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A brown tabby kitten bats at a red ribbon on crumpled brown wrapping paper in front of a lit Christmas tree. 10 / 21

The Presents Were Open, but the Ribbon Was the Real Prize

AI imagetabby kittenchristmasribbon play

Wrapping paper lies crumpled on the floor, and one brown tabby kitten has found the best part of any present: the ribbon. A bright red curl of it spills across the brown paper, and the kitten has one paw raised mid-bat, with the other planted firmly on the prize. Her eyes are bright and focused. Behind her, a lit tree, a lamp glowing softly and a blanketed sofa make the room feel warm and golden.

Ribbon and string are some of a cat's favorite playthings, but they are also one of the most common holiday hazards. A cat that swallows a piece of ribbon, tinsel or yarn can have serious trouble, and it is not always obvious right away. If you suspect your pet has swallowed something like that, call your vet promptly. A good habit is to supervise ribbon play and put it away when you are done.

Safer swaps are easy. A wand toy with a feather or a ribbon attached to a stick lets you hold the other end, and a crumpled ball of paper makes a fine chase toy. Short, daily play sessions help a young cat burn energy and build confidence, and they tend to cut down on mischief with decorations.

The brown tabby coat is the classic cat look, and the little stripes on this kitten make her hard to resist. We will call her Tinsel, and she is in total command of this paper pile. The presents can wait while she wins the ribbon.

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