1909-1910-] The Common Cat. 215 



known to open doors by turning door-keys which fitted easily 

 in the locks. These are but a few instances which occur to 

 one's memory as illustrating the intelligence of cats. 



Memory. — A cat's memory is remarkably tenacious. The 

 same procedure has but to be repeated a few times for the cat 

 to remember it almost for ever afterwards. Its habits are 

 very easily formed, and hence but little attention is required in 

 order to get a cat to do what you desire. Habits of regularity 

 as to meals, coming home at certain hours, &c., are far more 

 easily instilled into the feline than into the human mind. No 

 animal is more patient than the cat. For hours it will sit 

 patiently watching the exit of a mouse from its hole, or 

 awaiting its master's arrival. Yet, on the other hand, no 

 animal is less patient of restraint. It is impossible almost to 

 get a cat to do what it does not wish to do. It has an 

 extremely strong will-power, and probably most people will 

 find themselves worsted in such a struggle. 



Affection. — With the greatest deliberation I affirm that the 

 domestic cat is a truly affectionate animal. Of course, you 

 must show yourself kindly in order to obtain a return of this 

 quality, but a very little kindness will go a very long way to 

 secure the affection of the cat. It is keenly appreciative of 

 attention. I find that folks who tell me that their cat is 

 a selfish and indolent animal are themselves selfish and 

 indolent. The animals which people keep very largely par- 

 take of the qualities of their owners. The affection which 

 the cat shows is of a quiet and refined nature. It is never 

 boisterous and demonstrative in its affection, like the dog. It 

 also keeps its affection for one or two real human friends, and 

 does not distribute its favours to all and sundry, like the dog. 

 To these few friends to whom it gives its love, how charming 

 is its friendship, — the gentle caressings, the soft rubbings, 

 gentle pats, the soothing purr, or affectionate bitings. One 

 might almost call these endearing actions affection in its 

 most refined and winning form. 



Nothing can be further from the truth than to say that cats 

 show more affection for places than for people. Cats some- 

 times do return to places from which they have been removed, 

 but the love of home and familiar places is not confined to 

 cats. It is common to dogs and pigeons, as well as to human 



