THE CAT AND ITS DISEASES, 3807 
the mere quenching of thirst. Both should be kept in a particular place, 
in different vessels, or in separate divisions of a double dish. The drink- 
ing-vessels must be washed at least once a day and a fresh supply be pro- 
vided as often, for milk that is the least unsavory will not be taken by a 
well-bred cat, unless hunger forces it to accept it, nor will it drink water if 
it is not fresh and free from dust. 
Houvusinc.—If one is to have a cat that is fit to be seen in the parlor, or 
to be allowed in the house at all, he must give it suitable housing. If he 
turns it out at night, it will, in addition to becoming a thief and prowler, 
surely be gaunt, ugly, unhealthy, and covered with lice and other vermin 
‘from its visits to the roosts of poultry and birds. If properly fed and 
treated during the day, it will not be inclined to go out at night. Makea 
good bed in a clean, cosy place, give free access to different parts of the 
house, and do not put your cat out at night unless it shows a marked de- 
sire to go. Many people turn it out to keep it from soiling the carpets, 
but this is unnecessary, for proper management will supplement its nat- 
ural dainty cleanliness, and thus prevent this practice, unless sickness or too 
close confinement induces it. It is always well to place a sand-box in some 
remote part of the house, and to keep it accessible at all times. Not only 
can one train his cat to use it herself, but she will also teach her mates and 
kittens to do the same. 
CareE oF THE Fur.—The Hindoo word for cat means “ the cleanser,” 
and an apt use of the term it is, for no other animal keeps itself in such 
exquisite cleanliness. No one should fail to keep the apartments in which 
the cat is kept as clean as possible. If she is compelled to wear a dirty 
coat for a considerable time, it will be the more to her credit if she does 
not become discouraged, careless and slovenly. At times the surroundings 
will be such that the soiling of the fur will be unavoidable, and it is then 
best to give an occasional bath with warm water and the mildest of soap, 
carefully drying with towels, in a warm room, to prevent the contracting 
of acold. For obvious reasons, white cats will be more often treated in 
this way, and perhaps the water which gets into the ears, and the colds 
which are taken, aggravate the alleged liability of those of this color to 
become deaf—a liability which is grossly exaggerated by many. 
' To insure a clean, glossy coat, give at times an ounce or less of fresh 
butter. “It not only acts asa gentle laxative, but the grease, combining 
in her mouth with the alkalinity of her saliva, forms a kind of natural cat- 
‘soap, and you will see she will immediately commence washing herself, and 
become beautifully clean.” When the fur is rough and seedy,” give a 
saucer of milk, warmed a little with hot water and slightly sweetened with 
sugar. If cream is smeared about the mouth or on the paws, the cat will 
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