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A blue-grey Russian Blue cat sits in a red knit stocking with a white cuff, head poking out, in a cluttered living room. 7 / 24

Someone Hung a Stocking Too Big, and a Russian Blue Moved In

AI imagerussian bluechristmas stockingcat

Only the head of the Russian Blue is visible, framed by the white cuff of a huge red stocking, but those emerald green eyes say it all. Her slate-grey face is calm and slightly amused, her whiskers are neat, and her ears are upright. Around the stocking is the cheerful mess of a family room, with a basket of stuffed toys, a pair of socks, a television remote and a glass of water on the floor.

Russian Blues have a short, dense, silvery-blue coat and eyes that look vividly green. They tend to be gentle, intelligent and reserved, and they are often shy around strangers but very loyal to their families. Like most cats, they enjoy snug hiding spots, which give them a sense of security. If your cat crawls into a stocking, a bag or a box, make sure nothing small, sharp or edible is inside. A regular routine and a quiet retreat help a sensitive cat stay calm through a busy season.

We'll call her Silver. She isn't in a hurry to leave her new hiding place, and why would she be? It's soft, it's warm, and nobody can see her paws. When the family finally spots her, they'll probably agree that she's the best present in the house. It is the sort of simple, cozy surprise that makes a holiday house feel alive, and it will probably be remembered for years afterward.

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