72 CATS AND ALL ABOUT THEM 



who does not keep the cat, complications may arise from the 

 delay. 



It is always very important thoroughly to air and disinfect 

 all hampers coming from a show. I place my pussy's 

 travelling boxes or hampers outside for two or three days 

 and nights, and let the sun, air and rain cleanse and purify 

 them. Then I have them washed over with some dis- 

 infectant and water. 



As regards pairs of kittens, which next to the litter class 

 is, perhaps, the most difficult to judge, I would say, select 

 two kittens as near alike as possible in colour, size and 

 quality. It is as a pair that the awards should be given, 

 and if one exhibit is much superior to its fellow, then the 

 value of the pair is seriously diminished. If your kittens 

 are different in colour and variety, say an Orange and a 

 Tabby, then do not enter them in a pair class, but as single 

 kittens, and they will stand a better chance. 



I have noticed that many of our best show cats appear 

 almost perfect in all points, save and except the ears, and 

 these are wide at the base, tall and pointed. They should 

 be just the opposite. Therefore if your queen has promi- 

 nent ears, try to find a mate for her with these organs not 

 in evidence. Ear tufts are great beautifiers. 



Let me suggest to all winners of medals at shows that 

 they should have them engraved with the name of their cat, 

 the date of the show, and the place where the show was 

 held. I think it is a pity that clubs do not undertake to 

 have these inscriptions engraved, as they would greatly 

 enhance the value of the prizes. 



If your cat is timid and you want to exhibit him, I should 

 advise you to obtain some pen or hutch and coax and 

 encourage him to come up to the bars. In this way you 

 will educate him to place himself in evidence instead of 

 crouching at the back of the pen, and thus running the risk 

 of being overlooked by the judge. Besides we all like our 



