DOMESTIC CAT. 



Being tliiis separated from each other, the teniporaiy Hiik tliat Ijouiid the two 

 creatures together appeared to be broken, and the Cat soon forgot her dead and 

 Hvmg foster chikU-en. 



A Cat has been known to take a family of young squirrels, and to nurture them 

 in the place of her own little ones Avhich had been destroyed. Tliis circumstance 

 took place in the vicinity of the Ncav Porest. The squirrels were three in 

 number. 



In the eyes of any one who has really examined, and can support the character 

 of the Domestic Cat, she must appear to be a sadly calumniated creature. 



She is generally contrasted Avith the dog, much to her disfavour. His docility, 

 affectionate disposition, and forgiveness of injuries ; his reliability of character, 

 and his intellectual powers are spoken of, as truly they deserve, with great 

 enthusiasm and respect. But these amiable traits of character are brought into 

 \'iolent contrast with sundry ill-conditioned qualities Avhich are attributed to the 

 Cat, and wrongly so. The Cat is held up to reprobation as a selfish animal, 

 seeking her own comfort and disregardful of others ; attached only to localities, 

 and bearing no real ali'ection for her OAvners. She is said to be sly and treacherous, 

 hiding her talons in her velvety paAvs as long as she is in a good temper, but 

 ready to use them upon her best friends if she is crossed in her humours. What- 

 ever may have been the experience of those Avho gave so slanderous a character 

 to the Cat, my own rather Avide acquaintance with this animal has led me to 

 very difierent conclusions. The Cats Avith Avhich I have been most familiar have 

 been as docile, tractable, and good-tempered as any dog could be, and displayed 

 an amount of intellectual poAver Avliich Avould be equalled by very few dogs, and 

 surpassed by none. 



Cats are possessed of a large organ of love of approbation, and are never more 

 delighted than Avhen receiving the praises and caresses of those AAdiom they favour 

 with their friendship. To earn such praises puss Avill often perform many curious 

 feats, that of catching various animals and bringing them to her OAvner being 

 among the most common. My OAvn Cat Avould bring mice to me quite mihurt, 

 and permit me to take the terrified little creatures out of her mouth. She 

 appeared not to care Avhat happened to her mice, only looking for her rcAvard of 

 caresses and laudatory Avords. 



m 



