Our Cats and All About Them Part 9

[Ill.u.s.tration]

OF KITTENS IN GENERAL.

Kittens usually shed their first teeth from five to seven months old, and seldom possess even part of a set of the small, sharp dent.i.tion after that time. When shown as kittens under six months old, and they have changed the _whole_ of their kittenhood teeth for those of the adult, it is generally considered a fairly _strong_ proof that their life is in excess of that age, and the judge is therefore certainly justified in disqualifying such exhibit, though sometimes, as in other domestic animals, there occurs premature change, as well as inexplicable delay.

Kittens are not so cleanly in their habits as cats of a mature growth; this is more generally the case when they have been _separated from the mother-cat_, or when removed to some place that is strange to them, or when sufficient care is not taken, by letting them out of the house occasionally. When they cannot from various reasons be so turned out, a box should be provided, partly filled with dry earth, to which they may retire. This is always a requisite when cats or kittens are valuable, and therefore obliged to be kept within doors, especially in neighbourhoods where there is a chance of their being lost or stolen.

It should also be borne in mind, that the present and future health of an animal, be it what it may, is subject to many incidences, and not the least of these is good and appropriate food, shelter, warmth, and cleanliness. It is best to feed at regular intervals. In confinement, Mr. Bartlett, the skilful and experienced manager of the Zoological Society's Gardens, at Regent's Park, finds that one meal a day is sufficient, and this is thought also to be the case with a full-grown cat, more especially when it has the opportunity of ranging and getting other food, such as mice, and "such small deer;" but with "young things"

it is different, as it is deemed necessary to get as much strength and growth as possible. I therefore advocate several meals a day, at least three, with a variety of food, such as raw shin of beef, cut very small; bones to pick; fish of sorts, with all the bones taken out, or refuse parts; milk, with a little hot water; boiled rice or oatmeal, with milk or without it; and gra.s.s, if possible; if not, some boiled vegetables, stalks of asparagus, cabbage, or even carrots. Let the food be varied from time to time, but never omitting the finely-cut raw beef every day.

I am not in favour of liver, or "lights," as it is called, either for cats or kittens. If horseflesh can be depended on, it is a very favourite and strengthening food, and may be given. The kitten should be kept warm and dry, and away from draughts.

Also take especial care not in any way to frighten, tease, or worry a young animal, but do everything possible to give confidence and engender regard, fondness, or affection for its owner; always be gentle and yet firm in its training. Do not allow it to do one day uncorrected, that for which it is punished the next for the same kind of fault. If it is doing wrong remove it, speaking gently, _at the time_, and not _wait long after the fault is committed_, or they will not know what the punishment is for. Many animals' tempers are spoiled entirely by this mode of proceeding.

Take care there is always a clean vessel, with pure clear water for them to drink when thirsty.

[Ill.u.s.tration: MISS MOORE'S KITTEN, "CHLOE."]

MANAGEMENT OF KITTENS AND CATS.

These require quiet and kindly treatment. Do nothing quickly or suddenly, so as in any way to scare or frighten, but when speaking to them, let the voice be moderated, gentle, and soft in tone. Cats are not slow to understand kind treatment, and may often be seen to watch the countenance as though trying to fathom our thoughts. Some cats are of a very timorous nature, and are thus easily dismayed. Others again are more bold in their ways and habits, and are ever ready for cossetty attention; but treat both as you would be treated--kindly.

As to food, as already noted, I have found raw beef the best, with milk mixed with a little hot water to drink--never boil it--and give plenty of gra.s.s, or some boiled vegetable, such as asparagus, sea-kale, or celery; they also are fond of certain weeds, such as cat-mint, and equisetum, or mares' or cats' tails, as it is sometimes called. If fish is given it is best mixed with either rice or oatmeal, and boiled, otherwise it is apt to produce diarrhoea.

Horse-flesh may be given as a change, provided that it is not from a diseased animal; and should be boiled, and be fresh.

Brown bread and milk is also good and healthy food; the bread should be cut in cubes of half an inch, and the warm milk and water poured on; only enough for one meal should be prepared at a time.

Let the cat and kittens have as much fresh air as is possible; and if fed on some dainty last thing at night they will be sure to "come in,"

and thus preserved from doing and receiving injury.

If cats are in any way soiled in their coat, especially the long-haired varieties, and cannot cleanse themselves, they may be washed in warm, soapy water; but this is not advisable in kittens, unless great care is used to prevent their taking cold.

Some cats like being brushed, and it is often an improvement to the pelage or fur if carefully done; but in all cases the brush should have soft, close hair, which should be rather long than otherwise.

Do not let your cats or kittens wear collars or ribbons always, especially if they are ramblers, for the reason that they are liable to get caught on spikes of railings or twigs of bushes, and so starved to death, or strangled, unless discovered.

For sending cats to an exhibition, a close-made basket is best, which will allow for ventilation, as fresh air is most essential; and have it sufficiently large to allow of the cat standing and turning about, especially if a long journey is before them. I have _seen_ cats sent to shows taken out of _small boxes_, _dead_, stifled to death--"poor things."

Bear in mind that the higher and better condition your cat is in on its arrival at the show, the greater is the chance of winning.

Do not put carpet or woollen fabrics in the basket, but plenty of good, sweet hay or oat-straw; this will answer all purposes, and does not get sodden.

If you use a padlock for the fastening, _do not forget to send the key to the manager of the show_, as is sometimes the case.

[Ill.u.s.tration: CAT CLUB CHALLENGE CUP.]

[Ill.u.s.tration]

POINTS BY WHICH CATS ARE JUDGED,

AS SPECIFIED BY MYSELF.

_Revised and corrected to the present time._

... What you do, Still betters what is done.

_Winter's Tale, Act IV._

THE TORTOISESh.e.l.l.

POINTS HEAD 15

Small, broad across and between the eyes, rounded above, below tapering towards the lips, nose rather long than short, ears of medium size, narrow and rounded at the apex, broad at the base.

EYES 10

Orange-yellow, clear, brilliant, large, full, round, and l.u.s.trous.

FUR 10

Short, of even length, smooth, silky, and glossy.

COLOUR 25

A mixture of three colours--black, red, and yellow--each to be distinct and clear of the other, with sharp edges, not one colour running into the other, but in small irregular patches, of great brilliancy of tint, the red and yellow to preponderate over the black. If the colours are deep and rich, and the variegation harmonious, the effect is very fine. White is a disqualification.

FORM 15

Narrow, long, graceful in line, neck rather long and slender; shoulders receding, well-sloped and deep; legs medium length, not thick nor clumsy; feet round and small.

TAIL 10

Long, thick at the base, and narrowing towards the end, carried low, with graceful curve, and well-marked with alternate patches of black, red, and yellow.

SIZE AND CONDITION 15

Large, lithe, elegant in all its movements; hair smooth, clean, bright, full of l.u.s.tre, and lying close to the body, all betokening full health and strength.