Concerning Diseases of Cats 



ever, in which case a warm, comfortable bed should be 

 provided, where the animal will not be disturbed by other, 

 cats or by children. A sick cat cannot bear to be handled, 'fl 

 and therefore only his mistress should approach him, and ' 

 that only as often as is absolutely necessary. Beef tea in 

 small doses should be frequently given, with a grain of 

 quinine once or twice a day. Sometimes a half-teaspoonfiil 

 of port wine or brandy, in extreme cases of debility, may be 

 administered. In case of constipation, give an aperient.\ 

 Careful nursing, warmth, and gentleness are of great impor- 

 tance, with as little handling as possible. 



In ordinary colds, aconite and belladonna, as above, may 

 be given, or aconite and arsenicum. Cats have pneumonia, 

 too, but seldom recover from it. Diphtheria sometimes 

 attacks cats, when, for the sake of the family, as well as for 

 the afflicted animal, the latter should be put painlessly out 

 of life. 



Cats brought up in country places are seldom troubled 

 with fleas, but those living in cities or suburban towns are 

 often tormented with them through July and August. The 

 cat-flea is not like that of the dog, being one-quarter smaller ; 

 neither is it like the one which infests human beings under 

 certain conditions. There is a strong tar-soap kept by most 

 druggists, with which kittens, and, in extreme cases, big cats, 

 may be washed, which kills these fleas. The soap must be 

 well rubbed into the fur, making a good lather, and then 

 washed out thoroughly in warm but not too hot water, and 

 thoroughly rinsed. Great care should be taken not to get 

 the lather into the animal's eyes or ears, however, and, after 

 rinsing, the cat should be thoroughly dried with a towel, and 

 put either in the hot sunlight or near a stove to dry. Under 



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