Why is the cover of the Kaaba raised, and is there an ihram for the Kaaba?

Changing the Kaaba's covering (kiswa) is an ancient and well-known practice. The Kaaba was covered in the pre-Islamic era (Jahiliyyah), and its covering continued in Islam. Muslims have unanimously agreed on the permissibility of covering it with brocade. The early Muslims (Salaf) were keen on covering it. Umar used to remove its covering every year and distribute it among the pilgrims. The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, covered it with Yemeni cloth, then Umar and Uthman covered it with Qabati cloth, and Al-Hajjaj covered it with brocade. The wisdom behind covering it is to glorify the rituals of Allah, to instill awe in enemies, and to demonstrate the might of Islam and its people. This is not out of veneration for the Kaaba itself, but rather an act of worship and gratitude to Allah. The Kaaba's inner white cloth covering is raised during the Hajj season to prevent some pilgrims from cutting pieces of the cloth in search of blessings.