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A black and white tuxedo cat sits with wide eyes beside a heap of chewed-up sneakers and shoes in a hallway. 17 / 32

A Tuxedo Cat Faces the Hallway Full of Chewed Shoes

AI imagetuxedo catchewed shoeshallway

There was a neat row of shoes by the door this morning, and now a tuxedo cat sits in front of a tangled heap of them, eyes round as saucers. The sneakers and boots are scuffed and chewed, with bits of foam and fabric sprinkled on the floorboards. His white bib and socks shine in the warm lamplight.

A basket of laundry waits at his side, a bag hangs near the coat hooks, and a potted plant grows in the corner of the entryway. The cat looks directly forward, as if daring the household to ask what happened.

Cats are drawn to shoes because they smell strongly of their owners and of the outside world. Leather and rubber also have interesting textures for chewing. Some cats go farther than a sniff, and a cat that chews can swallow bits of foam, rubber, or laces, which can cause blockages. Keep shoes in a closet or on a high rack, and give your cat alternatives such as safe chew toys and cat grass. Boredom is often the root of chewing, so extra playtime helps. If you notice vomiting or lack of appetite after a chewing spree, call your vet.

The tuxedo seems to feel no remorse and plenty of pride. He has clearly been busy, and the evidence is all there for anyone who wants to count the laces.

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