Intelligence of Cats. 59 
method of direct experiment by “transportation,” and unless in 
all these instances the cats are remarkably unfortunate, their 
failure to return is almost a conclusive answer to the wonderful 
stories we hear from time to time. 
Passing from the supernatural to the natural—the closest 
observers are inclined to assign a low degree of intelligence to 
the cat. Perhaps few would rate its mental faculties as high as 
those of the horse, while I myself, without a moment’s hesita- 
tion, consider it unworthy to be named in this respect with the 
pig. Usually poor piggy, although termed by courtesy a 
“domesticated” animal, has no opportunity of showing his 
quality; he is brought up solely with a view to prospective 
ham or bacon. Shudder not, gentle reader; keep a pet pig and 
judge for yourself. Let not the lip of pussy’s master or mistress 
curl with scorn at the suggestion of any comparison between the 
occupant of the hearthrug and of the sty. The poor cat can 
only mew, and pur, and “spit.” The pig “grunts.” 
True, that is the popular belief, and it is supposed to sum 
up all possible knowledge of his vocal organs. Now, in piggy’s 
voice there is, to those who listen with knowledge, a gamut of 
the passions and affections scarcely less expressive than that 
of the dog, and to this corresponds a nature capable of attach- 
ment and docility beyond the belief of those who have never 
seen the animal except at the feeding trough, or in the more 
picturesque surroundings of autumn woodlands, gathering acorns 
and beechmast. It is of no consequence whether the story of 
the “learned pig” be true or not; it serves the purpose of 
pointing out how much we have lost by dooming this interesting 
animal to a life of gluttony and seclusion, and it is also 
unfortunate that he is physically unfit to take his place beside 
the cat and the dog as one of our domestic companions. Were 
this not so, his sobriety of manner, his amiable disposition, and, 
above all, his high intelligence, would be excellent recommenda- 
tions for a place in the household. 
Enthusiastic admirers of cats go to greater lengths, perhaps, 
than any other devotees to their pets in recording stories of 
