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A fluffy black cat sits on a patio beside a tipped paper bag of potting soil with dirt spread across the concrete. 13 / 32

The Bag of Soil Fell Over. The Black Cat Looked at the Sky.

AI imageblack catcaught in the actpatio

A paper bag of potting soil lies tipped over on the concrete patio, and rich dark dirt is spread across the ground. Beside it sits a long-haired black cat in profile, her fluffy coat catching a bit of the daylight, and one front paw is stained with soil. She is looking firmly off to the side, as though a bird in the garden has become far more interesting than the bag. Pots and green plants line the wall behind her. We'll call her Soot, and she's mastered the art of looking elsewhere.

Cats are drawn to loose soil for a few reasons. It feels soft, it smells earthy, and it looks suspiciously like a litter box. Some cats also like to dig or roll in it. Potting mixes can contain fertilizers, perlite or other additives that are not good for pets to eat, so it's best to store bags closed and upright, in a shed or a cabinet. If your cat loves to dig, a small tub of plain sand or cat-safe soil in a shady corner can give her a place to scratch. Brush a long coat regularly to keep dirt from building up, and ask your vet if you have questions.

Soot continues staring away, certain that if she doesn't acknowledge the mess, it won't exist. The soil sits there in a lovely little pile, a testament to her hard work. The gardener will have some tidying to do before planting season.

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