1 8 CATS AND ALL ABOUT THEM 



with the cat critique and judge. Then, again, a white spot 

 at the threat was not formerly considered a very damaging 

 blemish, but nowadays even a few stray white hairs may be 

 a cause of disqualification. At certain times of the year this 

 breed shows signs of lustiness and a brown tinge mars its 

 beauty, but when in full coat the colour should be black as 

 coal with a shining glossiness on the silky fur. 



A White Persian Cat, with correct blue eyes, in full coat 

 and spotlessly clean, is indeed a " thing of beauty," but let 

 no one try to keep one of this breed unless they live in the 

 country. A white cat soiled is a white cat spoiled, and I 

 have known a famous prize-winner put down by the judge 

 on account of its dirty condition. A peculiarity of this 

 breed is that the cats are frequently deaf. It is also the 

 only breed which sports odd eyes, and in almost every 

 litter of whites one or more of these curious freaks will 

 appear. 



And now to turn our attention to Blues, that lovely breed 

 which has become so deservedly popular. I exhibited the 

 first pair of Blues at the Crystal Palace many years ago, and 

 ever since we have lived and loved together ! I am now 

 the Hon. Sec. of the Blue Persian Cat Society, with nearly 

 two hundred members. At all the Shows the entries of 

 Blues outnumber all other classes, and there is a greater 

 demand for Blue kittens than for any other colour. 



When Blues were first started the colour was decidedly 

 darker than at present ; it was a slate blue, but of late years 

 fanciers have been striving to obtain a paler tone. I think, 

 however, that the " happy medium " is the best. In the 

 standard for Blues the largest number of points is given for 

 soundness of colour, and it is most essential that no shadings 

 or markings should appear in these cats, which should be 

 absolutely level in colour throughout. It is only in recent 

 years that fashion and custom have decreed that Blue Per- 

 sians must have orange eyes. Certainly they tone best with 

 the colour of their coat, and greatly enhance the beauty of 

 heir appearance. It is a pity, however, to sacrifice other 

 essential points to this one feature. Judges are sometimes 

 inclined to put down a fine specimen which has every point 

 in its favour except the orange eyes. I advise that, if you 

 possess a grand-shaped, fine-coated Blue with green eyes, 



