Pussy’s tail is part of her backbone or spine, which is made up as carefully and delicately as our spines are.  If we pull a cat’s tail, we run the risk of giving her as severe pain as we should feel if our spines were hurt.

Dogs and cats have been seriously hurt by forcing their heads into empty cans that have contained meat or soup.  Sometimes they are not able to free themselves.  Their terror is pitiable, and if not found they may run into some hiding place and die a miserable death.  It would be easy to see that a can, when emptied, is pounded out of shape, so that no animal can get its head into it.  To do this might save great suffering.

[Illustration:  A happy pair.]

THINGS TO REMEMBER.

It is a mistake to suppose that cats are unloving and selfish.  When a cat loves no one, it is usually a proof that no one loves her.  She responds warmly to gentle treatment, and often shows personal devotion in very striking ways.

Remember that it is unfair to call a cat cruel and to punish her for following out her own instincts.  She knows nothing of the pain she inflicts, and is quite innocent of any cruel intention.  Often a word or two of reproof is effectual, but it is useless to strike her or frighten her.  She knows no reason why she should not catch birds as well as mice.  If something she likes to eat is given to pussy the last thing at night, she will get into the habit of coming into the house for it.  If she is kept in at night, she cannot disturb the early morning songs of your feathered friends.  Care and watching will be needed to insure their peace and safety through the day.  Especially must she be well fed and have an early breakfast when she has kittens to care for, or she will bring birds for them to eat.

Remember that a half-starved cat makes a poor mouser.  When she is exhausted with hunger she loses the sense of smell, and with it all interest in catching mice.

Cats grow very fond of places as well as of people, and dread to change their homes.  When a cat is to be taken to another house to live, she should be carried in a cat-basket with openings in the top so that she can have fresh air to breathe and can see what is going on.  Holes may be made in a common basket, but the cover must be firmly fastened with a strong strap or cord.  Once arrived at her new quarters, pussy should be shut up in a quiet room with food and water and a pan of dry earth.  At dusk, when the outer doors are shut, she may be allowed to go into other rooms with some friendly guide.  For two or three days she should be kept in the house, and great pains should be taken not to trouble or frighten her while she is learning to feel at home.

Remember, in handling a cat, that it hurts her to be lifted by her front paws alone.  Her hind legs should be supported at the same time.

[Illustration:  The traveling basket.]