This Barn Cat Has Adopted Four Orphaned Ducklings

The ducklings lost their mother to a fox in early spring and were moved into a box in the barn with a heat lamp and low expectations.

The resident cat — nine years old, no history of raising anything, previously known mainly for her feelings about the dog — climbed in on the second night and has barely left since.

They follow her across the yard in a line. She waits at the gate when they fall behind.

Nobody on the farm is claiming this makes biological sense. The ducklings are growing, the cat seems pleased with herself, and everyone has decided not to interfere.