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CHAPTER IX. 



THE CAT. 



Although cats live in closer association with 

 mankind than do any other domestic animals, they 

 have been less influenced by us, both as regards 

 their bodies and their mental habits, than any of 

 the creatures which we have been discussing. All 

 the rest have become man's slaves or servants, al- 

 though in some cases they may be said to attain 

 to a more equal and honourable relationship. 

 But the cat can scarcely be classed as a servant, 

 since it seldom yields to restraint or acts under 

 orders ; and, moreover, its co-operative relations 

 with mankind are of a very loose and limited 

 character. Even if we regard the cat as a part- 

 ner, we must acknowledge that it takes a very 

 free-and-easy view of the bond. It comes and 

 goes when it chooses, transacts its share of the 



