416 JAVA CAT. 



When fighting it uses the fore-paws, with ex- 

 tended claws, biting at the same time, retreat- 

 ing and advancing quickly, snapping, bristling 

 up its long whiskers, and appearing a fierce 

 object for one of the small animals of the 

 creation. It does not spring at the object of 

 attack like the cat, but jumjDs forward ; it uses 

 the claws of the fore-feet more than those of the 

 hind, which, being both longer and sharper, are 

 more calculated for the purpose of defence, as 

 well as in climbing. It regards the object well 

 previously to attack, exercising the three pro- 

 minent organs in the feline race of caution, 

 secretiveness, and destruction ; and then, with its 

 little angular mouth expanded, it pounces upon, 

 and firmly grasps its prey. 



The little beast has a very morose looking 

 countenance, what some people skilled in phy- 

 siognomy would call a ^^ sour, fo7'bidding coun- 

 tenance;'' and, judging from what I have seen 

 of this tamed and young specimen, it must be, 

 in the wild state, a very savage animal. 



Unlike the cat, when drinking it does not 

 care about wetting its feet, for it often places the 

 fore-paws in the water at the time. 



It often plays with its long tail, as well 

 as with any thing that may be in the way, 

 similar to what we observe in kittens : and often 



