INTRODUCTORY 



THE cat along with other quadrupeds, such as 

 the dog, weasel, civet, etc. belongs to the Carnivora 

 order of digitigrades, and, in company with the 

 hyaena, etc., composes the family known as Felidas. 

 The chief characteristics of this group are the 

 beautiful markings cither spotted or striped 

 which they present in the fur, along with a frill or 

 mane, in some instances. Whole self-coloured are 

 rare in comparison with those exhibiting either 

 stripes or spots. 



This coloration may be assimilative, to some 

 extent, to the surroundings of the animals in a wild 

 state, and more necessary than in a state of domes- 

 tication, considering the stealthy habits which all 

 the members of this group manifest, when seeking 

 their prey in the forests of Europe, Africa, and 

 Asia. 



The claws of all this family are completely 

 retractile. The muzzle and head are short and 

 round the ears short, as also the jaws, which 

 latter are possessed of vicelike strength. There are 



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