THE “POINTS” OF A CAT.
Before entering upon the distinctive breeds of cats, of which I propose
to treat fully in the ensuing chapters, I would draw attention to the
accompanying diagram of a cat, and will proceed to point out the general
contour of the animal, whether long or short-haired.
[Illustration: [THE “POINTS” OF A CAT.]]
Having given a table of reference, I will take the points of the cat as
arranged in order:—
No. 1, Ears: These should be small, and rounded at the tops, carried
somewhat forward, and not wide open at the base. In the Persian
varieties especially the inner surface should be hidden by a growth of
fur extending from the face, termed ear tufts. It is a beauty in the cat
to have the ears set well apart, giving an appearance of greater width
to the head. The outer portion of the ears should be evenly covered with
soft, short, downy fur.
No. 2, Eyes: These ought to be round, large, and full. A small, beady
eye is a great disfigurement in a cat. The eyes should be set straight
in the head, not slanting like those of a Chinese. In the Persian
varieties a fringe of overhanging fur greatly improves and softens the
expression. The colour varies in different breeds, but in green, orange,
or blue eyes, purity and depth of colour should prevail. Very often an
orange eye is spoilt by an inner rim of green, and a blue eye is
weakened by a paler shade of blue, giving the appearance of an opal.
No. 3, Skull: Should be broad, with width between the eyes and ears.
No. 4, Cheeks: Well developed.
No. 5, Face and nose: These should be short; if the contrary, a “snipey”
appearance is given to the cat, which quite spoils the expression.
No. 6, Chest: Should be full and broad.
No. 7, Neck: Short and full.
Nos. 8 and 9, Shoulder and fore arm: These call for no special remarks;
but in male cats especially firm and massive limbs are most desirable.
No. 10, Paw: A large, broad paw, with short but not stumpy feet. In the
Persian varieties the tufts are an additional beauty.
Nos. 11 and 12, Body and back: There is a diversity of opinion as to
whether a cat should be long in the body or of cobby build. I incline to
the latter as regards beauty of form, but I am of opinion that female
cats with long bodies are the best breeders. All cats should be low in
the legs.
No. 13, Tail or brush: In both breeds this should be short rather than
long, and in the Persian varieties broad and spreading. The tail should
be carried almost on a level with the body, and slightly curving upwards
towards the end. A too-tapering tail is a defect.
Nos. 14, 15, and 16 call for no further remark beyond the desirability
of symmetry in form.
The foregoing list of points in a cat may be of some service to novices
in the fancy, but it is necessary to add that, as in all animals,
condition is a very important factor. A cat may be perfect in all
points, and yet if in either the long- or short-haired varieties the
coat lacks softness of texture, and in Persians the fur is matted or
draggled, such specimens cannot expect to find favour in the eyes of a
critical judge, or even an ordinary lover of cats. In short-haired
breeds there is an unmistakable gloss on the coat of a cat that is in
good health. A spiky appearance of the fur always denotes poor
condition, and greatly detracts from the charms and chances of our pets
or show cats. A great deal depends in keen competition upon condition.
It turns the scale in a vast majority of instances. Therefore, as great
attention should be paid to this point as to those set forth in the list
I have given.
A small yet distinctive feature in a cat is the whiskers, and these vary
in colour, according to the breed. They should be strong and yet
sensitive, and curving slightly inwards. It is supposed to be a sign of
strength if a cat’s whiskers attain a great length.
[Illustration:
(_Photo: C. Reid, Wishaw._)
]
[Illustration:
A BLUE PERSIAN BELONGING TO MRS. WELLS.
(_Photo: Ward, Hounslow._)
]