Browse ›
A fluffy orange kitten looks out from inside an open cardboard gift box with a red bow and packing shreds. 17 / 21

The Gift Was Unwrapped. The Box Had a Better Surprise Inside.

AI imageorange kittengift boxchristmas

The lid of the box is propped open with its red bow still tied, and inside, nestled in paper shreds, an orange kitten looks up at the camera. One paw rests on the edge and her fluffy cheeks are puffed out with curiosity. The living room behind her is a happy mess of blankets, stacking toys, a wooden train and a cup of coffee, with the Christmas tree glowing across the room.

Almost every cat loves boxes, and there's a reason beyond simple fun. A snug space makes them feel safe and warm, and it works as a hideout from which to watch and pounce. Shredded paper is entertaining, too, but be careful that she doesn't swallow it, and remove tape and plastic bits from the box first. The ribbon on the lid is another one to keep out of reach. For cats who love boxes, a simple cardboard one with the flaps cut off often becomes a favorite bed, and it costs almost nothing.

Whoever picked out the gift may have forgotten that the box is the best part. We'll call this kitten Clementine, and she has chosen her prize. The present inside the box, whatever it was, will probably sit forgotten while she enjoys her new home. Cats have always known that the best part of any present is the packaging.

More from this collection

All 21 →
A tortoiseshell kitten sits on snow-dusted porch steps with a pine garland draped beside her.A Tortoiseshell Kitten Stands Guard on the Snowy Porch StepsA blue-grey Russian Blue kitten sits on a carpet holding a red and white candy cane in its mouth.A Russian Blue Kitten Marches Off With the Candy Cane
A fluffy orange kitten looks upward at a Christmas tree glowing with lights in a bright living room.An Orange Kitten Stares Up at the Tree Like It's a Brand-New WorldA pale blue point Ragdoll kitten sits on a windowsill beside a frosty pane with a pine wreath hanging above.A Ragdoll Kitten Sits Quietly Beside a Frost-Covered WindowA tiny black kitten sits beside a mug of cocoa topped with marshmallows on a wooden coffee table near a lit tree.The Cocoa Was Set Down for One Second. The Kitten Noticed.A tortoiseshell kitten wearing a cream knit sweater with reindeer pattern sits on a couch among wrapping paper.The Tiny Reindeer Sweater Fit. The Kitten Had Questions.