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A ginger kitten sleeps curled up inside crumpled red holly-print wrapping paper in a cluttered living room. 3 / 20

Every Gift Was Opened, but the Best One Was the Paper Pile

AI imageorange kittenwrapping paperchristmas

The presents have been opened, and the best part of the pile turned out to be the paper. A ginger kitten with a soft, fluffy coat has curled into a nest of crumpled red wrapping paper printed with golden holly leaves, paws tucked, eyes shut, completely out cold. The room behind her is the cheerful mess that follows a gift-opening morning: boxes, a knitted blanket, and ribbon scraps scattered on the floor.

Cats are famous for loving paper and boxes, and the reasons are practical. A snug, enclosed spot helps a cat feel secure, and crinkly paper also keeps in warmth while rustling pleasantly at every little shift. Kittens in particular sleep a great deal, often most of the day, in short bursts between play. A good rule on gift-wrap day is to clear away anything that could cause trouble once the fun is over. Ribbon, tinsel, and string can be dangerous if swallowed, and tape or small bits of foil are no good either. Paper itself is usually fine to nap in, but keep an eye out for chewing and pick up the long, stringy pieces first.

A tidy-up can wait a few minutes. A sleeping kitten in the middle of the wrapping paper is one of those sights that makes people lower their voices and walk around on tiptoe.

Whatever gift is under that tree, this napper has already decided she got the best one.

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