A Gift Box With a Giant Red Bow Held a Very Special Surprise
An open cardboard box tied with a huge red bow turns out to hold the best present of the day: a ruddy Abyssinian kitten with green eyes and wide, curious ears. One paw rests on the edge of the box, and a nest of crinkled paper surrounds her. Sunlight pours across the table and a blanket and pinecones sit nearby.
Cats and boxes are a famous pair. Even a small box offers a snug hiding place, and enclosed spaces help cats feel secure and in control. Abyssinians are an active, curious breed, with warm coats and big personalities, and a kitten like this one is likely to explore every flap and corner before settling.
Boxes are a great, cheap enrichment tool, with a few simple precautions. Remove tape, staples and plastic wrap, and watch for ribbons and shredded paper that could be chewed or swallowed. Cut a few holes for peeking and pawing if you like, and place the box in a quiet spot so she can hide and pounce. If she nibbles something odd, a call to your vet is a good idea.
The red bow is still in place, and the surprise inside is looking out. The box is just the right size, which is the only review that matters. Whoever wrapped it should feel proud, though the kitten clearly believes the bow was meant for her all along.






