CAT KIND. 393 



obedience ; on the contrary, it does only just 

 what it thinks fit, and no art can controul any 

 of its inclinations. In general, it is but half 

 tamed, and has its attachments rather to the 

 place in which it resides, than to the inhabitant. 

 If the inhabitant quits the house, the cat still 

 remains ; and if carried elsewhere, seems for a 

 while bewildered with its new situation. It must 

 take time to become acquainted with the holes 

 and retreats in which its prey resides, with all 

 the little labyrinths through which they often 

 make good an escape. 



The cat is particularly fearful of water, of cold, 

 and of ill smells. It loves to keep in the sun, to 

 get near the fire, and to rub itself against those 

 who carry perfumes. It is excessively fond of 

 some plants, such as valerian, marum, and cat- 

 mint ; against these it rubs, smells them at a dis- 

 tance, and at last, if they be planted in a garden, 

 wears them out. 



This animal eats slowly, and with difficulty, as 

 its teeth are rather made for tearing than chew- 

 ing its aliments. For this reason it loves the 

 most tender food, particularly fish, which it eats 

 as well boiled as raw. Its sleeping is very light ; 

 and it often seems to sleep, the better to deceive 

 its prey. When the cat walks, it treads very 

 softly, and without the least noise ; and as to the 

 necessities of nature, it is cleanly to the last de- 

 gree. Its fur also is usually sleek and glossy ; 

 and, for this reason, the hair is easily electrified, 

 sending forth shining sparks, if rubbed in the 

 dark. 



