54 THE CAT 



In the latter case, it is advisable to provide a 

 foster nurse, the substitution of the offspring 

 being gradual. A foster mother can be substituted 

 any time, or she may be utilized for rearing, say, 

 half the litter only. In any case it is advisable to 

 leave the kittens with the mother for a couple of 

 months ; in fact, some breeders allow the queen or 

 foster parent, if she is a prolonged milker, to suckle 

 the young for three months ; yet it is a wise plan 

 to supplement this with a partial weaning. 



Cows' milk, with a little sugar in it, and made luke- 

 warm, is the right nourishment, at and subsequent 

 to this time. 



Rearing Kittens. 



This constitutes an important part of breeding 

 operations, and the ultimate result will depend upon 

 skilful management during the first few months 

 of life. The more exercise the kittens can be 

 allowed the better ; whilst liberal feeding combined 

 with regularity are contributory to success. 



Avoid the use of patent foods condensed milk, 

 etc. ; but feed four times a day, up to four months, 

 on cows' milk, prepared as previously directed, 

 with a little bread, boiled rice, etc., and with an 

 occasional feed of minced raw beef, boiled fish, etc. 



By liberal feeding up to twelve months the best 

 results will be attained. 



Warmth, dryness, and exercise are necessarily 



