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A silver tabby cat sits in a cardboard box with six yellow ducklings lined up in front of her. 38 / 38

The Cat Sat in the Box, and Six Ducklings Lined Up Beside Her

AI imagesilver tabbyducklingscardboard box

A cardboard box sits on a table among mugs and blankets, and a silver tabby cat has climbed inside it with a calm, regal look. In front of her, six fluffy yellow ducklings are lined up in a neat row, looking out over the edge. A plant, a basket, and a pair of glasses are visible behind them. We'll call the cat Mittens. The ducklings peer over the edge, and the cat gives them a slow, kind blink, as if she approves of the whole arrangement.

Cats are famous for loving boxes, and scientists and cat owners alike have noticed that cats seek out small, enclosed spaces. A box gives them a safe place to hide, keep warm, and watch the world. If your cat likes boxes, offering a clean, sturdy one can be a simple and low-cost form of enrichment.

A cardboard box can also work as a temporary spot for ducklings, but it needs soft, non-slip bedding, a safe heat source, and constant supervision. Make sure no staples or tape are exposed, and keep any cats separate when you are not watching. A vet or poultry expert can help you set up a proper brooder.

Mittens looks like the captain of a very small ship, and the ducklings are an eager crew. It is a snug, happy scene. It is a small box, but it holds a lot of warmth.

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