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A silver tabby American Shorthair lies on a carpet tangled in a loose strand of glowing Christmas lights. 3 / 24

The Silver Tabby Became the Newest Strand on the Christmas Tree

AI imageamerican shorthairchristmas lightssilver tabby

A silver tabby lies on the carpet with a string of tiny glowing lights looped around her like a glittering web. Her striped coat has bold swirls, her green-yellow eyes look straight up at us, and her paws rest calmly in the lights as if she planned the whole thing. Behind her, the lower branches of the tree and a basket of blankets sit in the warm glow of the room.

Christmas lights can be a real hazard for cats. Wires and cords can be chewed, and even a calm cat can get tangled if she plays with a strand. Look for any sign of chewing, keep wires tucked away, and unplug the lights when you are not around. Battery-powered lights are often a safer choice, but small batteries can also be dangerous if swallowed, so keep an eye on loose strands.

If your cat does get wrapped up, stay calm, gently free her, and check for any signs of discomfort. Never pull on a cord that is wrapped tightly. American Shorthairs are known as friendly, adaptable cats who are curious about everything, so a glittering tree is hard for them to resist. A cat tree or a play area near the tree may help redirect the interest.

This tabby, though, seems wonderfully relaxed, with her paws crossed and her stare steady. She looks like a very patient ornament that has come down from the tree.

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