CHAPTER X. 

 DISEASES AND TREATMENT OF CATS. 



1. Invalid Cats. 



1. Cleanliness is just as necessary in the treatment of 

 cats as in the treatment of any other animal. They are by 

 nature scrupulously clean in their habits, so that if given a 

 chance will require little attention in this respect. A box 

 containing a little dry earth is all that is necessary, placed 

 where it is easily accessible. The contents should be 

 changed frequently and the cat house thoroughly disinfected 

 with sulphur fumes at stated periods. A little flowers of 

 sulphur sprinkled on the bedding and among the hair of the 

 cat's fur will keep away lice, fleas, etc. 



2. Giving medicine to a cat is not an easy matter, and 

 requires patience and tact. It can be done in much the 

 same manner as that outlined for dosing a dog, to which 

 you are referred. 



3. Feeding invalid cats is quite a simple matter. The 

 stomach is a pretty sure guide, together with the one pre- 

 caution that the diet should be light, easily digested and 

 nutritious. 



4. Kittens, when weaned, should be fed frequently — four, 

 five or six times a day. Milk or milk and bread is a good 

 diet. Slightly cooked or raw meat with bread is good for 

 older cats. There are also prepared foods of good quality 

 that may be obtained from reliable dealers. 



2. Cat Diseases. 



Cats are very sensitive and show signs of being ill 

 more noticeably than do most other domestic animals. 



Symptoms. — Generally speaking, the most noticeable 

 symptoms are loss of appetite, dry scurfy coat, and a hot, 

 dry condition of the nose. During the time such symptoms 

 are noticed, there is a tendency to be alone, preferably in 

 some dark corner, where, unless in pain, most of the time 

 is spent in sleep. When in pain the cat indicates its condi- 



