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Of Kittens In General


Kittens usually shed their first teeth from five to seven months old,

and seldom possess even part of a set of the small, sharp dentition

after that time. When shown as kittens under six months old, and they

have changed the whole of their kittenhood teeth for those of the

adult, it is generally considered a fairly strong proof that their

life is in excess of that age, and the judge is therefore certainly

justified in
isqualifying such exhibit, though sometimes, as in other

domestic animals, there occurs premature change, as well as inexplicable

delay.



Kittens are not so cleanly in their habits as cats of a mature growth;

this is more generally the case when they have been separated from the

mother-cat, or when removed to some place that is strange to them, or

when sufficient care is not taken, by letting them out of the house

occasionally. When they cannot from various reasons be so turned out, a

box should be provided, partly filled with dry earth, to which they may

retire. This is always a requisite when cats or kittens are valuable,

and therefore obliged to be kept within doors, especially in

neighbourhoods where there is a chance of their being lost or stolen.



It should also be borne in mind, that the present and future health of

an animal, be it what it may, is subject to many incidences, and not the

least of these is good and appropriate food, shelter, warmth, and

cleanliness. It is best to feed at regular intervals. In confinement,

Mr. Bartlett, the skilful and experienced manager of the Zoological

Society's Gardens, at Regent's Park, finds that one meal a day is

sufficient, and this is thought also to be the case with a full-grown

cat, more especially when it has the opportunity of ranging and getting

other food, such as mice, and "such small deer;" but with "young things"

it is different, as it is deemed necessary to get as much strength and

growth as possible. I therefore advocate several meals a day, at least

three, with a variety of food, such as raw shin of beef, cut very small;

bones to pick; fish of sorts, with all the bones taken out, or refuse

parts; milk, with a little hot water; boiled rice or oatmeal, with milk

or without it; and grass, if possible; if not, some boiled vegetables,

stalks of asparagus, cabbage, or even carrots. Let the food be varied

from time to time, but never omitting the finely-cut raw beef every day.

I am not in favour of liver, or "lights," as it is called, either for

cats or kittens. If horseflesh can be depended on, it is a very

favourite and strengthening food, and may be given. The kitten should be

kept warm and dry, and away from draughts.



Also take especial care not in any way to frighten, tease, or worry a

young animal, but do everything possible to give confidence and engender

regard, fondness, or affection for its owner; always be gentle and yet

firm in its training. Do not allow it to do one day uncorrected, that

for which it is punished the next for the same kind of fault. If it is

doing wrong remove it, speaking gently, at the time, and not wait

long after the fault is committed, or they will not know what the

punishment is for. Many animals' tempers are spoiled entirely by this

mode of proceeding.



Take care there is always a clean vessel, with pure clear water for them

to drink when thirsty.



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