8 THE CAT 



appears and disappears as the process is persisted 

 in, the coat becoming sweeter and cleaner. 



Preparation for Exhibition. 



An inferior specimen shown in tip-top condition 

 has been known to beat a much superior one shown 

 in bad condition, and any fancier who values the 

 reputation of his exhibit should make it a rule 

 never to show when in bad or indifferent condition. 

 Another matter is to avoid showing in spring and 

 autumn, when cats are renewing their coats, for if 

 the coat is not Ai it will be severely handicapped. 

 Strictly speaking, there is no royal road to attain 

 exhibition condition beyond that of regular 

 grooming, careful feeding, and cleanliness. 



Long-haired cats are much more trouble than 

 the short-haired, therefore children had better con- 

 fine themselves to the latter. The wool of the cat 

 is fine, or, rather, should be so, and the best appli- 

 ance is an ordinary hair-comb, taking care to tease 

 the hair well out, especially the under part, which 

 has a tendency to become felted. 



A long soft-haired brush should be used in 

 addition to the comb for long-haired cats, but for 

 the short-haired the writer prefers a soft-haired 

 horse-brush, with a strap at the back, selecting one 

 of small size. 



The great secret is the preservation of all the 

 hair possible, but when long-haired cats have been 



