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A red tabby Exotic Shorthair cat wears a black pirate hat, eye patch, and jacket on a lawn covered in autumn leaves. 3 / 21

A Red Tabby Cat Takes Command in a Tiny Pirate Costume

AI imageexotic shorthairpirate costumehalloween

Ahoy, matey. A round-faced red tabby sits on a grassy lawn in a tiny black pirate outfit, complete with a tricorn hat, an eye patch, and a buttoned jacket. His one visible amber eye gazes off toward the horizon, and his flat little face wears an expression of calm authority. Orange fall leaves are scattered around his paws, as if he has just landed on a treasure island.

Behind him, pots of orange mums and a few small pumpkins line the edge of a patio, and a wooden fence stretches along the yard. The sky is soft and overcast, a perfect autumn day. We'll call him Captain Marmalade. He has clearly commanded his ship for years and has no plans to explain himself.

Exotic Shorthairs are sometimes described as the lazy cousin of the Persian: they have the same sweet, flat face, but a shorter coat that is easier to care for. They are typically gentle, quiet, and affectionate, and they enjoy being near their people. Because of their short noses, their eyes can water, so it helps to wipe the corners gently with a soft, damp cloth, and your vet can offer tips. For costumes, a snug eye patch is a poor idea for most cats, since it can block vision or bother the eye, so use it only briefly, for a photo, and under watchful eyes. Make sure any outfit allows free movement, and take it off promptly when the pose is over.

Captain Marmalade holds the pose a moment longer, steady and serious, and then it's back to the couch for him.

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