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A blue-grey Russian Blue cat with green eyes sits in a raised garden bed with turned soil and uprooted plants around it. 35 / 36

The New Seedlings Were Planted at Dawn. The Russian Blue Had Notes.

AI imagerussian bluecaught in the actgarden

Pale green eyes as wide as saucers, a blue-grey Russian Blue sits in the middle of a raised garden bed with one paw stretched forward, caught in the very act of redecorating. The soil has been turned over in rough clumps, small plants lie uprooted with their roots in the air, and fallen leaves and twigs dot the ground. A clay pot lies on its side behind her, and garden gloves and a pair of old sneakers rest nearby. Her velvety coat blends right into the dark earth. We'll call her Slate, and she is frozen.

Cats are often drawn to freshly turned soil because it is soft, easy to dig and looks like an ideal litter box. Gardens also have interesting smells and creatures, so a curious cat will happily spend an afternoon exploring. If you'd like to protect your plants, covering the soil with chicken wire or stones, or planting prickly mulch, can discourage digging. Some garden plants, such as lilies, are toxic to cats, and fertilizers and slug baits can be harmful, so store them out of reach and check with your vet. Russian Blues are quiet, intelligent cats who enjoy routine and a secure outdoor space.

Slate is holding her pose, hoping the gardener might just walk away. Her expression is sweet and a bit startled, and her paw is still in mid-step. The seedlings can be replanted, and the cat will probably supervise.

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