Cats and Ducklings?

[Justy0]

When I got my first batch of ducklings last year, and I introduced my cats to them, the ducklings were not scared of the cats at all and the cats where interested but terrified of the ducks. I hoped they could be friends but I never trusted the cats alone with them and it always seemed like they just avoided each other. Hoping to raise some ducklings this year and wondering if anyone has had cats who will befriend the ducklings and actually help keep them warm? I have a normal lamp and heating pad, but I thought it would be cool to try letting my 4 year old Cat mother them if she takes to them. If anyone has had luck, are their any tips you could give me? I know not to ever leave them alone if the cat doesn't act as a mother figure, and I also know its probably rare for that to happen, but I was just wondering? Thanks guys!

 

[decomposed]

My cats get along great with ducklings. They wont keep them warm or anything, but my cats protect them from other cats.

 

[Varglet]

I knew someone whose cat had kittens the same time the duck had ducklings. The cat and the duck shared the kittens and ducklings between them. The kittens even thought they were ducklings up until they tried to follow them into the water, lol.

It's a rare thing, though, and I wouldn't count on it happening.

 

[Miss Lydia]

had to share this

 

[Carcajou]

My cat and ducks have pretty much ignored each other since day one.
If one of the neighbor's barn cats ventures over the ducks let it know it is not welcome.

 

[Going Quackers]

From that angle no, my barn cat is fine with the ducks and chickens right down to babies and the house cats have seen so many they barely bat an eye when more arrive BUT nobody has been motherly but then i only own one female cat lol

 

[Justy0]

Thanks for the responses everybody! I love hearing the stories, but also good to know the facts.

 

[Little witch]

My cats are not impressed with the ducks when they are out playing and will high tail it out of the garden when they come face to face with the ducks. But when the ducks are in their secure housing the cats will sit on top of their run and sunbath and ignore the ducks quacking at them.

They have a truse of sorts but have never had any fear of the cats hurting the duck even when there were tiny.

 

[jaimitastic]

My cat is strictly indoor as she is completely declawed but so far we've had no problems. The cat's food bowl is on my desk and the duck brooder is currently on our dining room table right next to the desk. The most she's done is kind of glancing their way after eating.

I've let her sniff them and stuff but she really has no interest in them.

Now my dog, that's another story.

 

[Ren2014]

I've read a lot of success stories but can't say any have mentioned the cat keeping the ducklings warm. Ducks grow so fast that by the time the two have bonded the duck may not need the cuddling warmth of the cat. One really fascinating story tells of a duck learning to come and go through a window just like the cats. Good luck to you