[Illustration: WILD CATS.]
It is usual to place the Lion at the head of this great Felidae family,
which takes its name from the Latin felis, a cat; but it seems more
appropriate to first describe the Wild and Domestic Cats, as these
particular feline members have given the great family its name.
The Wild Cat is a reddish brown animal, marked with more or less
distinct black stripes and spots.
Its length is about two feet. It does not differ in its habits from the
larger members of this family. It climbs trees with agility, and feeds
on Birds, Squirrels, Hares, Rabbits, &c. At one time it was very common
in France and Scotland. It is found in nearly the whole of Europe, and a
large portion of Asia.
There ought to be ranged beside the Wild Cat a multitude of species,
which are only separated from it by differences in the color of the fur
and length of hair, and which are its representatives in the countries
it does not inhabit. Such are the Pampas Cat, the Bengal Cat, the
Neptaul, the Egyptian Cat, the Serval Cat, the Caffir Cat, indigenous to
the Cape, &c.
Certain authors are inclined to believe that the numerous varieties of
the Domestic Cat have descended from the Wild Cat, and the Egyptian Cat.
However this may be, there exist several kinds of well-characterised
Domestic Cats. Such are the Spanish Cat, the Chartreuse Cat, the Red Cat
of Tobolsk, the Angora Cat, the most highly prized of home pets, the
Chinese Cat with pendant ears, and the tailless Malay Cat. The tails of
Wild Cats terminate in an abrupt thick point, while the tails of
Domestic Cats taper to a finer point.
The Domestic Cat is one of those few animals which has remained in a
state of independence in its domesticity; it lives with Man, but still
is not reduced to servitude. If it renders service, it is simply for its
own interest to do so. That disinterestedness which distinguishes the
Dog we do not find in the Cat. Whatever Buffon and others may have said,
it is capable of affection; this attachment is only manifested by
infrequent caresses, not by devotion. Has a Cat ever been known to
defend its master? It has been said that it is more attached to
localities than persons; yet we know of numerous exceptions to this.
[Illustration: ANGORA CAT.]
No animal is more savage than the Cat when threatened by punishment or
danger. For when it sees no chance of escape, it defends itself with
energy that cannot be surpassed. So long as its enemy keeps at a
respectful distance, it confines itself to a passive resistance,
watching, however, for the slightest indication of hostility, and
holding itself ready for every emergency. Should its adversary advance
to seize it, with wonderful activity it strikes with its claws, at the
same time expressing anger with its voice. It nearly always comes off
victorious, unless over-matched, for its agility renders escape almost
certain.
The Cat is less an enemy of the Dog than is generally believed. When
unacquainted with one another, they have little sympathy in common; but
when associated for a length of time they become good friends. Then they
lick each other, sleep with each other, and understand making mutual
concessions, which enable them to live in peace; in short, the most
perfect harmony frequently reigns between them.