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A red tabby Exotic Shorthair sits by a wire fence with three small yellow chicks, watching hens in a coop beyond 24 / 35

The Chicks and the Cat Watched the Big Hens Through the Fence

AI imageexotic shorthairbaby chickshenhouse

A wire fence runs along the edge of the frame, and a round-faced red tabby Exotic Shorthair sits right beside it, studying what is on the other side. Brown and red hens walk about in the coop beyond, and three tiny chicks sit close to the cat, peering through the wire as if they were watching a performance. Pots, a plant and some tools sit tucked away at the back of the room.

Chicks grow quickly, and in only a few weeks they start to develop real feathers and look more like the hens they will become. Until they are fully feathered, they usually need extra warmth and should be kept separate from older birds. Exotic Shorthairs are quiet, affectionate cats with flat faces, and they tend to enjoy a steady, peaceful household. Their face shape means they may need extra cleaning around the eyes. A cat watching poultry through a fence is a common sight on farms, but it is always safest to keep a secure barrier between them. Wash your hands after handling birds, and ask your vet about keeping your cat and your flock safe.

The Exotic frowns thoughtfully at the hens, and the chicks look up in awe. It may be a glimpse into their future, or it may just be the most interesting thing on the farm today.

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