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A black and white tuxedo cat sleeps curled in a pile of crinkled brown wrapping paper in a cozy living room. 1 / 24

After the Gifts Were Opened, the Best Spot Was the Paper Pile

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The presents are open, the living room is a happy mess, and one tuxedo cat has claimed the biggest pile of crumpled kraft paper as a bed. Her white paws are tucked under her chin, her eyes are closed, and the brown paper crinkles around her like a nest. Behind her, string lights glow on a shelf, a mug sits on a table, and the plants and baskets of the room are warm and quiet.

Cats love wrapping paper for good reasons. It crinkles, it is fun to bat, and it makes a perfect hiding and sleeping spot. Many cats also like the way paper holds body heat, which turns a pile into a cozy bed. The paper itself is usually harmless to sit on, but chewing and swallowing it is not a great idea, and ribbons, tape, and tinsel are far more dangerous, since they can cause serious problems if swallowed.

After the holiday unwrapping, a quick cleanup of ribbon, string, and tape keeps pets safe. If you suspect your cat has eaten something she should not have, call your vet right away. A simple cardboard box or a paper bag, with handles removed, can be a safer way to give cats the same fun.

For now, though, the only sound in the room is a faint crinkle each time she breathes. She has earned this nap, after a morning of watching everyone else do all the work.

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