Steve Bartelt, Winslow, talks about his best friend Larry, a 2-year-old orange cat who loves chickens. 

Larry was one of the kittens that ended up sticking around his farm and grew up surrounded by chickens. Bartelt has what he describes as “docile” chickens, which don’t mind Larry, even when he’s rubbing up against them. 

Describe Larry’s personality.

He’ll rub up against those chickens just like he would a human. His two rooster friends are named Big Bird and Pretty Boy. Larry often times has an army of chickens following him. Larry is one of the friendliest animals you could ever ask for. I always keep a few cats around the chicken house to keep the mice down. 

What do you and Larry like to do together?

Every time I pull up in my truck he’s trying to come up. He loves everybody. I’ve had chickens for about 60 years. Larry is good company when I’m taking care of the chickens. 

What has it been like having Larry in your life?

It’s been my life — hogs and cattle and chickens. When I was young, I even had a pet fox. Animals are pretty smart. They know who likes them and who don’t. Larry is just another good animal to talk to. He’s one of the friendliest cats I’ve had. One thing about animals is they don’t talk back.