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A tortoiseshell kitten looks out from the carved mouth and eye of a large orange jack-o'-lantern sitting on the ground. 6 / 25

Someone Carved a Pumpkin Face, and a Tiny Tortie Moved Right In

AI imagetortoiseshell kittenjack-o'-lanternhalloween

Somebody carved this jack-o'-lantern with a big jagged smile, and somebody else has moved in. A tortoiseshell kitten, with swirls of black and amber in her coat and two bright golden eyes, peers out through the opening, her ears just clearing the rim. The pumpkin sits in the garden bed with dry leaves piled around it, and warm afternoon sun lights the orange skin. We'll call her Ember, and she appears to have claimed the best seat in the yard.

Tortoiseshell cats are famous for their patchwork coats, and almost all of them are female, which comes down to how coat color genes are carried. Fans of the pattern often talk about their strong personalities, sometimes nicknamed tortitude, though every cat is an individual. Whatever the case, a curious kitten in a hollow pumpkin is on-brand for any cat, because enclosed spaces feel safe and cozy.

A pumpkin can be a fine hideout during the day, but a few cautions apply. Never put a lit candle inside a pumpkin that a pet can reach, since a curious paw or swishing tail can tip it, and a kitten could get burned. Battery-powered flameless lights are a far safer choice for homes with animals. Also keep an eye on pumpkin that has been carved for a few days, because it can get moldy and a nibbling kitten may end up with an upset stomach. Plain, fresh pumpkin flesh is not harmful in small amounts, but your vet is the best source on what is okay for your pet.

Ember looks perfectly pleased with her new lantern home. The carved grin may be the scariest part of the whole scene, and even that looks friendly with her inside.

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