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The White-and-black Cat


This differs entirely from the black-and-white cat, as just explained,

and is the opposite as regards colour, the ground being white instead of

black, and the markings black on white. For exhibition purposes and

points of excellence, no particular rule exists beyond that the exhibit

shall be evenly marked, with the colour distributed so as to balance,

as, for example:--If a cat has a black patch just under one eye with a

> little above, the balance of colour would be maintained if the other

eye had a preponderance of colour above instead of below, and so

with the nose, shoulders, or back, but it would be far better if the

patches of colour were the same size and shape, and equal in position.

It might be that a cat evenly marked on the head had a mark on the left

shoulder with more on the right, with a rather larger patch on the right

side of the loin, or a black tail would help considerably to produce

what is termed "balance," though a cat of this description would lose

if competing against one of entirely uniform markings.



I have seen several that have been marked in a very singular way. One

was entirely white, with black ears. Another white, with a black tail

only. This had orange eyes, and was very pretty. Another had a black

blaze up the nose, the rest of the animal being white. This had blue

eyes, and was deaf. Another had the two front feet black, all else being

white; the eyes were yellow-tinted green. All these, it will be

observed, were perfect in the way they were marked.



I give an illustration of a cat belonging to Mr. S. Lyon, of Crewe. It

is remarkable in more ways than one, and in all probability, had it been

born in "the dark ages" a vast degree of importance would have been

attached to it, not only on account of the peculiar distribution of the

colour and its form, but also as to the singular coincidence of its

birth. The head is white, with a black mark over the eyes and ears

which, when looked at from above, presents the appearance of a

fleur-de-lis. The body is white, with a distinct black cross on the

right side, or, rather, more on the back than side. The cross resembles

that known as Maltese in form, and is clearly defined. The tail is

black, the legs and feet white. Nor does the cat's claim to notice

entirely end here, for, marvellous to relate, it was born on Easter

Sunday, A.D. 1886. Now, what would have been said of such a coincidence

had this peculiar development of Nature occurred in bygone times? There

is just the possibility that the credulous would have "flocked" to see

the wondrous animal from far and near; and even now, in these

enlightened times, I learn from Mr. Lyon that the cat is not by any

means devoid of interest and attraction, for, as he tells me, a number

of persons have been to see it, some of whom predict that "luck" will

follow, and that he and his household will, in consequence, doubtless

enjoy many blessings, and that all things will prosper with him

accordingly.



Although my remarks are directed to "the white-and-black" cat, the same

will apply to the "white-and-red, white-and-yellow, white-and-tabby,

white-and-blue, or dun colour;" all these, and the foregoing, will most

probably have to be exhibited in the "Any Other Colour" class, as there

is seldom one at even the largest shows for peculiar markings with white

as the ground or principal colour.



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