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A calico cat with wide eyes sits beside a tipped-over trash can with garbage spread across a tiled floor. 17 / 25

A Calico Freezes Mid-Mess Beside the Tipped-Over Trash Can

AI imagecalicotrash cankitchen

The calico is holding as still as a statue. Her orange, black and white patches are bright against the tiled floor, her wide eyes stare straight at the doorway, and the trash can beside her lies on its side with garbage spilling out. A banana, a few onions, some paper wrappers and a bag of scraps are all spread out around her paws.

Calicos are known for their lovely three-color coats, which are almost always found on female cats. Their personalities vary just like any other cat's, though many owners describe them as lively and confident. Trash is a rich source of smells for any curious cat, and the lure of food scraps is strong.

Garbage can be dangerous for pets. Onions and garlic are harmful to cats, and spoiled food, plastic wrap and bones can cause serious stomach problems. Use a trash can with a tight, locking lid or keep it in a cabinet. After a spill, clean up completely and check that your cat has not eaten anything strange. If you think she has, talk to your vet.

Right now, though, the calico is frozen in place, waiting to see what the humans will say. She does not look too worried, only surprised to be seen. She will probably wait for someone to say something first, with her eyes just a little wider than normal.

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