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Silver-haired grandma holding a small bowl of chicken feed while a black cat walks toward the open back door and hens 14 / 36

Odessa Went Out to Feed the Chickens. Onyx Decided to Follow.

AI imagedevon rexchickensbackyard farm

Out the back door, a handful of speckled hens are scratching around in the dirt, and Grandma Odessa is getting ready to feed them. She stands in her gray cardigan holding a small woven bowl of grain, her glasses pushed up into her silver hair. A few steps ahead of her, Onyx walks toward the open door with his ears up and his tail low, watching the chickens as if he had just discovered them. A basket, a towel and some old boots sit in the doorway, and the yard glows with late light. It is a very ordinary chore with a very curious helper.

Backyard chickens and cats can sometimes share a yard, but it takes careful introductions. Cats are natural hunters, and even a friendly one may chase or pounce on small birds, while a full-grown hen can also peck or scratch a curious cat. Supervise any meeting, keep the cat on a harness at first, and make sure the birds have a secure coop. Chicken feed, droppings and fresh eggs can carry germs, so wash your hands after chores and keep your cat out of feed bins. Devon Rex cats tend to be playful and bold, so go slow and talk to your vet if you plan to mix animals.

Onyx is clearly fascinated by the hens. Odessa, with grain in hand, has the patience of someone who knows exactly how this will end.

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