Browse ›
A red tabby Exotic Shorthair with a grumpy face looks at a group of yellow ducklings gathering on the lawn. 8 / 38

The Red Tabby Frowned, the Ducklings Waddled Closer, and the Lawn Went Quiet

AI imageexotic shorthairducklingsfirst meeting

Some introductions are best taken slowly, and this one is being taken very slowly indeed. A red tabby Exotic Shorthair sits on the green lawn with his round face set in a deeply skeptical frown, his copper eyes locked on a gaggle of fluffy yellow ducklings who are waddling closer. The ducklings seem completely unbothered. A path, a wooden wall, and a bed of leafy plants stand behind them. We'll call the cat Pumpkin.

A cat that stays still and watches is usually gathering information. Cats are cautious about new animals, and a slow, quiet first meeting is the best way to help them adjust. Exotic Shorthairs in particular often have a calm, stoic look, even when they are simply curious, because of their flat faces and wide-set eyes.

When a cat meets a new animal, let them look at each other from a safe distance first. Keep the cat's attention on treats and calm praise, and don't force contact. Baby birds are very delicate and can be hurt by a curious paw, so they should be protected by a barrier until you are sure everyone is safe. Your vet can suggest ways to help pets get used to each other.

Pumpkin's frown may stay, but the ducklings clearly have decided he is a friend. It's a sweet first meeting.

More from this collection

All 38 →
A pink hairless Sphynx cat peers down at six yellow ducklings sleeping in a wicker basket lined with a gray blanket.The Sphynx Cat Kept Watch Over a Basket of Sleeping DucklingsA silver Maine Coon sleeps beside a black wood stove with a group of yellow ducklings tucked against her.A Gentle Maine Coon Drifted Off by the Stove, With Ducklings Tucked Close
A cream and dark-faced Ragdoll cat curls around a group of yellow ducklings on snowy ground.The Ragdoll Curled Around the Ducklings to Keep Them Warm in the SnowA silver Norwegian Forest Cat watches yellow ducklings gather around a gray water bowl on a wooden floor.A Big Silver Cat Sat Close as Ducklings Lined Up to DrinkA cream British Shorthair cat walks through a meadow of wildflowers with five yellow ducklings following her.A Cream Cat Led a Line of Ducklings Through the WildflowersA brown tabby Maine Coon rests beside a pile of yellow ducklings in a basket of warm towels.A Basket of Warm Towels Turned Into a Nursery for Ducklings and a Maine Coon