bag give the entry that busy, lived-in Halloween-night feel.

A few candies have already escaped the bowl and sit scattered on the floor, which brings up a point worth remembering for any home with pets. Chocolate is toxic to cats and dogs, and the wrappers can be just as risky, since foil and cellophane can cause trouble if swallowed. Sugar-free sweets are not a safe swap either, because some contain sweeteners that are dangerous to pets. The easy fix is to keep the bowl up high or behind a closed door, and to sweep up strays right away. If your pet does swallow something questionable, call your vet.

Kittens are naturally curious about anything that crinkles, rolls, or shines, so a bowl of shiny candy is basically a toy chest. Giving her a few safe things to bat around, like a crumpled paper ball or a feather wand, keeps her attention off the treats. A cozy spot near the door, away from the foot traffic, also helps nervous little ones feel comfortable when the doorbell keeps ringing.

For now, Pudding seems content to sit and supervise. The pumpkin flickers, the leaves rustle, and the night is just getting started.

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