DOMESTIC CAT. 39 



sometimes it squats on all fours, with its fore-paws 

 doubled under it. 



It sharpens its claws by scratching the bark of trees, 

 window-curtains, table-cloths, etc. 



It loves to prowl about roofs and outhouses in search 

 of sparrows and other prey. Although not fond of 

 water, it yet swims w^ell, and is very cleanly in its 

 habits — so different to the habits of the dog. It is 

 interesting to observe with what care the cat performs 

 its toilet. It first licks one paw and cleans its head 

 w'ith it, and then repeats the operation on the other 

 side. It also loves to roll in the soil or gravel. 



The domestic cat produces about four young at a 

 time, which are born blind. The kittens are generally 

 of different colours in a litter. When disturbed, it 

 carries its young in its mouth to a place of safety. 



When deprived of its young, it has been known to 

 suckle young rabbits. 



The cat — in fact, most o the Felidae — is extremely 

 fond of valerian. It is sometimes troubled with para- 

 sites or nits ; these are quite minute in size, and attach 

 themselves to the hair by lobster-like claws. 



Although not a large animal, it can give a good blow 

 with its fore-paw. 



The cat was sacred to the Egyptians, and was often 

 embalmed by them. Several tons of embalmed cats 

 were recently (1890) sold in Liverpool, and fetched 

 £3 13s. 9d. per ton for manure. They were dug up in 

 Central Egypt, and are supposed to be about 2,000 

 years old. 



Its flesh was eaten during the siege of Paris, and is 

 said even to have been relished. 



Cats fight desperately at times, and generally, during 

 the night, the caterwauling is often distracting. It is 



