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A red tabby Exotic Shorthair lies in the straw in a barn corner with five yellow ducklings pressed against her. 28 / 38

A Red Tabby Shared the Barn Corner With Five Fluffy Ducklings

AI imageexotic shorthairducklingsbarn

In the corner of an old barn, a round-faced red tabby lies in a bed of straw with a look of calm contentment, her copper eyes half open. Pressed up against her side, five fluffy yellow ducklings huddle together with their little bills tucked in. Weathered gray boards form the walls, and a stretch of the yard can be seen through the opening. We'll call the cat Rusty. Dust floats in a thin beam of light, and now and then a duckling peeps in its sleep.

Red tabbies are known for being friendly and outgoing, and many are called ginger cats. They get their orange color from a gene, and most are male. Exotic Shorthairs are quiet, gentle cats with round faces and plush coats, and they are happiest curled up somewhere warm. A cat that lives in a barn is usually a calm, steady companion for the animals around her.

Barns are good for cats and ducklings, but they have hazards, too. Rodent bait can be deadly to pets, and loose nails, tools, and machinery can cause injury. Keep the straw clean and dry, since damp bedding can make animals sick. Ducklings in a barn also need a warm, draft-free area and protection from predators.

Rusty and the ducklings look cozy and calm. It is the kind of quiet that fills a barn at the end of the day. Nobody is in a hurry, and the straw is just warm enough.

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