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A spotted Bengal cat lies in a straw-filled wheelbarrow with five yellow ducklings tucked against its side. 12 / 22

The Busiest Cat in the Yard Finally Slowed Down for the Ducklings

AI imagebengalducklingswheelbarrow

A rusty wheelbarrow has been turned into a nest. Straw fills the bottom, and a spotted Bengal lies curled along one side, his gold-and-brown rosettes glowing in the afternoon light. Five ducklings are pressed against his flank, each one a small yellow puff. His eyes are half open and calm. Behind the wheelbarrow, you can spot gardening gloves, a canvas bag, rubber boots, a pot of herbs and a fence made of weathered boards.

Bengals are the athletes of the cat world. They descend from crosses between domestic cats and wild Asian leopard cats, and the breed is known for its glittering spotted coat, high energy and love of climbing. Most Bengals need lots of play and interesting things to do, from puzzle feeders to tall cat trees. A bored Bengal can get creative in ways that owners may not enjoy. That makes a quiet, sleepy moment like this one a bit of a rarity. As for the ducklings, they need warmth and a safe brooder, and any time a cat and baby birds share a space, a person should be close by.

The wheelbarrow scene has a nice, cozy sort of order. The busy cat has finally slowed down, the ducklings have found a warm wall to lean on, and the garden around them waits for later. Even the most energetic animal can be won over by a pile of fluffy company.

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