The domestic cat is too well known to require description. It has been
known to attain a weight of twenty-three pounds and an age of eighteen
years. Though thoroughly domesticated, it retains many characteristics
of wildness, especially in its private hunting expeditions, nocturnal
wanderings, unsocial habits, and generally self-centered, not entirely
confident disposition. When turned out in the woods it usually adapts
itself readily. Domestication has had a different influence on cat and
on dog, and the former may be fairly said to have surrendered itself
less. Its sense of smell has probably degenerated, but is still very
sensitive to certain favorite odors. The great dilatability of the pupil
enables it to make the most of feeble light. The dry fur, freed from any
oily matter and readily injured by water, becomes highly electric by
friction, especially in dry or frosty weather.