MAMMALS 



187 



from that at the tip ? Why is hair better suited as a cover- 

 ing for the cat than feathers would be ? Scales ? Where 

 are long, stiff bristles found on the cat? Their length 

 suggests that they would be of what use to a cat in going 

 through narrow places ? Why is it necessary for a cat to 

 be noiseless in its movements ? 



Fig. 335.— LYNX {Lynx rufus). The " Bob-tailed cat" (North America). 



Observe the movements of the cat. — Why cannot a cat 

 come down a tall tree head foremost ? Did you ever see a 

 cat catch a bird? How does a cat approach its prey? 

 Name a jumping insect that has long hind legs ; an am- 

 phibian ; several mammals (Figs. 362, 374). Does a cat 

 ever trot ? Gallop ? Does a cat chase its prey ? When 

 does the cat move with its heel on the ground ? The 

 claws of a cat are withdrawn by means of a tendon (see 

 Fig. 338). Does a cat seize its prey with its mouth or with 

 its feet? 



How does a cat make the purring sound? (Do the lips 

 move ? The sides ?) How does a cat drink ? Do a cat 



