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A black and white tuxedo cat sleeps in front of a wood stove with two yellow chicks tucked into the fur of its belly. 5 / 26

The Woodshop Was Quiet Until You Saw the Cat's Belly

AI imagetuxedo catbaby chickswood stove

A cast-iron wood stove glows quietly in the corner of a cluttered workshop, with a basket of kindling beside it and a heap of old blankets close by. On the floor in front of it, a black and white tuxedo cat has stretched out in a deep sleep, one paw draped over his own face. Two yellow chicks have burrowed into the white fur of his belly and gone to sleep as well.

Tuxedo is not a breed but a coat pattern, a mix of black and white that can show up in many kinds of cats. Folks often say tuxedos are outgoing and talkative, but personality really depends on the individual cat. What is true of most cats is their love of heat. Their comfortable body temperature runs a little higher than ours, so a warm spot by the stove is an easy favorite.

A bit of safety goes a long way here. Pets that sleep close to a stove can get too hot or brush against hot surfaces, so a fireguard and a little distance are smart. Baby chicks should be kept in a proper brooder at the right temperature rather than loose by a fire. The picture shows the cozy side of the farm, but the sensible side keeps it that way.

The firewood is stacked, the day's work looks finished, and the snoozing pair do not have a care. It is the sort of drowsy scene that makes you want to lower your voice and tiptoe past.

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