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A cinnamon Abyssinian cat sits on a kitchen table among breakfast plates, butter, toast and a glass of water. 11 / 30

The Abyssinian Joined Breakfast Without Being Invited

AI imageabyssinianbreakfast tablecaught in the act

Breakfast was supposed to be a quiet meal, but the cinnamon Abyssinian has joined the table without an invitation. She sits upright among the plates, her big ears pulled back and her golden-green eyes fixed straight ahead. Around her paws are a plate of scrambled eggs, a slice of buttered toast, a dish of blueberries, half an avocado and a glass of water, all within easy reach of a curious nose.

Abyssinians are lean, athletic cats with warm, ticked coats and a reputation for energy and curiosity. They are known for climbing to high places and for getting into everything, so a table is hardly a challenge. Many Abyssinian owners say their cats prefer a good view of the household, and the breakfast table offers an excellent one.

Kitchen counters and tables can hide hazards for cats, though. Butter and rich foods can upset a stomach, and some common breakfast items are not safe for pets, like onions in an omelet or anything sweetened with xylitol. Keeping food covered or putting it away promptly helps. Offering a tall cat tree near a window gives an active cat a safe place to climb instead.

For now, she is sitting with the posture of someone who has simply arrived early for the meal. She has not touched anything yet, she says, though the butter looks a little less perfect than it did a minute ago.

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