CAT AND KITTENS.

Care and attention is necessary when the cat is likely to become a mother. A basket or box, half filled with sweet hay, or clean oat straw, with some flannel in the winter, is absolutely requisite, and a quiet nook or corner selected away from light, noise, and intrusion. Some prefer a box made like a rabbit-hutch, with sleeping place, and a barred door to one or both compartments which may be closed when thought necessary for comfort and quiet. The cat should be placed within, with food and new milk by or inside, and there be regularly fed for a few days, all pans and plates to be kept well washed, and only as much food given at a time as can be eaten at one meal, so that everything is clean and fresh. Cats, as I have before stated, delight in cleanliness, therefore this, nor any comfort, should not be forgotten or omitted, for so much depends on her health and the growth of her little family, with regard to their future well-being.

The cat brings forth three times a year, and often more. The time of gestation is to sixty-three days, and the number of the kittens varies much. Some will have five to six at a birth, while othersneverhave more than two or three. I had a blue tabby, "The Old Lady," which never had more thanone. The cat, however, is a very prolific animal, and, if of long life, produces a very numerous progeny.The Derby Gazette, December 10th, 1886, states:—"There is a cat at Cromford, the age of which is nineteen years. It belonged to the late Mr. Isaac Orme, who died a few months ago. The old man made an entry of all the kittens the cat had given birth to, which, up to the time of his death, numbered 120. It has now just given birth toonemore. It will not leave the house where the old man died, except to visit a neighbouring house, where there is a harmonium; and when the instrument is being played, the cat will go and stand on its hind-legs beside the player."

Cats live to various ages, the oldest I have seen being twenty-one years, and the foregoing is the greatest age at which I have known one to breed. But I am indebted to Mrs. Paterson, of Tunbridge Wells, for the information that Mr. Sandal had a cat that lived to the extraordinary age of twenty-four years. I have seen Mr. Sandal, and found that such was the case. It was a short-haired cat, and rather above the usual size, and tabby in colour.

When littered, the kittens are weak, blind, deaf, helpless little things, and it appears almost impossible they can ever attain the supple grace and elegance of form and motion so much admired in the fully-developed cat.

The state of visual darkness continues until the eighth or ninth day, during which the eyesight is gradually developing. After this they grow rapidly, and, at the age of a few weeks, the gamboling, frolicsome life of "kittenhood" begins, and they begin to feed, lap milk, if slightly warm, when placed in front of them.

No animal is more fond and attentive than the cat; she is the most tender and gentle of nurses, watchingclosely every movement of her young. With the utmost solicitude she brings the choicest morsels of her own food, which she lays before them, softly purring, while with gentle and motherly ways she attracts them to the spot while she sits or stands, looking on with evident satisfaction, full of almost uncontrollable pleasure and delight, at their eager, but often futile attempts and endeavours to eat and enjoy the dainty morsel. Yet nothing is wasted, for after waiting what appears to her a reasonable time, and giving them every encouragement, and with the most exemplary patience, she teaches them what they should do, and how, by slowly making a meal of the residue herself, frequently stopping and fondling and licking them in the hope they will yet make another effort. What can be more sensitively touching than the following anecdote, sent toThe Animal Worldby C. E. N., in 1876? It is a little poem of everyday life, full of deep feeling and feline love.

"I have a small tabby cat, very comely and graceful. Being very fond of her kitten, she is always uneasy if she loses sight of it if only for a short time. For the last six weeks, the mother, failing to recall the truant back by her voice, even returns to the kitchen for the lower portion of a rabbit's fore-leg, which has served as a plaything for some time. With this in her mouth, she proceeds to search for her lost one, crying all the time, and, putting it down at her feet, repeats her entreaties, to which the kitten, allured by the sight of its plaything, generally responds. Owing to its gambols in the open air during the inclement weather, the kitten was seized with an affliction of the throat; the mother, puzzled with the prostration of its offspring, brought down the rabbit's foot to attract attention. In vain; the kitten died. Even now the loving mother searches for the rabbit's foot, and brings it down."

An instance of the peculiar foresight and instinct, so often observable in the cat, is related inThe Animal World, October, 1882. Miss M. writes: "This house is very old, and big impudent rats often appear in the shop, so a cat is always kept on the premises. Pussy is about fiveyears old, and is a handsome, light tortoiseshell, with a pretty face and coaxing ways. A month ago she had three kittens, one of which was kept; they were born in the drawing-room, by the side of the piano. When the two were taken away, pussy carried the one remaining to the fireplace, and made it a bed under the grate with shavings. When a fortnight old, both were removed downstairs to the room behind the shop. One day last week an enormous rat appeared; pussy spied him, and set up her back; but her motherly instinct prevailed. She looked round the shop, and, finding a drawer high up a little way open, she jumped with her kitten in her mouth, and dropped it into the drawer, after which she descended and fought a battle royal with the rat, which she soon despatched and carried to her mistress, then went back to the drawer and brought out her kitten."

Here is another fact as regards the observation of cats, which possibly, in this respect, is not far different from some other domestic animals. "A gray and white cat, 'Jenny' (a house cat), had three kittens in the hollow stump of an old ash-tree, some distance from the house. There, from time to time, she took them food, and there nursed them. One day, looking from the window, I observed a very heavy storm was approaching, and also, what should I see but Mistress 'Jenny' running across the meadow as fast as she could, and, on her drawing nearer, I noticed that she had one of her kittens in her mouth. She ran past and put the kitten into a small outhouse, when she immediately hastened back, and returned bringing another of her kittens, which she put in the same place. Again she started for the wood, and shortly reappeared bringing her third and last kitten, though more slowly, seemingly very tired. I was just thinking of going to help her, when she suddenly quickened her pace and ran for the outhouse; just then a few drops of rain began to fall. In a few moments a deluge of water was falling, the lightning was flashing, the thunder crashed overhead and rumbled in the distance, but 'Jenny' did not mind, forshe had her three kittens comfortably housed, and she and they were all nestled together in an apple basket, warm and dry. Surely she must have known, by instinct or observation, that the storm was coming."—From my Book of "Animal Stories, Old and New."

Should it be deemed necessary to destroy some, if not all of the litter, which, unfortunately, is sometimes the case, it is not well to take away the whole at once; but it is advisable to let a day or two intervene between each removal; the mother will thus be relieved of much suffering, especially if one at least is left for her to rear, but two is preferable. Still, when the progeny are well-marked or otherwise valuable, and large specimens are required for show or other purposes, three kittens are enough to leave, though some advocate as many as five; but if this is done it is better to provide a foster-mother for two, for which even a dog will often prove a very good substitute for one of the feline race. In either case, slightly warm new milk should be given at least three times a day; the milk should not be heated, but some hot water put to it, and as soon as their teeth are sufficiently grown for them to be of use in mastication give some raw beef cut very small and fine. Some prefer chopped liver; I do not; but never give more than they can lap or eat at each meal. This liberal treatment will make a wonderful difference in their growth, and also their general health and strength; and being so fed makes them more docile. And it should be borne in mind that in a state of nature cats always bring raw food to their young as soon as they are able to eat; therefore raw meat is far the best to give them—their dentition proves this.

Kittenhood, the baby time especially of country cats, is with most the brightest, sprightliest, and prettiest period of their existence, and perhaps the most happy. True, when first born and in the earliest era of their lives, they are blind, helpless little things, dull, weak, and staggering, scarcely able to stand, if at all, almost rolling over at every attempt, making querulous, fretful noises, if wakeful or cold, or for the time motherless. But 'tis not for long; awhile, and she, the fondest of mothers, is with them. They are nestled about her, or amid her soft, warm fluffy fur, cossetted with parental tenderness, caressed, nurtured, and, with low, sweet tones and fondlings, they are soothed again and again to sleep.—They sleep.—Noiseless, and with many a longing, lingering look, the careful, watchful, loving creature slowly and reluctantly steals away; soon to return,when she and her little ones are lost "in the land of dreams." And so from day to day, until bright, meek-eyed, innocent, inquiring little faces, with eager eyes, peep above the basket that is yet their home. One bolder than the others springs out, when, scared at its own audacity, as quickly, and oft clumsily, scrambles back, then out—in—and out, in happy, varied, wild, frolicsome, gambolsome play, they clutch, twist, turn, and wrestle in artless mimicry of desperate quarrelling;—the struggle over, in liveliest antics they chase and rechase in turn, or in fantastic mood play; 'tis but play, and such wondrous play—bright, joyous, and light; and so life glides on with them as kittens—frisky, skittish, playful kittens.

A few more days, and their mother leads them forth, with many an anxious look and turn, softly calling in a subdued voice, they halting almost at every step; suddenly, oft at nothing, panic-stricken, quickly scamper back, not one yet daring to follow where all is so oddly strange and new, their natural shyness being stronger than the love of freedom. Again, with scared look and timid steps, they come, when again at nothing frightened, or with infantile pretence, they are off, "helter-skelter," without a pause or stay, one and all, they o'er and into their basket clamber, tumble in, turn about and stare with a more than half-bewildered, self-satisfied safety look about them. Gaining courage once more, they peer about, with dreamy, startled, anxious eyes, watching for dangers that never are, although expected. Noiseless comes their patient, loving mother; with what new delight they cling about her; how fondly and tenderly she tends them, lures, cossets, coaxes, and talks, as only a gentle mother-cat can—"There is no danger, no!—nothing to fear. Is she not with them; will she not guard, keep and defend them? There is a paradise out there; through this door; they must see it. Come, she will show them; come, have confidence! Now, then—come!" When followed by her three little ones, and they with much misgiving, she passes out—out into the garden, out among the lovely, blooming, fragrant roses, out among thesweet stocks and the damask-coloured gilly-flowers, the pink daisies, brown, red, and orange wallflowers, the spice-scented pinks, and other gay and modest floral beauties that make so sweet the soft and balmy breath of Spring. Out into the sunshine, almost dazed amid a flood of light, warmed by the glowing midday sun. Light above, light around and everywhere about; while the sweet-scented breezes come joy-laden with the happy wild birds' melodious songs; wearied with wonderment, under the flower-crowned lilacs they gather themselves to rest. How beautiful all is, how full of young delights; the odorous wind fans, soothes, and lulls them to rest, while rustling leaves softly whisper them to sleep—they and their loving mother slumber unconscious of all things, and with all things at peace. There, stretched in the warm sunshine asleep, possibly dreaming of their after-life when they are kittens no longer, they rest and—sleep.

Their young, bright life has begun; how charming all is, how peaceful under the young, green leaves, bright as emeralds; about them flickering, chequering lights play with the never-wearying, restless shadows; they know of nothing but bliss, so happy, they enjoy all—sweet-faced, gentle-eyed and pretty. Happy, there is no other word. "Happy as a kitten." "Sprightly as a kitten." As they sleep they dream of delight, awake they more than realise their dreams.

Kittens usually shed their first teeth from five to seven months old, and seldom possess even part of a set of the small, sharp dentition after that time. When shown as kittens under six months old, and they have changed thewholeof their kittenhood teeth for those of the adult, it is generally considered a fairlystrongproof 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 beenseparated 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 grass, 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 notwaitlong 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.

MISS MOORE'S KITTEN, "CHLOE."MISS MOORE'S KITTEN, "CHLOE."

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 grass, 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 diarrhœa.

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 theywill 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 haveseencats sent to shows taken out ofsmall 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.

CAT CLUB CHALLENGE CUP.CAT CLUB CHALLENGE CUP.

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

Winter's Tale, Act IV.

POINTSHead15Small, 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 atthe base.Eyes10Orange-yellow, clear, brilliant, large, full, round, andlustrous.Fur10Short, of even length, smooth, silky, and glossy.Colour25A mixture of three colours—black, red, and yellow—each tobe distinct and clear of the other, with sharp edges, not onecolour running into the other, but in small irregularpatches, of great brilliancy of tint, the red and yellow topreponderate over the black. If the colours are deep andrich, and the variegation harmonious, the effect is veryfine. White is a disqualification.Form15Narrow, 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.Tail10Long, thick at the base, and narrowing towards the end,carried low, with graceful curve, and well-marked withalternate patches of black, red, and yellow.Size and Condition15Large, lithe, elegant in all its movements; hair smooth,clean, bright, full of lustre, and lying close to the body,all betokening full health and strength.---Total100

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 atthe base.

Orange-yellow, clear, brilliant, large, full, round, andlustrous.

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

A mixture of three colours—black, red, and yellow—each tobe distinct and clear of the other, with sharp edges, not onecolour running into the other, but in small irregularpatches, of great brilliancy of tint, the red and yellow topreponderate over the black. If the colours are deep andrich, and the variegation harmonious, the effect is veryfine. White is a disqualification.

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.

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

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

POINTSHead10Small, broad across and between the eyes, rounded above,below tapering towards the lips, nose rather long than short,ears medium size, narrow and rounded at the apex, broad atthe base.Eyes10Orange-yellow, clear, brilliant, large, full, round, andlustrous.Fur10Short, of even length, smooth, silky, and glossy.Colour25A mixture of three—black, red, and yellow—each to bedistinct and clear of the other, with sharp edges, not onecolour running into the other, but in small irregular patchesof great brilliancy of tint, the red and yellow topreponderate over the black. If the colours are deep andrich, and the variegation harmonious, the effect is veryfine.White Marking15The fore-legs, breast, throat, lips and a circle round them,with a blaze up the forehead, white; lower half of thehind-legs white, nose and cushions of the feet white.Form10Narrow, 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.Tail10Long, 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 Condition10Large, lithe, elegant in all its movements; hair smooth,clean, bright, full of lustre, and lying close to the body,all betokening full health and strength.---Total100

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

Orange-yellow, clear, brilliant, large, full, round, andlustrous.

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

A mixture of three—black, red, and yellow—each to bedistinct and clear of the other, with sharp edges, not onecolour running into the other, but in small irregular patchesof great brilliancy of tint, the red and yellow topreponderate over the black. If the colours are deep andrich, and the variegation harmonious, the effect is veryfine.

The fore-legs, breast, throat, lips and a circle round them,with a blaze up the forehead, white; lower half of thehind-legs white, nose and cushions of the feet white.

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.

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.

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

POINTSHead15Small, 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 apex, broad at thebase.Eyes15Blue—a soft, turquoise blue—but yellow is permissible asfive points only, green a defect; large, round, and full.Fur15Short, of even length, smooth, silky, and glossy.Colour15Yellow-white; gray-white, five points less.Form15Narrow, 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.Tail10Long, thick at the base and narrowing towards the end,carried low, with graceful curve.Size and Condition15Large, lithe, and elegant in all its movements; hair smooth,clean, bright, full of lustre, and lying close to the body,all betokening good health and strength.---Total100

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 apex, broad at thebase.

Blue—a soft, turquoise blue—but yellow is permissible asfive points only, green a defect; large, round, and full.

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

Yellow-white; gray-white, five points less.

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.

Long, thick at the base and narrowing towards the end,carried low, with graceful curve.

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

POINTSHead15Small, broad across and between the eyes, rounded above,below tapering towards the lips, nose rather long than short,ears of medium size, narrow, rounded at apex, broad at thebase.Eyes15Orange for black, orange-yellow for blue, deep yellow forgray, and gold tinged with green for red. Large, round, andfull; very bright.Fur10Short, of even length, smooth, silky, and glossy.Form15Narrow, 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.Colour25Black, a jet, dense, brown-black, with purple gloss; blue, abright, rich, even, dark colour, or lighter, but even intint; gray, a bright, light, even colour; red, a brilliantsandy or yellowish-red colour.Tail5Long, thick at the base, and narrowing towards the end,carried low, with graceful curve.Size and Condition15Large, lithe, elegant in all its movements; hair smooth,clean, bright, full of lustre, lying close to the body, allbetokening good health and strength.---Total100

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

Orange for black, orange-yellow for blue, deep yellow forgray, and gold tinged with green for red. Large, round, andfull; very bright.

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

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.

Black, a jet, dense, brown-black, with purple gloss; blue, abright, rich, even, dark colour, or lighter, but even intint; gray, a bright, light, even colour; red, a brilliantsandy or yellowish-red colour.

Long, thick at the base, and narrowing towards the end,carried low, with graceful curve.

Large, lithe, elegant in all its movements; hair smooth,clean, bright, full of lustre, lying close to the body, allbetokening good health and strength.

POINTSHead10Small, 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 apex, broad at thebase.Eyes15Orange-yellow, slightly tinted with green, large, full,round, and very lustrous.Fur10Short, of even length, smooth, silky, and glossy.Colour20Deep, very rich reddish-brown, more rufous inside the legsand belly; ears and nose a still deeper red-brown, the latterat the tip edged with black. Ordinary tabby, dark gray, andticked.Markings20Jet-black lines, not too broad, scarcely so wide as theground colour shown between, so as to give a light andbrilliant effect. When the black lines are broader than thecolour space, it is a defect, being then black marked withcolour, instead of colour marked with black. The lines mustbe clear, sharp, and well-defined, in every way distinct,having no mixture of the ground colour. Head and legs markedregularly, the rings on the throat and chest being in no wayblurred or broken, but clear, graceful, and continuous; lips,cushions of feet, and backs of hind-legs, and the ear-points,black.Form10Narrow, 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.Tail5Long, thick at the base and narrowing towards the end,carried low, with graceful curve, and marked with blackrings.Size and Condition10Large, lithe, elegant in all its movements; hair smooth,clean, bright, full of lustre, and lying close to the body,all betokening full health and strength.---Total100

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 apex, broad at thebase.

Orange-yellow, slightly tinted with green, large, full,round, and very lustrous.

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

Deep, very rich reddish-brown, more rufous inside the legsand belly; ears and nose a still deeper red-brown, the latterat the tip edged with black. Ordinary tabby, dark gray, andticked.

Jet-black lines, not too broad, scarcely so wide as theground colour shown between, so as to give a light andbrilliant effect. When the black lines are broader than thecolour space, it is a defect, being then black marked withcolour, instead of colour marked with black. The lines mustbe clear, sharp, and well-defined, in every way distinct,having no mixture of the ground colour. Head and legs markedregularly, the rings on the throat and chest being in no wayblurred or broken, but clear, graceful, and continuous; lips,cushions of feet, and backs of hind-legs, and the ear-points,black.

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.

Long, thick at the base and narrowing towards the end,carried low, with graceful curve, and marked with blackrings.

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

POINTSHead10Small, 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 apex, broad at thebase.Eyes15Orange, gold, or yellow, in the order of the above names,large, round, full, and very lustrous.Fur10Short, of even length, smooth, silky, and glossy.Colour20Deep, rich, reddish-brown, bright red, or yellow, in theorder as above, brighter inside the legs and belly; ears andnose deeper colour, the latter at the tip red, edged withchocolate.Markings20Dark, rich brown or chocolate, lines not too broad, scarcelyso wide as the ground colour shown between, so as to give alight and brilliant effect; when the lines are broader thanthe colour space it is a defect, being then light colourmarkings on dark brown or chocolate, red or dark yellow,instead of colour marked with deeper colour. Head and legsmarked regularly, the rings on the throat and chest being inno way blurred or broken, but clear, graceful, andcontinuous; lips, cushions of feet, and the back ofhind-legs, and the ear-points, dark. Yellow tabby, thecushions of feet red, or light red.Form10Narrow, long, graceful in line, neck rather long and slender,shoulders receding, well-sloped, and deep, legs mediumlength, not thick nor clumsy, feet round and small.Tail5Long, thick at the base, and narrowing towards the end,carried low, with graceful curve, and marked with dark rings.Size and Condition10Large, lithe, elegant in all its movements; hair smooth,clean, bright, full of lustre, and lying close to the body,all betokening full health and strength.---Total100

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 apex, broad at thebase.

Orange, gold, or yellow, in the order of the above names,large, round, full, and very lustrous.

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

Deep, rich, reddish-brown, bright red, or yellow, in theorder as above, brighter inside the legs and belly; ears andnose deeper colour, the latter at the tip red, edged withchocolate.

Dark, rich brown or chocolate, lines not too broad, scarcelyso wide as the ground colour shown between, so as to give alight and brilliant effect; when the lines are broader thanthe colour space it is a defect, being then light colourmarkings on dark brown or chocolate, red or dark yellow,instead of colour marked with deeper colour. Head and legsmarked regularly, the rings on the throat and chest being inno way blurred or broken, but clear, graceful, andcontinuous; lips, cushions of feet, and the back ofhind-legs, and the ear-points, dark. Yellow tabby, thecushions of feet red, or light red.

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

Long, thick at the base, and narrowing towards the end,carried low, with graceful curve, and marked with dark rings.

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

POINTSHead10Small, 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 atthe base.Eyes15Orange-yellow for blue tabby; deep, bright yellow for silveror gray; large, full, round, and very lustrous.Fur10Short, of even length, smooth, silky, and glossy.Colour20If blue, a rich, deep, yet bright colour; silver, a lighter,yet bright tint; gray, very light; if a white tabby, groundto be colourless; ears and nose a deep gray, the tip red,edged with black.Markings20Jet-black lines, not too broad, scarcely so wide as theground colour shown between, so as to give a light andbrilliant effect. When the black lines are broader than thecolour space, it is a defect, being then black marked withcolour, instead of colour with black. The lines must beclear, sharp, and well-defined, in every way distinct, havingno mixture of the ground colour. Head and legs markedregularly, the rings on the throat and chest being in no wayblurred or broken, but clear, graceful, and continuous; lips,cushions of feet, and the backs of hind-legs, and theear-points, black.Form10Narrow, long, graceful in line, neck rather long and slender;shoulders receding, well-sloped, and deep; legs mediumlength, not thick nor clumsy; feet round and small.Tail5Long, thick at the base and narrowing towards the end,carried low, with graceful curve, and marked with blackrings.Size and Condition10Large, lithe, elegant in all its movements; hair smooth,clean, bright, full of lustre, and lying close to the body,all betokening full health and strength.---Total100

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 atthe base.

Orange-yellow for blue tabby; deep, bright yellow for silveror gray; large, full, round, and very lustrous.

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

If blue, a rich, deep, yet bright colour; silver, a lighter,yet bright tint; gray, very light; if a white tabby, groundto be colourless; ears and nose a deep gray, the tip red,edged with black.

Jet-black lines, not too broad, scarcely so wide as theground colour shown between, so as to give a light andbrilliant effect. When the black lines are broader than thecolour space, it is a defect, being then black marked withcolour, instead of colour with black. The lines must beclear, sharp, and well-defined, in every way distinct, havingno mixture of the ground colour. Head and legs markedregularly, the rings on the throat and chest being in no wayblurred or broken, but clear, graceful, and continuous; lips,cushions of feet, and the backs of hind-legs, and theear-points, black.

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

Long, thick at the base and narrowing towards the end,carried low, with graceful curve, and marked with blackrings.

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

MR. BABB'S SPOTTED SILVER TABBY.MR. BABB'S SPOTTED SILVER TABBY.

These to be the same in all points of head, eyes, fur, form, colours, tail, size and condition as those laid down for the judging of short-haired tabby cats in general, with the exception, in whatever colour the markings are, or on whatever ground, they, instead of being in lines or bands, are to be broken up into clear, well-defined and well-formed spots, each spot to be separate, and distinct, and good, firm and dark in colour; these then count as many points as a finely-striped cat in its class.

PROPERLY MARKED BLACK AND WHITE.PROPERLY MARKED BLACK AND WHITE.

The self colour to count the same number of points as the ground colour in tabby, namely, twenty points, and the whitemarkingsthe same as the tabby markings, that is, twenty points. The other points also the same.

The markings to be: lips, mouth and part of the cheek, including the whiskers, with a blaze up the nose, coming to a point between the eyes, white; throat and chest white, and pear-shaped in outline of colour; all four feet white.

The colours and markings to count the same as the above. The ground colour being white, and markings the dark colour instead of white. In the markings they should be even or well-balanced, such as two black ears, the rest white; or two black ears, with black tail, and the rest white; or all white, with dark tail only. These are not very uncommon markings, but if so marked, they may also have a spot or two on the back or sides provided they balance in size of colour. But the simplicity of the former is the best.

All other fancy colours and markings must be judged according to taste, and entered in the any other variety of colours for short-haired cats, such as strawberry colour, smokies, chinchillas, ticked, black tabbies and such fancy colours.

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