A Calico Kitten Inspects Every Present Beneath the Tree
Under the low branches of the tree, a calico kitten with patches of orange, black and white steps carefully between the presents. There are gifts wrapped in plain brown paper with twine and a sprig of pine, one in green plaid with a red ribbon, and another in snowflake paper tied with blue string. A string of wooden beads drapes down from the branches, and a pair of fuzzy slippers and a mug sit nearby on the carpet.
Calico cats are almost always female, because the orange and black genes sit on the X chromosome, so a calico has to carry two of them. People often describe them as spunky, though it is a matter of individual personality. Under a tree, that adventurous streak may lead to chewing, so it is worth making a few changes.
Skip the tinsel and tie ribbons short, and do not put edible gifts where a curious nose can reach them. Cats are drawn to the smell of anything with food, and treats like chocolate and some candies are not safe for pets, so keep them up high. If you use a real tree, sweeping up fallen needles helps too, since they can be sharp or irritating if swallowed.
Our calico, whom we will call Patches, is doing a careful inspection of the present pile, tail low and ears forward. She is the quality inspector for every box here, and so far everything has passed. The gifts are safe, for now.
