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A calico cat stands on its hind legs and bats a red ornament hanging from the lowest branch of a Christmas tree. 12 / 22

A Calico Went After the Lowest Ornament on the Tree

AI imagecalico catchristmas treeornament

One white paw is stretched all the way up, and the ornament is already swinging. A calico cat stands on her hind legs beside the tree, her orange, black and white coat bright against the dark green branches, and gently touches a shiny red bauble. Her attention is fixed on it. A basket of blankets, a stuffed toy and a few shoes crowd the floor behind her, and daylight comes through the window curtains. It is a classic tree-and-cat story.

Cats and ornaments are a famously tricky mix. Glass baubles can shatter and cut paws, and hooks, tinsel and hanging strings can be dangerous if swallowed. Many families put unbreakable decorations and plain ribbons on the lower branches, and save the delicate ones for the top. Calico is a coat pattern, and calico cats are almost always female. A few minutes of play with a feather toy each day can reduce a cat's interest in the tree. If your cat swallows anything unusual, call your vet right away.

The calico looks very serious about her mission, and the ornament seems to be a worthy opponent. She may be just checking her reflection or she may be planning a long campaign. Either way, her stretch is a lovely sight, and the tree has never looked more alive. A calico on a mission is something to admire.

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