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A fluffy orange longhair cat with a dirty muzzle stands beside a freshly dug hole in a garden bed, looking away. 38 / 38

A Ginger Cat With a Muddy Nose Stands Beside a Fresh Hole in the Garden

AI imageorange catcaught in the actgarden

A neat round hole has appeared in the garden soil, with crumbs of dark dirt scattered around its edge. Next to it, a fluffy ginger cat stands with mud on his nose and chin, his gaze turned away as if the hole had nothing to do with him. A blue pot lies on its side behind him, a pair of muddy gardening gloves rests in the grass, and seedlings sprout along the fence in the evening light.

Cats dig for several reasons. They may be looking for a comfortable spot, burying food or waste, or following the scent of something interesting under the surface. Garden soil is soft and easy to move, which makes a well-tended bed an irresistible place. If your cat is allowed outdoors, check that the plants in your garden are safe, as many common plants such as lilies are toxic to cats, and avoid products like fertilizers, slug bait, and cocoa mulch that can be harmful to pets. Cover freshly planted areas with mesh or stones, and give him a dedicated dig spot filled with loose soil or sand. After a dig, wipe off his face and paws, and check for burrs. If he eats soil or plants you are worried about, talk to your vet.

The hole is perfectly round, and his pride is hard to hide. He may not look at the camera, but we can see the satisfaction on his dirty face.

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