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A red Maine Coon cat sits beside a pile of chewed-up shoes with wide eyes, in a room with a rug. 27 / 30

A Red Maine Coon Sits Beside Every Shoe in the House

AI imagemaine coonchewed shoesentryway

A small mountain of shoes sits beside the red Maine Coon, each one chewed, scuffed and missing bits of lining. Black sneakers, a brown loafer and a boot lie in a heap on the floor, and the big fluffy cat looks away with golden eyes wide open, whiskers fanned and chest tufts glowing in the warm light. His look says he was just about to tidy up.

Maine Coons are one of the largest domestic cat breeds, known for their shaggy coats, tufted ears and gentle, friendly nature. They are often called gentle giants. Even a mellow cat can get into trouble when shoes are left by the door, since leather and fabric smell strongly of their people and make a satisfying chew toy.

Chewing shoes can be risky. Pieces of rubber, laces and foam can cause serious problems if swallowed, so keep footwear in a closet or on a high shelf. If a cat is a frequent chewer, boredom or stress can be part of the cause, and extra play and puzzle toys can help. Talk to your vet if the habit continues, or if you think he has swallowed something.

A big cat needs a big hobby, and this one has found his. The shoes are evidence of a very full day, and the Maine Coon sits there looking handsome and slightly sorry. He will probably be forgiven. Big fluffy cats usually are.

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