On the Life of a Domestic Cat. 



377 



are playful, delighting themselves and others with their 

 gambols ; while others of the same age dislike locomotion, 

 are what we call demure and sedate, and show even in youth 

 the impassiveness of age. Some of these variations may be 

 attributed to the treatment which they have received ; but 

 in many examples they seem to be inborn, appearing as 

 early as anything about them can be noticed. That cats 

 have memory is undeniable ; that many have what may be 

 called conscience is equally certain. Often does puss know 

 that what she has done renders her amenable to punish- 

 ment, and therefore keeps out of sight till she imagines the 

 fault has been forgotten. Attachment to one individual in 

 a family, in preference to another, is often to be seen ; and 

 it is not always from what we call selfish or interested 

 motives. I have been informed that a policeman in James' 

 Square was every night attended by a cat in his nightly 

 perambulations ; and I know that an excellent landed pro- 

 prietor in Aberdeenshire is accompanied by his cat in his 

 walks through his property. Some cats show very great 

 dislike to be left alone, and that quite irrespective of expec- 

 tation of food. But I cannot enlarge on this topic, and only 

 add, that to children the family cat is an unfailing source of 

 enjoyment, merely from its sociableness.* 



William Smellie says, — " The language of the cat is more 

 limited than that of the dog. Still, however, it is highly 

 expressive of her feelings and desires. When she wants to 

 flatter, or to solicit favour, she makes a purring noise, 

 accompanied with blandishing movements, and often rubs 

 her sides upon the shins or garments of the person from 

 whom she expects gratification. When a cat happens to 

 be barred out, her mew of anxiety, or her petition to get 

 admittance, is perfectly different from most of her other 

 cries, but seems to be the same as that which she utters 

 when desirous of food." {Philosophy of Natural History, 

 vol. ii. p. 422.) 



* There is a very learned memoir by Professor Rolleston of Oxford, ; ' On 

 the Domestic Cats, Felis Domesticus and Mustela Foina, of Ancient and Modern 

 Times," in the " Journal of Anatomy and Physiology," Nov. 1867. 

 VOL. III. 3 0 



