THE CAT 



87 



their teeth on this breed. In 

 Switzerland (not in the hotels, 

 be it said) wild cats are eaten, 

 especially in the mountain re- 

 gions. It is easy to distinguish 

 cat from hare by the shape of 

 the skull, which explains why 

 the head never appears on the 

 table when there is an experi- 

 enced chef in the kitchen. 



VII. Breeding and C.\re 



OF C.\TS 



As we have already indi- 

 cated, it is almost impossible 

 to regulate the mating of cats 

 on account of their vagabond 

 habits. If kept outdoors in cages, it can be 

 done ; but cats always want to get into the 

 house, or to roam at large. They need move- 

 ment, and must obey their natures or they 

 languish and fall ill. Then, of course 

 they have to be released, and 

 there 's an end to supervisi 

 High walls and fences wi 

 not prevent them, as they 

 will a dog, from roamin- 

 off. Even when kept in 

 a cage and allowed to con- 

 sort with none but those / 

 of pure blood, they are 

 very annoying and quar- 

 relsome. At the slight- 

 est difference of opinion 

 with their masters they 

 will growl and hiss and 

 spit, and, if possible, will 

 strike vigorous blows on 

 the face or hands of their 

 owner, leaving five little red 

 specks that mark the spot 

 where each claw has drawn blood 



In England, however, there are now 

 large "catteries," where pure-blooded 



Female Angora Cat 



From painting by E. Landor 



Male Angora Cat 



From painting by E. Landor 



care than dogs intended for the same purpose. 

 Their wooden cages must be perfectly dry, 

 raised some feet above the ground, and very 

 carefully divided into compartments by means 

 of iron railings. Each niche should have 

 straw in winter for bedding, and 

 each compartment must be sup- 

 plied with a box of sawdust. 

 Cages made of masonry are 

 naturally the best, being 

 dryer and easier to clean. 

 Sliding wickets allow of 

 the food being pushed in 

 without disturbing the 

 animal or giving it a 

 chance to escape. A layer 

 of peat dust placed under 

 the cages, and also under 

 the straw, absorbs much 

 dampness, but it needs to be 

 frecjuently changed or aired. 

 The breeder for pure blood 

 J will not obtain satisfactory re- 

 ^r suits for some years, nor until 

 can convince himself of the 

 qualities of his animals. There are 

 certain prize-winning cats with gene- 

 alogical trees, which would be a joy 



animals are lodged, matched, and 



multiplied. The fact is, the English- " '"" " "' to the breeder if he could get posses- 



man is a born breeder. Cats that are prepared sion of them. He could then be sure, or nearly 

 to take part in exhibitions require much more sure, of the purity of the blood and of the chances 



