Ribbons and collars are entirely out of place on a cat.  They are likely to get caught on twigs and nails, and may even cause death.  They certainly give no pleasure to the wearer.  Harrison Weir, who has written a book about cats, calls especial attention to the danger of collars and ribbons.

There are so many cats in the world that if all the kittens were allowed to grow up, no good homes could be found for them.  It is a hard thing for a kind-hearted person to do, but many little kittens must be killed or they would live to suffer.  One kitten of every litter should be left to the mother cat.  The others should be killed as soon as possible, but never in the mother’s sight.  Think how poor pussy would feel when she saw her babies drowned!

One of the greatest hardships that can come into a cat’s life is to be left without a home.  At the beach in winter and in the city in summer may be seen many homeless, starving, miserable cats, left there by their cruel owners.  Once these cats were petted and well-fed.  They know what it is to lie on soft cushions and to be caressed.  Now, through no fault of their own, they are wanderers in an unfriendly world.  Can any name too harsh be given to the men and women who turn adrift these timid, helpless creatures?  Remember that it is a thousand times better to chloroform or drown the cat it is impossible to carry with you, than to let her take her chances in so wretched a life.

Cats are so nervous and sensitive, and so timid when taken away from home, that they must suffer very much when exhibited in cages at a cat show.  It has frequently happened that cats have been made ill by the fright and confinement.

Cats and dogs sometimes take contagious diseases from each other, and if allowed to run at large they may carry the disease to children or to other pet animals.  If our pets are ill they should not be turned out of doors, but should be kept by themselves in a comfortable, quiet room, taken good care of, and on no account should children be allowed to handle them.  If we are ill with a contagious disease, our pets should not be allowed in the room with us.

[Illustration:  “Please give me some more!”]

To keep in good health, cats need to have access to fresh grass and clean water.  They much enjoy being brushed with a brush that is not too stiff.

Remember that cats are delicate and easily injured about the head and should be handled carefully.

Agnes Repplier says:  “Cats are extremely sensitive and dislike loud voices and bustling ways.  They love repose, calmness, and grace.”

STORIES OF CATS.

There was once a cat that lived in a house in London.  Her master owned a country home also, and twice a year pussy made the journey between the two houses.  She always showed great interest and pleasure when the trunks were brought out and the packing cases were being filled.