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A round-faced red tabby cat with wide amber eyes sits in the hallway surrounded by shredded toilet paper. 4 / 21

A Red Tabby Froze Mid-Crime in a Hallway Full of Shredded Tissue

AI imageexotic shorthairtoilet papercaught in the act

Wide amber eyes, a round little face, and a snowdrift of shredded toilet paper all around: a red tabby Exotic Shorthair has just been caught in the middle of his masterpiece. His mouth is slightly open as if he's about to say something, his paws are planted in the mess, and his ears are tilted back in guilty surprise.

The hallway behind him stretches toward a wooden door, with a row of shoes lined up on one side and a woven rug on the other. White scraps are scattered along the floor in all directions, some in tiny wisps and some in big, fluffy clumps. We'll call him Marmalade. He looks as if he can't quite believe there was this much paper in one roll.

Toilet paper is a classic cat obsession, because it unrolls with a satisfying flutter and tears with a pleasing sound. It is not usually dangerous to play with, though swallowing large amounts can cause stomach trouble, so keep an eye on it. Prevent the problem by keeping bathroom doors closed or using a covered holder. More importantly, a cat who shreds paper may be bored. A few minutes of play with a wand toy, a cardboard box, or a crinkly ball can burn off energy. Exotic Shorthairs are typically quiet and sweet, but they still love a game, especially when it involves a good pounce. If he seems stressed, ask your vet.

Marmalade sits in the middle of the wreckage, wide-eyed, as if wondering how all this snow got into the hallway.

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