CHAPTER III 



THE CARE OF PETS 



THE care of pet animals must depend very largely 

 on the species of animal, and on the location as to 

 whether in the city or country. In the country pets 

 are very much more easily cared for and much less 

 liable to disease and injury, on account of the freedom, 

 variety of food, exercise and free surroundings. In 

 choosing pets, it is good policy to select pure -bred 

 animals of excellent individuality, as it costs no more 

 to keep a good individual than a poor one, and the in- 

 creased satisfaction that results is ample compensation. 

 In choosing pets two points should be taken into con- 

 sideration: (1) Docility, as it is much easier to care 

 for quiet animals than for uneasy and nervous ones; 

 (2) as a rule, medium -sized, short-haired animals are 

 most easily cared for. In some cases, as in Angora 

 cats, the long hair is a leading attraction; and these 

 instances, therefore, are exceptions to the rule. If 

 possible, one should select pets that can be kept for 

 use as well as for pleasure. 



In those animals in which the beauty and interest 

 lie largely in the coat, extra care and precaution must 

 be taken to keep it in prime condition. Light -colored 

 animals require more attention than dark ones. 



In caring for pets it is important tha.t the natural 

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