Browse ›
A grandma with a silver braid holds out seed to sparrows around a wooden feeder while a calico cat sits quietly on the rail. 28 / 32

The Sparrows Landed on Dottie's Hand. Marigold Didn't Move a Whisker.

AI imagecalico catbird feederbackyard

Sparrows crowd the little wooden feeder, wings flapping, some swooping in and others perched on the roof. Dottie stands beside it in her denim shirt, silver braid hanging forward, holding out a palmful of seed with a gentle smile. A few birds hover close to her hand. On the porch rail, Marigold sits tall and still, calico tail curled around her paws, her eyes fixed on the birds with a stare of complete concentration. Potted plants, a watering can and a wooden fence fill the glowing backyard.

Feeding backyard birds is a pleasant hobby, but it is worth knowing that cats are natural hunters. Outdoor cats are a real threat to birds, so for the safety of both, many people keep their cats indoors or supervised near feeders. Watching from a window or a secure porch lets her enjoy the show without any risk. Keep feeders clean, since dirty ones can spread disease among birds, and place them where a cat can't ambush from below. Fresh water in a shallow dish is a bonus for the birds. If your cat has the hunting instinct, interactive toys can satisfy it nicely.

Marigold is on her best behavior here, frozen like a statue. Whether she is planning anything or simply enjoying the view is her secret. Dottie keeps feeding the sparrows, and they keep coming.

More from this collection

All 32 →
A grandma with a silver braid reads from an open book on the couch while a calico cat sits beside her gazing at her face.Dottie Read the Next Chapter Out Loud. Marigold Was the Best Listener.A smiling grandma with a silver braid carries a calico cat in her arms up wooden porch steps strewn with autumn leaves.Marigold Was Done Walking. Dottie Scooped Her Up for the Last Few Steps.
A grandma with a silver braid sits near a folding chair where a calico cat sits, with a house glowing at dusk behind them.Two Chairs, One Sunset and Marigold Had Already Picked Her SeatA grandma with a silver braid brushes the long fur of a calico cat resting on a wooden step by a porch.Dottie Brought Out the Brush. Marigold Melted Into the Back Steps.A grandma with a silver braid and denim shirt drives an old pickup truck, a calico cat sitting beside her on the seat.Dottie Took the Old Pickup Out. Marigold Took the Best Seat in It.A grandma with a silver braid sits on a lake dock with her bare feet in the water, smiling at a calico cat beside her.Dottie Dipped Her Toes Off the Dock. Marigold Had Something to Say About It.