An Orange Cat Climbed Into the Dirty Dishes and Looked Sheepish

Plates, bowls, and silverware surround an orange longhair cat, who sits in the sink with his ears pulled back and a sheepish look in his green eyes. A sponge and a soap bottle rest on the counter, and a glass sits near his paw. A bit of pasta clings to a plate beside him, and his fluffy coat glows in the dim kitchen light. He looks like a cat who has been found taking a bath in someone else's dishes.

A sink is a favorite spot for many cats, because the metal is cool and smooth and the basin is cozy. Orange cats are often friendly and food loving, and dirty dishes smell wonderful to a hungry cat. However, sharp knives, glass, and dishwashing products can hurt him, so keep the sink clear and wash dishes soon after eating. Some foods, such as onions and garlic, are harmful to cats, so call your vet if he licked a plate with those ingredients. Offering a soft bed on the counter or a nearby window perch gives him a better place to sit.

He seems embarrassed, but not enough to leave. The dishes will need a second wash, and the sink will need a clean. In his mind, this was simply a warm spot with a view. A warm towel on the counter might be a smarter seat.