Browse ›
A tortoiseshell cat sits inside an open cardboard box with a big red ribbon on the lid in a cluttered living room. 2 / 22

The Tortoiseshell Decided the Box Was Her Present

AI imagetortoiseshell catgift boxchristmas

The ribbon is red, the box is open and a tortoiseshell cat is looking out from inside as though she planned it all along. Her coat is a patchwork of black, orange and brown, and her ears are turned to the side to catch some sound in the room. Crumpled brown paper fills the box, a shoe and a green wreath sit on the floor beside it, and a gray blanket rests on the sofa behind. She is the only gift anyone wanted.

Cats and boxes are one of life's reliable pairs. A box offers a secure hiding place, a bit of warmth and a clear view of the room, all of which help a cat feel safe. If your cat loves boxes, offering a few around the house gives enrichment on the cheap, as long as they are free of staples and tape. Tortoiseshell cats are known for their colors, and many owners joke that they have extra personality, though every cat is an individual. Keep ribbons out of reach, since swallowed string can be dangerous.

The red bow on the box gives the scene a finishing touch, as if the gift were wrapped and labeled for her. She seems at ease with her choice. The room may be messy and the morning may be busy, but she has found the best seat in the house.

More from this collection

All 22 →
A black and white tuxedo cat in a cream knitted sweater with a reindeer pattern sits on a couch near a decorated tree.The Tuxedo Cat Dressed Up for Dinner in a Reindeer SweaterA blue-gray cat leans over a plate of chocolate chip cookies on a kitchen counter with a Christmas tree behind.A Russian Blue Got to the Santa Cookies Before the Reindeer
A blue-gray cat wearing brown reindeer antlers sits on a snowy porch near a wreath on a gray door.The Quietest Reindeer in the North Wore Gray Fur and Green EyesA fluffy white cat sleeps curled up on a pile of crumpled red and green Christmas wrapping paper.After the Big Unwrapping, the White Cat Claimed the PaperA gray Devon Rex cat with large ears sits in the foreground while a woman and a boy unwrap gifts near a tree.The Devon Rex Had a Front Row Seat for Christmas MorningA white cat with yellow eyes wears a green elf hat and a green and red elf collar in a living room.Santa's Newest Elf Showed Up With Whiskers and Yellow Eyes