One Open Jar, One Bengal, and a Very Telling Smudge on Her Nose
A spotted brown Bengal stares straight into the lens with peanut butter smeared across her nose and a stray dab stuck right between her eyes. In front of her, an open glass jar with a swirl of creamy peanut butter inside sits on the kitchen counter, and its lid lies beside it. Crumbs are scattered around, a towel is bunched against the wall, and a window glows in the background. Her golden-green eyes are huge and a little sheepish. We'll call her Tiger, because she has the stripes for it.
Bengal cats are athletic, smart and curious, and they are known for jumping to high places and getting into things. A jar left on the counter is an easy target for a cat who likes to explore. Peanut butter isn't toxic to cats in small amounts, but it is sticky, high in fat and not a natural part of their diet. Some brands contain a sweetener called xylitol, which is dangerous for dogs and best kept away from every pet. Keep jars closed in a cabinet, and give your Bengal lots of vertical space and puzzle toys for entertainment. If you're unsure, ask your vet.
Tiger doesn't know there's a dab on her forehead, but she suspects something is up. She holds perfectly still, as if standing still will wipe it off. The jar looks a lot lighter than it did this morning.






