68 THE CAT 



be inside, because compression, externally, on the 

 gullet, may lead to obstruction. 



The mouth must be fixed by the aid of a gag, 

 and the cat securely held, but it is far better to 

 take the animal to a veterinary surgeon, as the 

 throat may be easily damaged through unskilful 

 manipulation. 



Indigestion. 



Although only symptomatic of disorder or 

 disease, symptoms of indigestion do occur without 

 any obvious reason, and this is one of the reasons 

 why it is usual to speak of it as a disorder. Cats, 

 especially if ill fed, are notorious scavengers, and 

 the filthy substances they sometimes consume 

 certainly derange the stomach. 



Worms, if numerous, act in a similar manne^ 

 especially the round worm (Ascaris mystax), which, 

 by the way, is not an uncommon cause of vomiting, 



General unthriftiness, indicated by a staring coat; 

 lack of energy ; drowsiness and an irregular con- 

 dition of the bowels are the principal signs of 

 dyspepsia. Diseases of the heart, stomach, liver, 

 kidneys, intestines, and other organs are repre- 

 sented, in part, by symptoms of indigestion. 



Treatment. 



The cause will probably be unascertainable, 

 therefore treatment must be regulated in accordance 

 with the predominating symptoms. 



