THE CAT. 



The Wild Cat, which has been called the Britifh Tiger, though found in 

 every quarter of the globe, is three or four times as large as the Houfe Cat, 

 and very ftrongly made, with tremendous claws and teeth. It lives moffly 

 in trees, feeding chiefly by night ; for prowling at which feafon it feems 

 peculiarly adapted. Not having the delicate fcent of the Dog, it depends 

 only upon its fight, lying clofely in ambufh, and attacking animals by 

 furprife. The pupil of its eye is capable of great contraction and dilatation: 

 it is narrow, like a line, during the glare of day; but round and wide in the 

 dark, which gives it great advantage in difcovering and feizing its prey. Its 

 long, foft hair, is of a yellowifli white colour, and of a deepifh grey ; really, 

 though rather indiftinctly, difpofed like the ftreaks of the Tiger's fkin. 



How changed from the wild animal is that which we rear in our houfes! 

 but which retains enough of its fanguinary difpofition, to effectually rid us 

 from thofe deffructive and troublefome little creatures, by which we mould 

 otherwife be overrun. In the deftruction of thefe vermin, it gives a 

 difgufting proof of its native cruelty; for, when it has got them within its 

 clutches, it affects to let them efcape, and feems to fport with the feelings 

 of the little victims, till, by a coup de grace from its jaws, it relieves them 

 from their horrors, and gluts itfelf with blood. 



While the Cat of the woods Ihews fo very little diverfity of colour in its 

 fur, it is w T ell known that the Houfe Cat, like other animals changed by 

 domeftication, exhibits the greateft variety. This creature, when young, is 

 extremely playful; but, with age, it lofes its fportive habits, and puts on 

 the appearance of great gravity and fedatenefs. When pleafed it purrs, 

 moves its tail, and rubs itfelf againft the perfon who takes notice of it. It 

 is is alfo fond of rubbing itfelf againft thofe who carry any kind of perfume, 

 and is fond of the fmell of valerian, marum, catmint, and certain aromatics, 

 to diffraction; whilft it thews the greater! diffike to bad fmells. Its fleep is 

 very light; it is extremely vigilant, and fo artful as to imitate the appearance 

 of death, for the purpofe of deceiving the unfutpecting object: of its prey. 

 When irritated it fets up its back, laflies with its tail, fpits, hilTes, and 

 ffrikes with its foot. 



