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A grandma in glasses holds a handful of seed by a backyard pond with mallard ducks, flanked by two ruddy Abyssinian cats. 16 / 29

A Pond Full of Ducks, a Handful of Seed, and Two Cats Sitting Very, Very Still

AI imageabyssinian catsducksbackyard pond

Mallards paddle across a small backyard pond, their emerald heads shining against the dark water. Grandma Loretta crouches at the edge in a gray cardigan and blue tee, glasses low on her nose, holding a cupped handful of seed with a gentle smile. Flanking her on both sides are two ruddy Abyssinians. Saffron sits on the right, ears tall and eyes locked on the ducks, while her look-alike companion, Nutmeg, sits on the left with her face turned toward the seed. Potted plants, a wooden fence, and a weathered garden wall surround the quiet little pond.

Cats and birds sharing a space call for some care. Even well-fed, gentle cats have natural hunting instincts, and quick movements from ducks or songbirds can trigger a chase. If cats are outdoors near wildlife, close supervision, a harness, or a secure enclosure keeps both the birds and the cats safe. For feeding ducks, cracked corn, oats, birdseed, or chopped greens are better choices than bread, which offers little nutrition. Keep the feed off the ground where cats might nibble it, and do not let pets drink pond water, which can carry bacteria or algae. Abyssinians are especially alert and curious, so a calm, controlled setting matters.

For now, both cats seem content to watch rather than pounce. Grandma Loretta has managed something rare: two curious cats, a pond full of ducks, and a peaceful afternoon for everyone.

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