Chances are you'll rarely see friends as close as this mini horse and fat cat.
Sometimes members of different species just hit it off. Horses are known to befriend goats, dogs, and even the occasional pig. But cats? It seems an unlikely pairing, but this video proves that a mini horse and cat can get along just fine.
Meet Piper, the mini horse and Mango, the fat cat. The two of them are lucky enough to live with three other mini horses, two full-sized horses, four other cats, and four dogs. Piper and Mango, who both happen to be a bit round, clearly get along famously.
Take a look at this video and see how sweet, gentle, and affectionate their interaction is.
It's important for horses to have social interaction, and Piper clearly enjoys Mango's company. Horses should ideally be kept in herds with at least one other horse present, since they're herd animals and can experience loneliness and boredom when kept alone.
Sometimes substituting an animal of another species can fulfill a horse's need for company. In the case of Piper and Mango, Piper has plenty of horse company and Mango has plenty of cat company, yet the two are fast friends.
Cats are often present in barns and around horses, where they are highly useful. Cats can help to keep a barn's rodent population under control. Barn cats require little care, though it's always a good idea to keep an eye on them and get them veterinary treatment if they need it.
If you plan on having barn cats, it's advisable to spay and neuter them to help keep the cat population under control. In addition to chasing mice, cats can bond with horses, as this adorable video shows.
Has your horse ever made friends with an animal of a different species? Tell us about it in the comments below!
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