MISCELLANEOUS 117 



It is a difficult matter to let our stud cats have their free- 

 dom even for a short time or to give them an opportunity for 

 exercise. I have often tethered my torn cat, and for a collar 

 have used a leather garter lined with flannel. One must be 

 careful to give only a sufficient length of cord to allow for 

 safe exercise. No shrubs or trees should be within reach, as 

 this is very risky for pussy's neck. 



It is undesirable to keep kittens too long, if profit is to be 

 considered. From eight to twelve weeks kittens are at their 

 best. At about five months most young cats begin to shed 

 their coats and are " leggy" in appearance. 



It is so much easier to fill in your cat's pedigree on a 

 properly drawn out pedigree form, and certainly it is pleasanter 

 to receive them. I have had some written-out pedigrees sent 

 to me from which it was impossible even to make sure of one 

 of the parents. 



It is a sort of sad satisfaction to know the cause of our 

 pussies' deaths, and therefore I advise fanciers to send the 

 remains to a veterinary for a post-mortem. The knowledge 

 thus acquired may assist in determining the nature of any 

 future illness in the cattery. 



It is very annoying when your cat persistently tears out 

 her ruff, more especially if you have entered her for show. 

 I have known fanciers to tie up pussie's hind feet in pieces 

 of wash leather, but this is a most irritating procedure so 

 far as puss is concerned, and in some cases she will not 

 rest till she has got rid of her shoes. 



As regards insuring cats travelling by rail, I believe the 

 usual rate is $d. for each i of value. I find that, as long 

 as the hamper is labelled with the insurance ticket, this is 

 a sufficient safeguard against delays and exposure ; so that, 

 unless the cat is unusually precious, the payment of three- 

 pence is all that is required. 



Having recently had occasion to send some valuable cats 

 abroad, I can testify to the courtesy and efficiency of Messrs. 



