THE COMMON PUSSY 215 



show judge's point of view, of course. In a 

 household pet, destined exclusively for the 

 family circle, these variations do not detract 

 from the value. 



The white cat, when perfect, is perhaps the 

 greatest beauty of the short - haired, but he 

 must be absolutely perfect ; for a draggled, 

 thin, unkempt white cat is one of the most 

 unattractive of the race. In the best condition 

 he is elegant and graceful in shape, of a clear 

 creamy white, with large blue eyes. Topaz 

 eyes are next to the blue in beauty, while 

 green are a decided blemish. It is a very 

 common belief that blue-eyed white cats are 

 always deaf. They are so sometimes, but by 

 no means invariably, or even frequently. When 

 well cared for, with fur immaculate, and body 

 sufficiently plump, especially if he is adorned 

 with a delicate tuft of silky hairs on the tip 

 of a dainty ear, the white cat is a beautiful 

 animal. It must be remembered, however, 

 that a coat of that color is very hard to keep 

 in perfect order, and washing and brushing 

 are necessary to perfection. Even with this 

 additional care the cat is not nearly so much 

 trouble as a dog. 



