18 A DESCRIPTION OP 
differed still more in this respect, as its tail was long and 
slender, ending in a kind of tuft. There are four or five 
distinct varieties of the domestic Cat : the tabby, the tor- 
toise-shell, the Chartreuse, and the Angora. Of these, the 
tabby bears most resemblance to the wild Cat, arid the black 
Cats are from this breed : the tortoise-shell is said to have 
been brought from Spain, the females of this race being 
generally of a pure tortoise-shell, and the males butT, with 
stripes of a darker hue ; all the white, and nearly white 
Cats are descended from the Chartreuse breed, they have 
all a blue tinge in their fur, and reddish eyelids, and the 
tailless cats of Cornwall and the Isle of Man belong to 
this race : the Angoras are quite distinct, and are well 
known by their long silky hair. Cats are fond of warmth, 
and are generally affected by changes in the weather. 
They are very affectionate, purring at the sight of those 
who are kind to them ; and they will curve up their backs 
and rub themselves against a door when it is opened for 
them, as if to thank the kind friend who has done them 
this service, before they take advantage of it. The female 
Cat has generally five or six kittens at a time, which she 
carries about in her mouth, and hides, when she thinks them 
in danger. When a Cat is enraged, its hair stands erect, and 
its tail swells to an enormous size. Cats fight savagely, and 
often tear the skin off each other's necks. When two 
Cats are about to fight, they stand for some time looking 
at each other, and growling ; and then they dart at each 
other with the greatest fury, yelling with rage. 
Most cats are good mousers, and some bring everything 
they kill to their master or mistress, displaying their mice 
and rats with as much pride as a sportsman would his 
game. They are very fond of Catmint and Valerian, roll- 
ing themselves in a kind of ecstasy when they smell the 
latter plant. They are very cleanly, often sitting stroking 
their faces with their paws, as if washing themselves. 
A volume might be filled with the anecdotes that are 
told of Cats, but most of them are well known. 
