Pearl Decided the Biggest Stocking Was the Best Place to Hide
Only the head and ears of the silver tabby kitten rise above the thick white cuff of the red knit stocking, and the rest of him is tucked away inside. His round amber eyes look to the side, and striped markings run across his forehead and cheeks. Behind him, a coffee table holds a bit of pine and pinecones, a grey blanket, and a mug, and the sunlight through the window gives the scene a golden glow.
Kittens love snug, enclosed places, and a stocking is a perfect example. Cats instinctively look for hiding spots because they feel safe in small, protected spaces, and boxes, bags, and baskets all seem irresistible. Providing a few cozy hiding places in the house helps kittens feel secure and gives them somewhere to retreat when the holiday visitors arrive.
Be careful with knitted items, since loose yarn can be a hazard if a kitten chews or swallows it. Supervise him while he's in the stocking, and check for loose threads. If he starts to chew the wool, offer a toy instead. Tinsel and yarn are especially dangerous for cats, because long, stringy items can cause serious problems if swallowed. Call your vet if you suspect he ate something.
We'll call him Pearl. He's been waiting for Santa to fill the stocking, and he's decided to save him the trouble.
