That cats expect those to whom they are attached to sympathise with them
in their sorrow, is shown by an affecting story told by Dr Good, the
author of the "Book of Nature."
He had a cat which used to sit at his elbow hour after hour while he was
writing, watching his hand moving over the paper. At length Pussy had a
kitten to take care of, when she became less constant in her attendance
on her master. One morning, however, she entered the room, and leaping
on the table, began to rub her furry side against his hand and pen, to
attract his attention. He, supposing that she wished to be let out,
opened the door; but instead of running forward, she turned round and
looked earnestly at him, as though she had something to communicate.
Being very busy, he shut the door upon her, and resumed his writing. In
less than an hour, the door having been opened again, he felt her
rubbing against his feet; when, on looking down, he saw that she had
placed close to them the dead body of her kitten, which had been
accidentally killed, and which she had brought evidently that her kind
master might mourn with her at her loss. She seemed satisfied when she
saw him with the dead kitten in his hand, making inquiries as to how it
had been killed; and when it was buried, believing that her master
shared her sorrow, she gradually took comfort, and resumed her station
at his side. Observe how, in her sorrow, Pussy went to her best friend
for sympathy. Your best earthly friends are your parents. Do not
hesitate to tell them your griefs; and you will realise that it is their
joy and comfort to sympathise with you in all your troubles, little or
great, and to try to relieve them.