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A tortoiseshell cat with green eyes looks up beside a ripped paper bag of kibble spilling across a tile floor. 11 / 36

The Kibble Bag Was Sealed Last Night. Ember Had Other Plans.

AI imagetortoiseshell catcaught in the actkibble

Green eyes tilted skyward and ears pulled slightly back, a tortoiseshell cat sits on the kitchen tile with a ripped paper bag of kibble leaning right behind her. The brown pieces have spilled across the floor in a wide fan, and a few have rolled all the way to the edge of a rug. Her coat is a rich swirl of black, orange and amber, and her expression is that careful mixture of pride and worry. A laundry basket, slippers and a scattering of toys wait in the background. We'll call her Ember.

Tortoiseshell cats are known for their splashy coats, and some owners swear they come with a bit of extra attitude, often called tortitude. There's no scientific guarantee of that, but plenty of torties are lively, independent and strong-willed. Kibble left on the floor is an open invitation to eat too much, and a sudden big meal can upset a cat's stomach. Store food in a sealed container and feed measured portions, and talk to your vet if you're not sure how much your cat should eat. A puzzle feeder is a good way to make mealtime more interesting.

Ember is looking up as if somebody just called her name. She has no intention of explaining the bag. The kibble will need a broom, and her dinner will need a better hiding place.

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