Big cats are not the only felines at Panther Ridge. A small army of barn cats wanders the grounds -- dividing up the territory, keeping the mouse and gecko populations in check, deftly sidestepping the horses and keeping a watchful eye on their much larger cousins in the cages.

The interaction between the barn cats and the exotic felines can be quite amusing. Doc, for example, loves to follow Judy out into the field when she takes Bob the Bobcat out for a walk on a leash. Doc will keep a respectful distance, but not so far as to miss any action. (Meanwhile, Matt and Charlie the Cheetahs may be pacing inside their enclosure, watching both Bob and Doc!)

Annie patrols the grounds near the clouded leopard enclosures, and will calmly sit a couple of feet away, confident in the strength of the chain link fences no matter what kind of noises come from the other side.

Parchesi prefers to lounge indoors, understanding the superior comfort offered by a pillow-covered bed.

One thing about these barn cats: you get the sense that they know exactly how good they have it at Panther Ridge!