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A small ginger tabby kitten with big amber eyes sits on a wooden porch under strings of orange lights at dusk. 3 / 25

Marmalade Sat Beneath the Porch Lights Like Something Was Coming

AI imagered tabbyexotic shorthairstring lights

Strings of orange bulbs glow along the porch beam as the evening turns blue, and underneath them sits a small red tabby kitten with enormous amber eyes. Her coat is a warm ginger striped with darker bands, and her little paws are tucked neatly in front of her. A planter of rusty chrysanthemums and a handful of mini pumpkins line the edge of the porch, with a few dry leaves scattered across the boards. Call her Marmalade. She looks like she is waiting for something wonderful to happen.

Exotic Shorthairs, with their round faces, short noses, and plush coats, are often described as a quieter, easygoing cousin of the Persian. They tend to enjoy sitting near their people and are usually content with gentle play rather than constant acrobatics. Their short coat is easier to keep up than a long one, though a weekly brushing helps with shedding. Flat-faced cats can sometimes have watery eyes, so a soft damp cloth wiped gently around the face is a common part of their routine, and your vet can tell you what is normal for your particular cat.

String lights deserve a note too. They look magical, but the cords are tempting to chew, and a kitten that bites a live wire can be badly hurt. Keep strands tucked out of reach, use covered outdoor-rated cords, and unplug them when no one is around to watch. Putting the lights up high, like these along the beam, keeps them away from curious paws.

Marmalade, meanwhile, is happy to just sit and soak up the glow. It is a very good seat for a very good night.

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