48 THE CAT 



shell in color is black, red, and yellow ; the less 

 black the better. The three colors should be 

 distinct, in well-defined patches, with sharp 

 lines of demarcation between them. The color 

 should be rich and deep, and any blur in the 



FIG. 11. TORTOISE-SHELL CAT. 



marking or intermixture of the color becomes 

 a weak point in it. The hair should be short, 

 lie close to the body, silken in texture, and have 

 a glossy or brilliant appearance. According to 

 the markings, a Tortoise-shell may be a very 

 homely animal or a most beautiful one. Any 

 white absolutely disqualifies the animal. There 



