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A fluffy orange cat sits looking up among torn and shredded cardboard pieces on a floor in warm light. 9 / 31

The Cardboard Box Is Gone, and Marmalade Has Nothing to Say

AI imageorange catcardboard boxliving room

Warm light spills over an orange longhair sitting in a heap of shredded cardboard, strips and squares scattered around her like autumn leaves. Her fur is a deep amber with soft, feathery edges, and her golden eyes look up with a guilty, anxious expression. Behind her, a woven basket, a blanket, and a tangle of cords lie on the floor of a cozy, cluttered room.

Cats are drawn to cardboard for a few reasons: it is a good place to hide, it keeps them warm, and it is perfect for scratching and shredding. Many cats find that tearing at the edges is very satisfying. A cardboard box is a safe and cheap toy, but do keep an eye out for tape, staples, or glue that could harm a curious cat. If a cat swallows a lot of cardboard, talk to your vet. A flat cardboard scratcher offers a better target, and rubbing it with a bit of catnip makes it irresistible.

We will call her Marmalade. She has the look of a creative artist who has just finished an installation and is not sure it will be understood. Her ears are turned slightly back, her whiskers are relaxed, and she is clearly waiting for a verdict. The box is gone, but the shreds make a soft, crunchy bed, and she will probably take a nap right there.

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