HINTS ON CARE AND MANAGEMENT 53 



There is a knack in giving medicine to cats. It is always 

 best to have an assistant if your cat is at all difficult to 

 manage. Struggling with a sick animal often does more 

 harm than the medicine to be given can do good. 



In dosing cats it is essential to consider the age as well 

 as weight, and a young cat and a very old one require 

 smaller doses than middle-aged pussies. 



Oil has a most deplorable way of imparting its taste 

 and smell to everything it comes in contact with. Try and 

 avoid using it outwardly or inwardly for your pussies. It 

 takes a long time to get rid of a greasiness of coat and fur. 



Before starting a cat on a course of tonics I should 

 recommend a mild aperient, and one occasionally during 

 the course is often advisable. 



Neuters 



If you intend having a cat made neuter you should keep 

 him on low plain diet for two or three days before the 

 operation. Do not hand your pet over to an inexperienced 

 person, but take it to a good veterinary and pay the extra 

 fee for cocaine or chloroform to be used. 



Opinions differ as to the most suitable age for a cat to be 

 made neuter. I think that from five to eight months is the 

 best time, as kittens gelded when very young do not attain 

 the same fine proportions. After eight months there is 

 more risk to the animal, and the operation ought not to be 

 performed at all if the male has shown any desire to mate. 

 At all times send your puss to a well-qualified veterinary. 



I have been told on good authority that if a female cat 

 is to be made neuter she ought to be allowed to have one 

 litter before the operation is performed. 



