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A tortoiseshell cat with a faint smile sitting beside a chewed, shredded notebook on a table 9 / 29

A Tortoiseshell Cat and the Notebook That Never Got Finished

AI imagetortoiseshell catcaught in the acthomework

Half of a notebook cover has been nibbled into white crumbs, and a tortoiseshell cat sits right beside it wearing a small, tight smile. Orange, black, and brown patches swirl across the face, the green eyes narrowed just a little, as if the cat has a secret and is enjoying it. A couch and a pillow wait in the soft background of the living room, and a few paper flakes cling to her whiskers.

Many cats like to chew paper and cardboard. Kittens do it while teething, and adult cats often do it out of boredom, stress, or simply because the texture is fun. Offering safe alternatives helps: a cardboard scratcher, a cat-safe chew toy, or a pot of cat grass can satisfy the urge. Keep important papers in a drawer and school books on a high shelf. Tortoiseshell cats are famous in cat circles for having bold, spirited personalities, though every cat is different. If chewing suddenly increases or your cat swallows a lot of paper, your vet can help you sort out the cause.

The homework will need a very creative explanation tomorrow. The cat, for her part, seems ready to sign off on a convincing note, if only she had a pen and a bit more patience for paperwork. For now she simply enjoys the sunshine and the quiet satisfaction of a job well chewed.

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