A Tuxedo Cat Inspected Five Ducklings Lined Up Like Little Soldiers
Five ducklings stand in a neat row along the wooden frame of a garden bed, and the tuxedo cat has come to inspect them. She crouches at the left end with her white paws together and her yellow-green eyes fixed on the line of birds, her whiskers fanned forward and her black ears turned toward them. The ducklings stand shoulder to shoulder, orange bills pointed in different directions, their fluffy yellow coats bright against the grass and soil. A raised bed of green sprouts, a grassy lawn and a few clay pots stretch behind them in the soft late light.
Tuxedo cats are known for their formal black and white coats, but the pattern shows up in many breeds and mixes, and their personalities range widely. Many tuxedos are described as outgoing and playful. Ducklings are social birds that like to stay close to one another, which is why they often line up or huddle together. Garden beds can hold fertilizers, slug bait or other hazards, so make sure any area your birds or pets explore is safe and chemical-free. A cat should always be supervised around baby birds, and your vet can offer helpful advice.
She studies the row carefully, as though counting them. The ducklings stand in line, patient and calm, ready for whatever comes next, and the whole garden bed seems to hold its breath.
