20 THE DOMESTIC AND LONG-HAIRED CAT 



CHAPTER IX 



Queens at time of Kittening 



A comfortable bed should be provided 

 several weeks before the family is expected. A 

 strong wooden box, about 18x18x25 inches, 

 lined or painted inside, with a strip of wood 

 about six inches wide nailed on the front at the 

 bottom to keep the bedding in place and the 

 babies from rolling out. Curtains of dark 

 material tacked across the front of the box 

 with just enough space for the cat to go in and 

 out. For several days before the kits are due 

 keep a number of thicknesses of newspaper on 

 the bottom of the box. The cat will tear these 

 papers to shreds many times in making her bed 

 to suit her and they can be replaced by fresh 

 ones. When the day comes for the kits to ar- 

 rive have a soft cushion in the box covered with 

 an old bath towel or bedspread. If the cat has 

 been well cared for during the nine weeks, 

 and not fed starchy, fattening foods, she should 

 have an easy time. However if she is in labour 

 long and in pain, give about ten drops of Hum- 

 phrey's Vet. G. G. in a few drops of water, 

 every half hour till all the kits have been deliv- 

 ered. If it is the first litter, the cat may want 

 you near her, and it is often best to plan accord- 

 ingly. If the litter is large it is advisable to 



