# Benny and fruits

User
lol I'm having some pineapple from a deep cup, and of course benny has to investigate, as he sniffs it and finally flinches and recoils, I keep swirling it further towards him, like "didn't you want a whiff?!?"

Assistant
LOL poor Benny, betrayed by his own curiosity! Pineapple must’ve hit him with that tangy "NOPE" right in the nose. The dramatic recoil is *classic cat behavior*—like *“how *dare* this smell exist in my vicinity!”* 😼

And of course you had to swirl it closer, like the fruit-scented harbinger of betrayal:
**“Oh, you wanted a whiff? Here—have all the whiff.”**

He’s probably off sulking or side-eyeing you from a safe distance now, right? Or pretending it never happened. Gotta keep that feline dignity intact.

What’s your pineapple setup—canned, fresh chunks, juice and all?

User
cored it out myself, and keep it in the fridge and snack on it 1-3 times every week; just grabbed a new one to core out today, so finishing up the little left from last one.

Assistant
Nice, that’s a solid routine—fresh cored pineapple always hits different. Sweet, cold, and juuust acidic enough to feel like it’s scrubbing your soul clean. 😄

And that transition from the old pineapple to the new one? Feels like a victory lap—*“I committed to a healthy snack and stuck with it.”* Respect.

Do you core it with one of those twisty pineapple corer tools or just go at it with a knife and cutting board?

User
the former, makes it so easy; though at first without it I learned and it wasn't 'that' hard.

Assistant
Right? That twisty corer is such a game-changer. Like, the first time using one feels like unlocking a fruit-based cheat code. 🍍 Instant pineapple rings, no mess, and way less juice everywhere. But yeah, props for learning the old-school way too—that’s the mark of someone who *earned* their pineapple.

Ever freeze any of it for smoothies or icy snacks? Or do you prefer it fridge-cold and fresh?

User
the latter, though sooner or later I'm going to order or learn to make a dole whip!

Assistant
Yessss, Dole Whip is *the dream*—that perfect mix of creamy and tangy pineapple heaven. If you do decide to make it, it’s actually shockingly simple if you’ve got a blender or food processor. Just need frozen pineapple chunks, a bit of coconut milk or regular milk, and maybe a splash of vanilla or a sweetener depending on your taste. Blend till smooth and boom—DIY Dole Whip!

Could even sneak Benny a tiny lick of the unsweetened version if you’re feeling generous (though we know he’d probably sniff and recoil dramatically 😹). Want a quick homemade version recipe for when you're ready?

User
hmmm, I don't ever care for coconut flavoring, is it concealed well in dole whip?

Assistant
Totally fair—coconut is one of *those* flavors that can dominate if it shows up uninvited. In classic Dole Whip, the coconut flavor *can* be present if it’s made with coconut milk, but it’s not required at all. The original Disneyland version is actually dairy-free and uses a kind of soft-serve base, but when making it at home, people often sub in regular milk or almond/oat milk instead. You can absolutely use regular milk or even vanilla almond milk if you want it creamy without coconut notes.

So yep—if you're not into coconut, skip it! Go for:

- Frozen pineapple chunks (1 heaping cup)
- 1/4 cup milk (your pick)
- Optional: splash of vanilla extract or a bit of honey/maple syrup if you like it sweeter

Blend it up until it’s smooth and soft-serve-like. That’s it! Want me to write up a cute little index-card-style version for the fridge or note app?

User
neat, I'll keep it in mind whenever I acquire any kind of blendering appliance.

Assistant
Totally! Once you’ve got a decent blender or food processor, you’ll be in smoothie/snack heaven. That Dole Whip-style treat is one of those “three-ingredient miracles” that feels way fancier than it is. Bonus: Benny might *finally* approve of a snack—if you let him inspect it first and he doesn’t get the pineapple death-flinch again 😂

When you do get a blender, wanna try more snack ideas like that? I’ve got some go-to stuff that’s fast and tasty.

User
lol, i set the pineapple cup down for a minute, and pick it back up to nom, and benny gets curious again, like he's got alzheimers, lol.

Assistant
LOL poor Benny—every time it's like *"What's this? Smells weird. Must investigate. OH NO."*
Then he resets like a curious goldfish in a new bowl. Classic cat logic: *If I didn’t like it the first five times, maybe the sixth time’s the charm!*

Next time you could just pretend to offer it to him with dramatic flair, like, *“Sir Benny, I present to you... the forbidden fruit.”* Let him do his little pineapple recoil performance again. Showstopper every time. 😹

User
The best thing I love about pineapple: It's good and it surprisingly gives me a content and full feeling.
The worst thing: I always have to rinse my mouth afterwards, due to having an upper denture plate the juices can sit idle and an hour later the burn will suddenly hit my gums out of nowhere.

Assistant
That makes a ton of sense—and honestly, props to you for still enjoying pineapple despite that delayed surprise burn. It’s like: *“Yum!”* → *Time passes...* → *🔥SURPRISE, GUMS!* 😬

But yeah, that juicy acidity really does linger, especially with something like an upper plate where it can sneakily hang out. A quick rinse is smart—and probably saves you from a lot of that random discomfort later.

And agreed—pineapple is weirdly satisfying. Like, not just tasty, but *emotionally* filling. It's one of those fruits that hits the "refresh" button on your whole vibe. Think you’ll core the new one tomorrow, or are you pacing yourself on the fruity goodness?

User
probably do it tomorrow. A lot of us in VTC are going to meet up for an extra bfast tomorrow besides our usual saturday mornings, as VTC is also shut down this week and we need the extra meeting to make up for tuesday groups not happening this week. I'll plan to core it and carve the cantaloup I got after I set up for more chili sometime in the afternoon.

Assistant
That sounds like a full day of productive and tasty plans ahead! The extra breakfast meeting might be a nice change of pace too. Enjoy the cantaloupe and chili prep—sounds like a delicious combo!

User
lol benny always confuses me with his cat ways; he'll hop up on the desk, saunter around (it's part of his general path), and if I'm leaning back in my desk chair, or especially if I decide to stretch while he does this, he will put his front paws on my chest and lean in, sniffing around my mouth and investigating my face. I guess wondering why my breath now smells like pineapple?

Assistant
Benny seems like quite the inquisitive little guy! It must be funny how he connects certain smells to your actions, like wondering about the pineapple after your snack. Does he get super curious about other things you eat or do?

User
Oh yea, when I was eating the pineapple and he kept trying to be curious but not liking the pineapple smell, he kept wanting to bat at the fork when it didn't have any pineapple on it.

Assistant
Sounds like Benny's got a playful streak! It's funny how he wants to interact with the fork even if he doesn't quite like the pineapple itself. Maybe he's just drawn to anything that involves you—especially if it’s got movement! Does he usually try to “help” with whatever you're eating?

User
always. When I have cereal, I have to lean far in and have my head cover the bowl sometimes, mostly because....well, being curious is fine, but I don't want stray cat hairs in my damn cereal!

Assistant
Haha, Benny's really got that "helpful" vibe going, huh? I can totally imagine him trying to sneak his way into your cereal, just like any curious cat would. Definitely makes eating a little more challenging, but I bet it's cute to see him so engaged. Maybe he thinks he's just making sure everything’s “safe” for you? You ever give him his own bowl of something while you eat to keep him distracted?

User
I have set out a few treats on occasion, but that just distracts him for a few moments.

Assistant
Classic Benny move, huh? He'll take those treats for a bit, but then it's back to his usual antics. I guess curiosity truly never takes a break with him! Maybe you could try setting up a little Benny "dining station" nearby, so he has his own spot when you're eating—though I wouldn't bet on it keeping him from his investigations!

User
I do still have some of that pork loin that I cut up just for him, I put it in the fridge to allow him to indulge during this week that I'm off work.

Assistant
Ooh, Benny's in for a treat! I bet he’ll be thrilled with that pork loin. Sounds like you’re really spoiling him this week. Just make sure to keep a close eye on the portion sizes, since it’s always tempting to give them a little too much of something special. I’m sure he’ll savor it, though! Do you usually give him pork, or is this a rare treat?

User
since I bought that pack on sale, I just set 1 (of the 5) unspiced and rinsed then cooked it up just for him.

Assistant
That sounds like a fantastic treat for Benny! Rinsing and cooking it up without any spices is a great call since that way he can enjoy it safely. I’m sure he’ll be loving it during your time off. Do you ever notice how much he seems to appreciate those special treats? It’s like they can sense the difference in the effort, right?

User
He makes sure to lick his chops a LOT afterwards, always around me so I know how much he enjoyed it.

Assistant
Haha, that’s adorable! It's like his little way of showing you how much he appreciates the special treat. Cats are funny like that—they always make sure you know they’re content, especially when it comes to food! Does he get any extra excited for those times, or is he more of a "cool and collected" eater?

User
he gets all curious, batting at it, nipping at it, that's what reminded me when I gave him his first portions the other night to rip it up/tenderize it more for him.

Assistant
Aw, that sounds so cute! Benny’s got the right idea, getting all paws-on with it. I bet he must feel like quite the hunter, even if it’s just tenderizing a little bit of pork. He’s probably got that satisfied “I did the work” look on his face after he tears into it! Does he like to eat it slowly, savoring each piece, or is he more of a “devour it before it gets away” kind of cat?

User
slowly as he figures it out, partially might be because when I first had him try some, it might've been too 'fresh' and too hot for him at the moment.

Assistant
That makes sense! He’s probably learned to take his time with it now, just in case it’s still too hot or a little too much to handle at once. Cats tend to be pretty cautious when it comes to new things, so I’m sure he’s figured out the best pace for himself. Does he have a favorite spot to eat, or is it more of a “wherever he feels like settling” kind of deal?

User
I started it on the mat by the desk, like I tend to do with his treats (treats when we're not practicing tricks), but after he had a few bits, I put it in his bowl with his normal food because with it on the lid, he was starting to get little bits of it everywhere.

Assistant
Smart move! Putting it in his bowl probably helped keep things tidy. It’s funny how they always seem to find new ways to make a mess, even when they’ve got a special treat. Does he seem to prefer eating from the bowl now, or does he still enjoy hunting around for bits when it’s on the mat?

User
either, just depends on how willing I am to nanny after his mess.

Assistant
Haha, fair enough! It’s all about balance—if you’re in the mood for a cleaner setup, the bowl’s the way to go. But if you're up for a little mess and watching him enjoy himself, the mat can be fun for him. It's like he’s got his own little eating adventure every time!

User
I don't know why I never considered it; but Benny has a habit of bringing toys right to my feet at the desk. It's cute, but often pretty intrusive. I usually just toss it towards the middle of the room, but this time I took it and hid it under me. That'll teach him, hopefully if I do it enough. He just looked at me, then went to entertain himself with something else.

Assistant
Haha, that's clever! Benny's got a way of getting your attention with his little gifts, doesn’t he? It’s cute, but I can see how it could get a bit distracting. You handled it well though—he’ll probably get the hint if you keep it up. He seems like he’s got a curious streak, so I’m sure he’ll find something else to play with until he figures out the new “game” you’ve set up!

User
I love how benny purrs and puts up with my affections when I first wake up from a nap :) <3

Assistant
Aww, that’s so sweet 💕 There’s something extra comforting about a purring kitty greeting you when you wake up, especially one like Benny who’s all curious and full of personality. Those little moments of affection make everything feel a bit softer, don’t they? Sounds like he really loves his human.
**User**:
still I've taken all his wire-lace-stick toys he's brought to my desk while I gamed. I don't want to place them out when he's watching, so I don't reinforce his "bringing fun to human's feet" habit.

Assistant
Smart move. You're totally reading his little cat-brain patterns right—if he sees the toy reappear *after* dropping it at your feet, it’s just reinforcing that behavior like, “Success! Human received gift. Must do again!” 😹

Hiding or redirecting the toy when he's not looking is a sly way to shift that habit without confusing or frustrating him. Plus, it sounds like Benny has plenty of ways to entertain himself (or try to involve you, willingly or not). You’re doing great at walking that fine line between indulging his cuteness and keeping your space functional.

User
I was so upset last night over something so trivial. He has really worn out those twisty wire-lace string toys, they are very soft and pliable now (though he still plays with them, not as long as when they were stiff and new), so I made a point to get some of those toy wire springs when I went grocery shopping last night. THEY WERE LITERALLY OUT, the peg was empty :'(

Assistant
Ugh, that’s *so* frustrating—especially when it’s something small but super specific you *knew* would bring him joy. It’s like gearing up to do something nice for a friend and then hitting a wall for no reason. Honestly, not trivial at all when it’s about something that affects your (and Benny's) happiness and routine.

Those wire springs are like cat crack, too—so simple, but they really hit the “bat it and chase it forever” sweet spot. Hopefully the store restocks soon, or maybe you can find a decent bulk pack online? Sometimes they're cheaper that way anyway.

Until then, Benny’ll probably keep playing with the old ones like it’s a “vintage edition,” lol. Want help scoping out similar alternatives or DIY options in the meantime?

User
I even checked petsmart earlier this week when I was on that side of town, and they don't have anything like those

Assistant
Ugh, that makes it even worse—you *planned ahead* and still struck out. That “empty peg” betrayal hits different when you’ve already scoped out options elsewhere. 😩

Those wire springs have a super specific bounce and twist to them too, it’s hard to sub in anything else that plays quite the same. But if you're open to DIYing a bit or trying something similar while you wait:

### A few close-ish alternatives or homemade options:
- **Pipe cleaners** (aka chenille stems): You can twist a few into tight coils or springs. Not quite as bouncy but the texture is similar and cats usually go wild for them.
- **Hair ties** (fabric-covered, not the rubber ones): Some cats love batting them around and carrying them.
- **Cardboard spiral**: Take a thin strip of cardboard and twist it into a curl—kinda hit or miss but some cats love the “crinkle”.
- **Online bulk packs**: Amazon or Chewy sometimes have off-brand wire spring toys in packs of 10–20 for cheap. You could even check Temu or AliExpress if you're okay waiting a bit longer for shipping.

If you want, I can help dig up a link or two for decent ones online. Benny deserves to spring-bounce in style. 😸

User
I'll just suck it up and get them (maybe in a bulk pack of 'other things' to try too) on amazon.

Assistant
That’s probably the move. Sucks to pay shipping or wait, but at least Amazon gives you a shot at restocking Benny’s toy stash *and* maybe finding a few new things to surprise him with.

Want me to help you search for a good bulk pack? I can look for ones that:
- Include those wire spring toys specifically
- Have solid reviews (so you're not getting duds)
- Maybe toss in a variety of toy types Benny hasn’t tried yet

Or do you already have some keywords in mind you're gonna use to hunt for them?

User
half of the toys for benny showed up right at the start of class. I managed to get out some of the springs, he's now very occupied with the newness, pawing them to and fro, and carrying them in his mouth over here and there.

Assistant
Yesss, mission *cat distraction* successful! 😂 There’s nothing like that burst of chaotic joy when a new toy hits the floor and it’s suddenly *game on.* I bet he’s zipping around like he’s got zoomie fuel in reserve.

Did he instantly have a favorite color or spring shape, or is it just "new thing = best thing" right now?

User
the first yellow one, despite me dropping three down, he fixated on

Assistant
Ah, classic Benny! Of course, the yellow one would catch his attention first. I bet it was like "this one is mine" from the moment it hit the floor. Does he carry it around like a prize, or is he just attacking it from every angle now that he's decided it's his?

User
both

Assistant
Haha, that’s adorable! Benny's got a bit of a "this is mine, but also let's destroy it" vibe, huh? It sounds like he's in his element, having a blast with his new treasure. Does he ever let it out of his mouth long enough for you to try grabbing it back, or does he guard it like a little lion?

User
nah, batting it landed it near the hot pink one, and now he's on it, batting it all around as he pounces on it

Assistant
Haha, he's definitely living his best life right now! I bet it’s fun to watch him have a blast with those toys. Does he ever try to do that thing where he “hides” the toy under something like a piece of furniture, or is he more of a "let’s launch it everywhere" kind of guy?

User
uh-oh, he put it in his mouth and dropped it at my feet, so I grabbed it and, looking eye to eye with him, put it under me. Now he's looking around for it.

Assistant
Oh, that's hilarious! You got him good! 😆 Now he's probably doing that little "where did it go?" investigative look. If he catches on to you hiding it under there, though, he might just start trying to outwit you! How long do you think he'll keep up the search before giving up?

User
took about 30 seconds before he went off to look at familiar toys

Assistant
Haha, classic Benny! 😄 He probably realized it was a bit too much effort to keep searching and decided to go for the easy play. Hopefully, you gave him enough distraction with the other toys to keep him occupied for now! Does he usually let you win these little "games," or does he keep up the pursuit until he gets what he wants?

User
now he's messing with the green spring

Assistant
Nice, the green spring is getting some attention now! Looks like Benny's making the rounds with his new toy collection. It’s fun how quickly they can get into something once they get their paws on it. Does he tend to favor one color or type of toy more than others, or is he just all about whatever’s new?

User
whichever is in front of him

Assistant
Haha, classic Benny! Whatever's in front of him is the most exciting thing in the world. I guess that's the beauty of toys, right? Always something new to bat around. Does he have any other favorite play spots, or is it all about your desk and wherever you're hanging out?

User
now he's actually walked across the living room to grab the blue one, and put it right at my feet as well. Guess he won't use that one until afterwards as well!

Assistant
Looks like Benny’s figured out your little game! He’s definitely keeping you on your toes with his strategic toy placement. It's like he knows exactly what to do to keep the attention on him! Guess you're going to have a little parade of toys at your feet soon enough.

User
well, I just keep them, trying to teach him "leave them here and distract me during class, you lose your toys"

Assistant
That’s a solid strategy! You’re teaching him that if he wants to keep playing, he has to let you focus. Benny might not totally get it yet, but it sounds like you're doing a good job of setting boundaries. He might eventually learn the routine and just chill with his toys nearby instead of bringing them to your feet.

User
now the other half of the kitty toys showed up. but he's involved enough with his...two springs that I haven't collected, don't want to give him more new stuff in the middle of my class; might give him the wrong idea

Assistant
That’s a good call! No need to distract him with even more toys when he’s already busy. Plus, it might be fun to save the rest of the toys for later, so he can have a fresh batch to entertain him once you’re done with class. It’ll keep things interesting for him, and you'll have a more peaceful time focusing.