Kittens, especially if deprived of their natural protectors, seem to
long for the friendship of other beings, and will often roam about till
they find a person in whom they think they may confide. Sometimes they
make a curious choice. A kitten born on the roof of an out-house was by
an accident deprived of its mother and brethren. It evaded all attempts
to catch it, though food was put within its reach. Just below where it
lived, a brood of chickens were constantly running about; and at length,
growing weary of solitude, it thought that it would like to have such
lively little playmates. So down it scrambled, and timidly crept
towards them. Finding that they were not likely to do it harm, it lay
down among them. The chickens seemed to know that it was too young to
hurt them.
It now followed them wherever they moved to pick up their food. In a
short time a perfect understanding was established between the kitten
and the fowls, who appeared especially proud of their new friend. The
kitten, discovering this, assumed the post of leader, and used to
conduct them about the grounds, amusing itself at their expense.
Sometimes it would catch hold of their feet, as if going to bite them,
when they would peck at it in return. At others it would hide behind a
bush, and then springing out into their midst, purr and rub itself
against their sides. One pullet was its especial favourite; it
accompanied her every day to her nest under the boards of an out-house,
and would then lie down outside, as if to watch over her. When she
returned to the other fowls, it would follow, setting up its tail, and
purring at her.
When other chickens were born, it transferred its interest to them,
taking each fresh brood under its protection--the parent hen appearing
in no way alarmed at having so unusual a nurse for her young ones.
Be as sensible as the little kitten. Don't stand on your dignity, or
keep upon the roof, in a fit of the sulks; but jump down, and shake such
feelings off with a game of good-natured play.