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- 
tatioQ 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 Rollestou of Oxford, " Ou 
the Domestic Cats, Felis Domesticus and Muslela Foina, of Ancient and Modern 
Times," in the " Journal of Anatomy and Physiology," Nov. 1867. 
VOL. III. 3 c 
