Game Night Was All Set Up. Then the Abyssinian Decided to Play.
Game night is officially canceled. A ruddy Abyssinian cat sits on the living room floor beside a sea of wooden game pieces: little houses, stars, round tokens, gears and dice, spread in every direction like a tiny town after a storm. The cat's big ears are tipped slightly back, its amber eyes glance off to the side, and the whole pose says it would very much like to talk about something else. Behind it, a green knit throw and a plaid blanket drape over the couch, a potted plant sits in the window light, and a coffee table waits with papers that were probably meant for keeping score.
Abyssinians are known as one of the most active and curious cat breeds. They tend to love climbing, exploring high shelves, and batting small objects around, which makes a box of game pieces almost irresistible. Owners often describe them as playful, people-oriented cats that want to be involved in whatever is happening. Because they get bored easily, they do best with daily interactive play, puzzle feeders, and cat trees. Small game pieces are also worth putting away after use, since tiny parts can be a choking hazard for a cat that likes to carry things in its mouth.
In fairness, the cat may simply have been trying to join the game. Nobody ever explained the rules, and from where it sits, knocking everything onto the floor looks like a pretty decisive win.
