16 



The Cat compared with the Dog. 



In estimating the character and inteihgence of the cat, it has 

 been customary from time immemorial to compare it with the 

 dog, much to the cat's detriment. The independence of the cat, 

 its naturally unsocial character and its apparent lack of affection 

 for its master place it in a very unfavorable light when compared 

 with the sociability, affection and fidelity of the dog. Hamerton, 

 who is evidently an admirer of cats, says that all who have 

 written about them are of the opinion that their caressing ways 

 bear reference chiefly to themselves; he says also that his cat 

 loves the dog and horse exactly with the tender sentiments that 

 we have for foot warmers and railway rugs during a journey in 

 the depth of winter; nor has he been able to detect any worthier 

 feeling towards himself. Continuing, he remarks that ladies often 

 are fond of cats and pleasantly encourage the illusion that they 

 are affectionate. Maiden ladies, he says, surround themselves 

 with cats because of their inexhaustible kindness, and their love 

 of neatness which is iti harmony with the cat. ^ 



Shaler, comparing the cat with the dog, shows that his experi- 

 ence corroborates that of the earlier naturalists. He says : — 



The cat is the creature of the domicile, caring more indeed for its dwelling 

 place than it ever does for the inmates thereof. In a word, the creature 

 must have come to us after our forefathers gave up the nomadic life. . . . 

 Among the curious features connected with the association of the cat with man, 

 we may note that it is the only animal which has been tolerated, esteemed, 

 and at times worshipped, without having a single distinctly valuable quality. 

 It is, in a small way, serviceable in keeping dovMi the excessive development 

 of small rodente, which from the beginning have been the self-invited guests 

 of man. As it is in a certain indifferent way sympathetic, and by its caresses 

 appears to indicate affection, it has awakened a measure of sympathy which 

 it hardly deserves. I have been unable to find any authentic instances 

 which go to show the existence in cats of any real love for their masters. » 



Lest it may be said that Shaler's statement was inspired by 

 antipathy, let me quote a few passages from cat lovers. Agnes 

 Repplier says, in the introduction to a recent volume: — 



All nations have conspired to praise the animal which loves and serves. 

 Few and cold are the praises given to the animal which seldom loves and 

 never serves, wliich has only the grace of companionship to offer in place of 

 the dog's passionate fidelity. > 



> Hamerton, Philip Gilbert: Chapters on Animals, 1874, pjx 47, 48. 

 ' Shaler, Nathaniel .Soutbgate: Diamesticated .\nimal9, 1895, pp. 50, 51. 

 • Repplier, Agnes: The Cat, 1912, p. xiii. 



