The Duchess Wore Her Feathered Hat and Kept an Eye on the Wand

Soft feathers in white and teal curl from the top of a green velvet hat, and under it the white cat's amber eyes are watching quietly. The duchess wears a gold-edged green gown with embroidered flowers, a lace ruff and a strand of pearls, and behind her the hazy Renaissance valley of rivers, hills and distant castles looks like another painting within the painting. Her fur is smooth and snowy, with the faint pink of her nose and ears glowing like candlelight.

There is a well-known piece of advice for cat owners about hats and feathers, and it is this: keep decorations out of reach. Cats love to bat at feathers and ribbons, but swallowing them can cause serious problems, so toys with long strings or loose feathers should be used only under supervision and put away afterward. A feather wand is wonderful exercise when you are holding the other end, and a few minutes a day keeps a cat fit. White cats may be more prone to sunburn on their ears and noses, so ask your vet about sun exposure. Soft brushing keeps the coat white and shiny, and gentle wipes help with any tear stains.

The duchess will take the feather, thank you, but only if someone else is holding the wand. A soft pat is welcome, and the feather can stay on the hat where it belongs, for the sake of everyone's dignity.