THE CAT 231 
In dealing with the bony framework, a skeleton, though highly 
desirable, is not necessary ; a few typical bones of a Mammal— 
not necessarily those of a Rabbit—should be obtained and 
examined. The positions of many of the bones can be ascertained 
by feeling through the skin. 
The habits of the animal with an account of protective colour- 
ing generally, will form a capital subject for lessons in districts 
where rabbits are plentiful. In this connection a good deal of 
independent investigation can be undertaken by the pupils them- 
selves. 
XIX.—THE CAT. 
Classification. The Cat belongs to an order of 
Mammals known as carnivores or flesh eaters. Animals 
of this order have never fewer than four toes on each foot, 
all of which have claws—and these are generally capable 
of being withdrawn into sheaths. Other animals of the 
same order are Dogs, Wolves, Tigers, and Lions. 
General Description. Cats possess the slender 
body characteristic of the carnivores; for the flesh on 
which they feed is more easily digested than the food of 
plant-eaters, so that a simple stomach and short intestine 
are sufficient for the work of digestion. The big bodies 
required by the long intestines of the plant-eaters are not 
necessary in the case of animals living largely on flesh. 
The body of the Cat is covered with fur, consisting —as in 
the case of the Rabbit—of long and short hairs, the short 
closely-set hairs being below. 
The Head is small and round—quite different in shape 
from that of the Rabbit. The external ears are short and 
erect, and the eyes, which are well in front of the head, are 
large and round. Growing from the bare patches at the 
sides of its mouth are a number of long hairs—the whiskers 
