The Cat 



cause. The cat cries a great deal, in a peculiar tone, 

 and thus breeders have come to name the function 

 "calling." In addition to this the animal will roll 

 about on the floor, on cushions, and become par- 

 ticularly excited if given catnip. They are very 

 lovable and seek much attention and petting. 



During this period if kittens are not desired the 

 cat should be kept under strict surveillance. 



Cystic Ovaries. — In female cats, especially those 

 that are finely bred, the ovaries frequently become 

 diseased. This may consist of a simple inflamma- 

 tion, or a cyst may be formed. The effect of this 

 condition is to increase the frequency and severity 

 of the period of season. The calling becomes very 

 loud, constant, and annoying, and the excitement to 

 touch is very much increased. The only treatment 

 is operative. 



Castration. — Female cats are made much more 

 desirable as pets if they are altered. This is a more 

 or less serious operation, but when carried out 

 with strict adherence to good clean surgery by a 

 skillful operator much of the danger is eliminated. 

 The proper age at which the operation may be per- 

 formed is from nine months to one year. 



Castration of males is ordinarily considered a 

 simple operation. In city bred aninials of low re- 

 sistance trouble sometimes follows, and so the opera- 

 tion should be performed as early as possible to 

 minimize the danger. 



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