A Tabby Sits on the Porch Beside a Hat That Has Seen Better Days
Evening has settled on the porch, and a warm lamp casts a golden glow across the wooden boards. A brown tabby sits upright beside a baseball cap that has clearly been through something, its brim torn in places and its crown dotted with chewed holes and loose threads. The cat's ears are tilted back and his eyes gleam amber, giving him the sheepish look of someone who knows the hat belonged to somebody else. A potted plant and the quiet siding of the house form the backdrop.
Cats are drawn to items that carry their person's scent, such as hats, shoes, and socks. Chewing and kneading those items can be a way of comforting themselves. Many cats also like a good bit of fabric to claw and bite during play. This behavior is common in young or bored cats, and it often fades with more exercise and attention. Keep hats and clothes out of reach, and offer him a plush toy or a rope toy that he can chew freely. Be careful with small pieces: bits of thread, the plastic back strap, and fabric can cause problems if swallowed. If he is eating the fabric, call your vet. Outdoor time should be supervised, so he stays safe on the porch.
The cap may not be the same, but the tabby seems very sure of himself. He is guarding it now, as if it were a trophy that he earned fair and square.






