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Silver tabby Scottish Fold cat with dirt on its nose sitting next to a freshly dug hole in a garden bed, looking up. 27 / 37

A Fresh Hole Showed Up in the Garden. One Little Nose Gives It Away.

AI imagescottish foldcaught in the actgarden

Out in the vegetable garden, a brand-new hole has appeared in the soft, dark soil, with a tidy mound of dirt piled up beside it. Seated at the edge of the excavation is a silver tabby Scottish Fold with gleaming yellow eyes turned skyward, folded ears tucked flat, and a muddy smudge on the nose and chin that gives the whole game away. A few crumbs of earth cling to the striped chest fur. The expression is wide-eyed and innocent, as if moles were obviously to blame.

Digging is a natural instinct for cats. They dig to bury waste, to investigate interesting smells, and sometimes just because loose soil feels good under their paws. Freshly turned garden beds look a lot like a giant litter box, which is why gardeners often find cats exploring them. If your cat spends time in the garden, it is worth keeping an eye on what is growing and what has been applied. Some plants, including lilies, are very toxic to cats, and certain fertilizers, slug baits, and pest treatments can be dangerous too. Choosing pet-safe products and covering seed beds with mesh or chicken wire can protect both the plants and the cat.

The tomato seedlings may have to be replanted, but the gardener has clearly gained an enthusiastic assistant. Every great garden needs someone willing to get their paws dirty, and this little helper has volunteered with remarkable dedication.

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