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A calico cat walks across a garden yard carrying four yellow ducklings perched on its back. 20 / 34

The Backyard Shuttle Is Now Boarding, and the Driver Is a Calico

AI imagecalico catducklingsbackyard

The backyard shuttle service is now boarding. A calico cat strides across the garden with a calm, purposeful expression, her patchwork coat of orange, black, and white looking extra striking in the soft light. Perched on her back are four yellow ducklings, balanced in a row like passengers on a very fuzzy bus, their orange bills pointed in different directions as they enjoy the view. Around them, the yard is a pleasant tangle of garden life: a blue watering can lying on its side, a metal pail of seedlings, scattered dry leaves, and a weathered wooden fence.

Calico isn't a breed but a color pattern, made up of white plus patches of orange and black. Because of how the genes for orange and black fur are carried on the X chromosome, nearly all calico cats are female. Male calicos do exist but are very rare. Calicos appear in many breeds and among everyday domestic cats, and while people love to joke about calico attitude, each cat's personality is her own. Like any cat, a calico needs regular vet care, a balanced diet, scratching posts, and daily play. Also worth noting: real ducklings are fragile, so riding on a cat is best left to the imagination.

Wherever this little parade is headed, it's clearly the most important trip of the day. The calico doesn't look the least bit bothered by her passengers, and the ducklings are enjoying every step.

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