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A fluffy silver kitten stands on hind legs batting a red glass ornament on a low branch of a Christmas tree. 19 / 23

The Lowest Ornament Was Only Safe Until the Kitten Noticed It

AI imagenorwegian forest catchristmasornament

She stands tall on her hind legs, one paw hooked around a shiny red ornament, her fluffy silver coat fanned out like a small cloud. The ornament swings on its branch, pinecones and a second red bauble hang behind, and her eyes are fixed on her target. In the room around her, a grey blanket, wooden blocks and a pair of sneakers show a busy household.

Norwegian Forest Cats are a sturdy, long-haired breed with athletic builds and a famous love of climbing. They are known to be playful and clever, and a kitten of this type will happily scale a tree if she can. Shiny, swinging ornaments are one of the most tempting toys a young cat will ever find.

If your tree has a kitten in the picture, there are easy ways to keep both safe. Hang unbreakable ornaments on the lowest branches and put glass ones up high, avoid tinsel and hooks that could be swallowed, and make sure the tree is stable. A set of toys placed near the base can redirect some of the energy. If a kitten swallows something she shouldn't, call your vet.

The ornament is still on its branch, though barely. In this round, the kitten is very much winning, and the tree is just along for the ride. Tomorrow there will be a rematch, and she plans to be ready.

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