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A silver tabby British Shorthair sits in profile on a wood floor beside broken blue and white pottery and pink roses. 9 / 38

A Dignified British Shorthair Refuses to Look at the Broken Vase

AI imagebritish shorthaircaught in the actbroken vase

A blue and white vase lies in pieces on the wooden floor, with shards of painted porcelain scattered among pink roses and crumbs of soil. A few steps from the wreckage sits a plump silver tabby British Shorthair in perfect profile, gazing off to the side with a dignified frown. His round cheeks, thick coat, and bold stripes make him look like a statue of someone who did not do it. The sofa, a grey blanket, and a potted plant watch from the corner.

British Shorthairs are sturdy, round-faced cats with dense, plush coats. They are known for being calm and easygoing, and many are happy to sit beside their people rather than on them. They are not usually the type to knock things down in anger, but even a mellow cat will bat a glass if it is in the way. If something breaks, keep him out of the room until you have swept every shard. Broken pottery can cut paws, so check his feet afterward. Try putting vases in the center of tables, anchoring them with museum putty, or choosing a heavier base. If he has stepped on glass or ceramic and is limping or licking his paw, call your vet. Many bouquets include lilies, which are dangerous to cats, so check before you bring them home.

For now, he keeps up the stern profile. Somewhere under that frown, though, is a very big softie.

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