A Grumpy-Faced Grey Kitten Falls Asleep in the Wrapping Paper

The wrapping paper is silver with white snowflakes and holly leaves, and it has been piled into the best nest a kitten ever found. In the middle, a round-faced grey kitten has laid his head down with a faint frown, as if he would like to know who disturbed his rest. His thick coat looks plush against the crinkled paper. In the background, a blue blanket on the sofa and a mug on a table give the room a lived-in holiday feel.

With his flat face and sleepy scowl, this kitten looks like an Exotic Shorthair, a breed known for being quiet and affectionate. Those short flat faces are part of the charm, but they can come with breathing and eye-care needs, so regular vet visits are a good idea. A quiet life, a warm bed and gentle play are usually enough to keep them content.

Wrapping paper is a classic cat bed, thanks to the crinkly sound and the way it gives and holds heat. Still, it is worth remembering that tape, ribbon and bits of paper can be swallowed, so napping spots should be checked and cleared of loose pieces afterward. A soft blanket or a small bed placed nearby can offer the same coziness.

We will call him Grumble, although he is perfectly peaceful. This is a very hard-earned nap, the kind you take after a morning of unwrapping and supervising. It is a fine way to spend the afternoon. The mess can wait until he is done.