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Silver tabby American Shorthair cat with ears back sitting beside a worn teddy bear with torn seams and stuffing coming out. 23 / 29

A Silver Tabby Sits Apart From the Teddy Bear She Took Apart

AI imageamerican shorthairteddy bearliving room

A well-loved teddy bear lies on the carpet with its seams burst and cotton stuffing coming out of its chest and arms. Next to it sits the silver tabby American Shorthair, with her ears pulled back and her eyes turned to the side, looking as if she would like to be anywhere else. Her striped coat is neat, and her paws are tucked in. The sunny living room behind her has a plant and a few other soft toys that have survived.

Cats are natural hunters, and a stuffed toy can feel like prey when it is grabbed with the front paws and kicked with the back legs. That bunny kick is a normal part of play, and a plush toy that is the right size can satisfy it. The danger comes when stuffing, eyes, or threads come loose, since swallowing them can cause serious problems. Check your cat's toys often and throw away any that are falling apart, and offer toys that are made for cats. American Shorthairs are healthy, friendly, and adaptable cats, and they tend to be playful well into adulthood. They are also natural mousers, which explains a lot of what is going on with that teddy bear.

She seems to feel bad about it, in her own way. The bear has had a long life and a dramatic ending. A new toy is probably coming, and she will take it very seriously.

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