9 b 



CHAPTER VI. 



THE POIXTS OF A CAT. 



BEFORE entering upon the distinctive 

 breeds of cats, of which I propose to 

 treat fully in the ensuing chapters, I 

 would draw attention to the accompanying 

 diagram of a cat, and will proceed to point 

 out the general contour of the animal, whether 

 long or short haired. 



Having given a table of reference, I will 



be set straight in the head, not slanting 

 like those of a Chinese. In the Persian 

 varieties a fringe of overhanging fur greatly 

 improves and softens the expression. The 

 colour varies in different breeds, but in green, 

 orange, or blue eyes, purity and depth of 

 colour should prevail. Very often an orange 

 eye is spoilt by an inner rim of green, and a 



take the points of the cat as arranged in 

 order : 



No. i, Ears : These should be small, and . 

 rounded at the tops, carried somewhat for- 

 ward, and not wide open at the base. In the 

 Persian varieties especially the inner surface 

 should be hidden by a growth of fur extend- 

 ing from the face, termed ear tufts. It is a 

 beauty in the cat to have the ears set well 

 apart, giving an appearance of greater width to 

 the head. The outer portion of the ears should 

 be evenly covered with soft, short, downy fur. 



No. 2, Eyes : These ought to be round, 

 large, and full. A small, beady eye is a 

 great disfigurement in a cat. The eyes should 



blue eye is weakened by a paler shade of 

 blue, giving the appearance of an opal. 



No. 3, Skull : Should be broad, with width 

 between the eyes and ears. 



No. 4, Cheeks : Well developed. 



No. 5, Face and nose : These should be 

 short ; if the contrary, a " snipey " appearance 

 is given to the cat, which quite spoils the 

 expression. 



No. 6, Chest : Should be full and broad. 



No. 7, Neck : Short and full. 



Nos. 8 and 9, Shoulder and fore arm : 

 These call for no special remarks ; but in 

 male cats especially firm and massive limbs 

 are most desirable. 



