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A small orange kitten sits on snowy porch steps trimmed with evergreen garland, looking at the camera with amber eyes. 7 / 23

A Small Red Maine Coon Guards the Snowy Porch Steps

AI imagemaine coonchristmasporch steps

The porch steps are edged with fresh evergreen garland, and a thin layer of snow has settled on every board. Right in the middle sits a small ginger kitten with amber eyes, ears alert, tail curled around his paws. Though he may grow into a big Maine Coon someday, right now he is a compact ball of orange fluff with an expression of mild surprise at all this white.

Maine Coons are one of the largest domestic cat breeds, known for their shaggy coats, tufted ears and gentle, friendly nature. They are often nicknamed gentle giants, and many enjoy cold weather more than other breeds thanks to their thick fur, though a kitten is a different story and still feels the chill much more than an adult.

Any kitten that goes outside in winter needs a little extra care. Keep outings short and watch for shivering, and bring her in to dry off if her coat gets damp. Garland, tinsel and berries can be tempting to chew, and some holiday plants are not safe for cats, so it helps to check what decorates your steps and keep greenery out of nibbling range. Your vet can tell you which plants to avoid.

He doesn't seem worried about any of that. He just sits tall and takes it all in, a very small porch guardian on a very white morning.

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