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An elderly couple scatters seed for ducks at the edge of a pond while a ruddy Abyssinian cat sits close in the foreground. 31 / 38

Ruth Brought Seed for the Ducks. Saffron Brought Her Most Focused Stare.

AI imageabyssinianduckspond

Late afternoon light glints off the pond, and a whole flotilla of mallards has gathered at the bank. Ruth, in a soft green cardigan, lets a stream of seed trickle from her fingers into the water, smiling as the ducks paddle closer. Harold, in a canvas cap and quilted vest, crouches beside her with his own handful, grinning like a kid. Close in the foreground sits Saffron, perfectly still, ears swiveled forward and amber eyes narrowed with intense interest. She isn't moving a muscle, but every whisker says she is paying very close attention to those ducks.

Feeding ducks is a beloved pastime, and choosing the right food makes it better for the birds. Bread offers little nutrition for ducks, so many parks suggest alternatives like cracked corn, oats, birdseed, or chopped lettuce, as Ruth and Harold seem to be using here. As for cats, even the most well-fed ones keep a strong hunting instinct, and birds can trigger it in an instant. If your cat joins you outdoors near wildlife, keep it on a secure harness and leash so it can't dart after anything, and give the birds plenty of space. That keeps both cat and ducks safe and calm.

Saffron's expression may say 'dinner,' but she's being remarkably polite about it. Between the quacking crowd, the golden light, and two happy duck-feeders, it's a peaceful little scene by the water.

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An elderly couple sits on a wooden dock with bare feet in the water while a ruddy Abyssinian cat sits primly on the planks.Harold and Ruth Dipped Their Toes in the Lake. Saffron Drew the Line.A ruddy Abyssinian cat sits at a floury kitchen counter as an elderly couple rolls dough and shapes cookies behind it.Cookie Day Got Messy Fast, and Saffron Was Not Impressed by the RulesAn elderly couple repairs a wooden fence with tools while a ruddy Abyssinian cat sits nearby holding a twig in its mouth.Harold and Ruth Were Fixing the Fence When Saffron Showed Up With SuppliesA ruddy Abyssinian cat sleeps on a pile of patterned quilt fabric while an elderly couple sews at the table behind it.Ruth Laid Out Every Quilt Square on the Table. Saffron Found Them First.