A FEW WORDS ON CATS IN GENERAL 221 



sufficiently fed in other ways, but the contrary is the 

 case, as I have abundantly proved by experience. 



Those cats that are best fed and considered in their 

 comforts make the best vermin hunters ; while those 

 starved, or half fed, have not the spirits or activity to 

 trouble about mousing, any more than human beings 

 would, in like circumstances, take much interest in any 

 kind of sport. 



Cats should be well and regularly fed, like other 

 pet animals, and always have a pan of clean water within 

 reach, they will then have less craving after milk, and many 

 will take water in preference. 



As regards food, some like bread and milk, not wet 

 but squeezed tolerably dry, with some milk, which is better 

 if first boiled, poured over it. 



Most cats and dogs are fond of vegetables, such as 

 potatoes and cabbage, and which are good for their health 

 (as well as access to grass, which they take medicinally), 

 mixed with any scraps and gravy from the table. 

 Occasionally fish heads and other fish scraps boiled with 

 or without rice, and broken up into pieces of suitable size 

 with some of the liquor in which they have been boiled, 

 will make a nice change and be much relished. 



Many cats are fond of a little oatmeal porridge some- 

 times, particularly in the colder months of the year, as 

 it is rather heating in its nature ; they will enjoy a bone to 

 pick, but game and chicken bones should not be given, 

 unless the larger ones, as there is a danger of 

 any small pieces or splinters causing internal injury, to 

 which the small intestines of cats make them rather liable. 



