MORE ABOUT CATS.
[To THR EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."]
Sia,—Let me add a couple of biographical notes, for the benefit of cat-lovers. I knew a cat, many years ago—a black Tom— rather heavy and dull in his ways, for the most part, but with two qualities very strongly marked,—love for music and affec- tionateness. He knew good music from bad, perfectly well,. would sit on the step of a piano with great content and purring, so long as a capable performer was playing, and if the execu- tion were very good indeed would testify his delight by arch- ing his tail, walking across the keys, and sitting down in the performer's lap. On the other hand, bad playing always drove him away ; and I remember there was one member of the family whose performance always sent him off in disgust. So much for the artistic side of his temperament. Now for the affections,. His mother was always very fond of her kittens, and used to sit over them very closely during the first early weeks of their lives,—too closely, her son thought, after he grew old enough to consider about things. So I have more than once seen him go up to her, as she nestled over the young ones in the basket,. and apparently whisper something ; whereupon she would get out, stretch herself, and go into the garden for a little fresh air, while he got into her place, and lay over the kittens to keep them warm till she came back, when he resigned his charge to. her again. I regret to say that he died, still a comparatively young cat, of distemper.—I am, Sir, &c., RICHARD F. LITTLEDALE.
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