The Lowest Ornament Swayed. The Scottish Fold Took That Personally.
One paw is up, the other is planted, and the red ornament is swaying. A silver tabby Scottish Fold kitten has found the lowest branch of the tree and is fully committed to the experiment, her folded ears flat against her round head and her big golden eyes fixed on the shiny ball. Behind her the room is a lived-in mess of slippers, a basket of toys and a torn gift box, with a few twinkling lights above.
Low ornaments are every kitten's favorite target, so a little preparation goes a long way. Hang the breakable and glass ones higher up, and put sturdy, shatterproof decorations on the bottom branches. Skip tinsel and dangling hooks if you can, and make sure the tree is stable so a determined climber can't pull it over. Scottish Folds get their unique look from a gene that gives them folded ears, and they are generally gentle and people-loving. Because the same gene can affect cartilage and joints, it's worth asking your vet about care for any fold cat.
This kitten isn't being naughty, just thorough. The ornament moves, so it must be alive, and anything alive deserves a closer look. Her whole body leans into the swat with the focus of a tiny athlete. Whether the ornament stays on the branch is anyone's guess, but the holiday memory is already made.
