KITTENS IN GENERAL. 117 



OF KITTENS IN GENERAL. 



Kittens usually shed their first teeth from five to seven 

 months old, and seldom possess even part of a set of 

 the small, sharp dentition after that time. When shown 

 as kittens under, six months old, and they have changed 

 the tvhole of their kittenhood teeth for those of the adult, 

 it is generally considered a fairly strong proof that their life 

 is in excess of that age, and the judge is therefore certainly 

 justified in disqualifying such exhibit, though sometimes, 

 as in other domestic animals, there occurs premature 

 change, as well as inexplicable delay. 



Kittens are not so cleanly in their habits as cats of a 

 mature growth ; this is more generally the case when they 

 have been separated fro7n the mother-cat^ or when removed 

 to some place that is strange to them, or when sufficient 

 care is not taken, by letting them out of the house occa- 



