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A tortoiseshell cat leans over an open kraft paper gift box and plays with a red ribbon on a carpet. 10 / 24

The Tortoiseshell Ignored the Gift and Went Straight for the Ribbon

AI imagetortoiseshell catribbonchristmas gifts

She has one paw on the ribbon and her attention on the paper, and nothing else in the world exists. The tortoiseshell cat crouches over a gift box wrapped in kraft paper, her coat a swirl of brown, black and amber, the red ribbon tangled around her paw. A plaid blanket sits on the carpet beside her, and a lit tree, a couch and a window frame the busy morning scene.

Cats love ribbon because it moves like prey. That is part of the fun, but ribbon and string should always be supervised. If a cat swallows string, it can cause serious intestinal problems, so put it away after play and use a wand toy for the same chasing instinct. Tortoiseshell cats are often described as lively and independent, and many enjoy puzzle toys and games that give them a chance to stalk and pounce. A few minutes of active play each day keeps indoor cats fit and happy.

We'll call her Ginger, even though she isn't ginger at all. She's in full hunting mode, her eyes narrowed, her body low. The gift inside the box may be wonderful, but it will never beat the ribbon, and she's perfectly happy to prove it with every swat. It is a small and happy moment, and it shows how much joy a cat can find in the simplest things, even when a wrapped gift is sitting right there.

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