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An older man in a cream cardigan crouches on a back step scattering grain for four hens while a grey cat looks on. 2 / 40

Grandpa Fed the Hens Like Every Morning. This Time Sterling Came Along.

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Breakfast is being served on the back step, and the hens are not waiting politely. Grandpa crouches low in a cream cable-knit cardigan and plaid shirt, sprinkling a golden stream of grain onto the ground while four plump chickens crowd in to peck. Just behind them stands Sterling, his blue-grey coat a cool contrast to all those russet and speckled feathers. The cat isn't chasing anyone. He's simply observing, ears forward and tail up, as if he has been put in charge of making sure everybody gets a fair share.

Cats and backyard chickens can live side by side, but it helps to understand the dynamic. Grown hens are usually too big for a house cat to bother, and many cats learn to keep their distance after one firm peck. Chicks are another story, since they're small enough to trigger a cat's hunting instinct, so they should stay in a secure brooder until they're fully feathered. Supervised introductions, plenty of space, and a calm owner nearby all help. It's also wise to keep chicken feed stored in a sealed bin so it doesn't attract rodents, which can draw unwanted attention from both cats and wildlife.

For now, the arrangement seems to be working beautifully. The hens get their grain, Grandpa gets his morning routine, and Sterling gets front-row seats to the busiest show in the yard.

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