A CAT-STORY.
[TO THE EDTTOR OP THE "SPECTATOR."] SIR,—It seems to me that the great independence of mind shown by even the most domesticated of cats is evidence of a strength of character quite unusual among animals. Of all pets, they give the least trouble—they forage for themselves largely, wash themselves, take exercise of their own accord— less dependent on man than a dog, they are yet capable of strong attachments. My cat, a Persian, is warmly attached to me; even if asleep on any one else's lap, the moment I speak or call her, she runs to me. Whenever- she catches a mouse or finds herself some dainty, it is at once brought to me and laid at my feet with a special cry,—never used at any other time. When I was ill in the winter and confined to bed for some weeks, pussy was with me day and night—only leaving me for half-an-hour at dinner-time. Efforts were made to coax her into other rooms equally warm and comfortable, for other invalids were in the house, but nothing would induce her to leave me; and when at last I went abroad for some weeks, I returned to find the poor cat at death's door. She had scarcely eaten, was unkempt, and had refused, after one vain search, ever to come upstairs, even to the dining-room floor, and this though every attention had been bestowed on her. I have noticed a curious thing when she has kittens,— that she graduates the size of the mice she brings them, half- stunning the mice first ; but even so, the kittens appear terribly afraid of their new plaything, and for some time dare not take part in the game. Is this universally true P Is the taste for mice a cultivated one P The taste for fish must, surely be, since cats could never have caught them for them- selves ; their fondness for shell-fish is especially puzzling, as- they are quite unable to get at the meat without aid. Have we here a clear case of inherited instincts ?
One more question,—Has any one ever attempted to breed a special race of cats, for special characteristics, as has been done with dogs P If not, is it fair to compare the intelligence,• of one with the other ? For centuries dogs have been care- fully weeded and tended and trained ; with cats, do we not begin afresh with each generation, instead of guarding the- race with care and strengthening by selection their good. points ? Thanking you for the pleasure your animal studies- have given me, in common with your many other readers,—I am, Sir, &c., Kingstown, Co. Dublin, June 24th. Ros.A. M. BARRETT.
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