Browse ›
A ruddy Abyssinian cat sits beside a pale couch with the fabric on the arm shredded and stuffing hanging out. 24 / 38

The Couch Arm Is in Ribbons, and the Abyssinian Looks Delighted

AI imageabyssiniancaught in the actcouch

The arm of the couch has been torn into ribbons, with strips of pale fabric curling away and fluffy white stuffing poking through. Sitting right beside the damage, a ruddy Abyssinian with huge ears and golden-green eyes gives the camera a tiny, tilted smile. His warm, copper coat glows in the window light, and a houseplant and a blanket sit calmly in the background. If a cat could say ta-da, this is how it would look.

Abyssinians are lean, athletic cats with a ticked, reddish coat. They are among the most active and curious breeds, and they love to climb, explore, and play. A bored Abyssinian can find his own entertainment, and a soft couch arm is an inviting target. Scratching and chewing are normal, so the best answer is to redirect them. Place a tall, sturdy sisal post next to the couch, and try furniture covers or double-sided tape on the spot for a while. Plenty of interactive play, such as chasing a wand toy or solving a puzzle feeder, keeps this breed busy. Keep an eye on him so that he does not swallow stuffing or fabric, which can cause a blockage. If you think he has, call your vet.

His smile is the whole answer to the question of who did it. We can only hope the couch has a good repair person.

More from this collection

All 38 →