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A spotted brown Bengal cat sits on a driveway at dusk next to a hay bale maze and a pile of small pumpkins. 20 / 21

A Bengal Cat Sits at the Door of a Hay Bale Maze at Dusk

AI imagebengalhay mazehalloween dusk

Dusk is settling, and a spotted brown Bengal sits beside the hay maze, his side turned and his chin lifted as if he has just heard something inside. The bales are stacked into a little tunnel, straw scattered across the pavement, with a tidy cluster of pumpkins and gourds at the corner. The porch light is on, and the evening is starting to glow.

His rosetted coat is rich gold and chestnut, his green eyes are alert, and every muscle looks ready to leap. Behind him, a house with a wreath-lined porch and a pot of orange mums sets the autumn scene. We'll call him Cheetah. The maze is made for exploring, and he certainly intends to.

Bengals descend from crosses with wild Asian leopard cats, but today's pet Bengals are fully domestic. They are active, bright, and very curious, with a love of climbing and tunnels, so a hay maze is practically an invitation. They need plenty of play every day, along with puzzle toys and tall perches. If you let your cat explore hay or straw, check it first, since dust, mold, and pesticides can bother noses and lungs, and straw ends can irritate eyes. Dry hay is also a fire risk near candles and lights, so keep real flames away. Keep him on a harness outdoors and bring him in before trick-or-treaters arrive.

Cheetah listens a moment longer, then settles back, content to let the maze keep its secrets for now.

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