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Seal point Birman cat sitting on a wooden floor beside a tipped-over terracotta pot with spilled soil and green leaves. 2 / 29

Pearl the Birman Looks Away From the Houseplant She Knocked Over

AI imagebirman cathouseplantspilled soil

A terracotta pot has toppled over, and a spill of soil with green leaves runs across the wooden floor toward the seal point Birman, who sits just beside it with her eyes turned away. Her white-gloved paws are neatly together, and one of them has a bit of dirt on it. The window light is soft and warm, a basket sits in the corner, and the whole scene has the calm of a cat who will not be discussing the matter.

Cats can be drawn to houseplants for many reasons, from the movement of the leaves to the lure of a patch of soil. But some common houseplants are harmful to cats, and lilies are especially dangerous, so it is smart to check that every plant you keep at home is pet-safe. If your cat nibbles or digs in a plant you are unsure about, call your vet. A heavy pot, a layer of decorative stones over the soil, or a spot out of reach can help protect both the plant and the cat. A tray of cat grass can give her a safe alternative to chew and enjoy. Birmans are gentle, friendly cats who tend to be affectionate and playful.

We will call her Pearl. The plant is the one who will pay for this, with some clean-up and a new pot. Pearl, meanwhile, will take a nap in the sunbeam as though nothing at all has happened.

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