The Mail Never Made It to the Table Because a Tuxedo Cat Got There

Envelopes, flyers, and scraps of brown paper cover the floor like autumn leaves, and a black and white tuxedo cat sits right in the middle, gazing upward. His green-yellow eyes are bright, his white bib is neat, and his ears point forward with interest. A basket and a couch sit in the background, and a few pieces of mail still cling to the edge of a cushion. It looks as if the afternoon post met its match.

Cats love shredding paper because it makes a satisfying sound, it tears easily, and it is fun to bat and pounce on. Mail often carries the scent of other people and places, which makes it even more interesting. Tuxedo cats are not a breed but a coat pattern, and their personalities vary, though many owners describe them as lively and affectionate. Shredded paper is usually harmless, but important documents are better kept out of reach. A mail slot basket or a high shelf can protect letters, and crinkly toys or a cardboard box to tear apart can give him a better outlet. If your cat eats paper, talk to your vet.

He seems to feel that the mail was delivered for his enjoyment. Nobody will be reading those bills now, which he may consider a public service. For the moment, he is the happy ruler of a very large pile of confetti, and he looks ready to receive visitors.