144 THE DOMESTIC CAT. 



ened, perhaps,, by the bad qualities that have been 

 unjustly attributed to the Cat species, even by 

 many medical men and naturalists. Among the 

 latter was the very celebrated BufFon. At the same 

 time that he allows the Cat to be an animal of 

 considerable beauty, and in many respects essen- 

 tially serviceable to us, he does not attempt to 

 conceal his dislike to it. He considers it only as 

 one of our enemies, which we train up for the 

 purpose of opposing to others that are still more 

 noxious. He says, that it is a treacherous and un- 

 grateful animal, which it is impossible to reduce to 

 perfect obedience, even by the kindest treatment 

 and attention; that, on the least offence, even in the 

 midst of caresses, it will scratch its master and bene- 

 factor; and that it is unconquerably addicted to 

 thieving. Other writers have, with great solem- 

 nity, assured us, that the breath of the Cat is so per- 

 nicious as to occasion consumption in such as hap- 

 pen to inspire it ; that the brain is to be consi- 

 dered a mortal poison; and that, even to look 

 stedfastly upon the animal, for any length of time, 

 is very unwholesome. The same writers also de- 

 clare, that the saliva of an enraged Cat inserted 

 into a wound inflicted by its teeth, will often pro- 

 duce violent and obstinate sores. These direful 

 qualities, however, have no greater reality, than 

 those very extraordinary virtues which the old 

 medical writers have attributed to different parts 

 of these creatures ; to the fat, the blood, the after- 

 birth 



