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A cinnamon Abyssinian cat lies on a lawn looking at three small yellow chicks that have wandered up to her 32 / 35

A Cat and Three Chicks Said Hello for the First Time

AI imageabyssinian catbaby chicksfirst meeting

The lawn is green and soft, and a cinnamon Abyssinian lies in the grass with her golden eyes fixed on three little chicks. They stand in front of her, tilting their heads as if they are deciding whether she is friend or fence post. Her large ears are slightly turned, and her front paws are tucked out of the way. A wooden fence and some shrubs line the garden behind them.

First meetings between cats and small animals need patience and a lot of caution. A cat's instincts are strong, so a young bird should never be let loose with a cat unsupervised, no matter how friendly she seems. It helps to let the animals see and smell each other through a safe barrier first, and to reward calm behavior. Abyssinians are lively and curious cats with a ticked coat and a love of exploring, so they tend to approach new things with great interest. A calm, careful approach protects everyone. If you want to introduce your cat to other pets, your vet is a good source of advice. Wash your hands after touching chicks.

The Abyssinian keeps perfectly still, and the chicks edge a little closer. It is a tentative, curious first hello, and it looks like the beginning of something sweet. A breeze ruffles the grass, a chick takes one brave hop forward and the cat's whiskers twitch, though she stays exactly where she is.

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