There is a great deal in the way in which a cat carries her tail. It ought not to be stuck up straight in the air nor yet curled under the hind legs, or dragged along the ground. I like to see a Persian cat's tail carried just on a level with the body, and slightly curving upwards towards the end. Small ears are a great beauty in a cat. They should not be wide at the base, nor pointed at the tip. Nice ear tufts make a wonderful difference in the appearance of a Persian cat.

Ordinary hampers may be made more portable for cats it a double strap, such as is used for rugs, is run twice through the wicker work, and the handle brought to the top.

To fanciers wishing to start Persian cats, chiefly with a view to taking prizes at our shows, I would recommend them to obtain a really good Black queen, with amber eyes. At each of the principal shows the Black class is ever the weakest; this is specially the case as regards the female sex. A really handsome Black Persian is a thing of beauty.

Kittens that live out of doors and are constantly in the hot sunshine, readily get sunburnt and their pretty coats become tinged with brown. But do not be unhappy, as this will disappear with their kitten coat, and by fresh air and exercise and the strengthening rays of the sun, the little ones will be laying in a stock of health.

A capital collar for a cat is a leather garter lined with flannel. The sharp edges being covered do not injure the frill and fur.

All White cats are not deaf, but in purchasing one of this breed it is always best to test their sense of hearing. If stone-deaf, the price should certainly not be so high, as although this fact does not prevent a cat from winning prizes, yet it is undesirable for our pets to be deaf to our entreaties.

White kittens are frequently born with a dab or splash of grey on their heads. This apparent serious blemish is only temporary, and as the kittens grow the dark hairs vanish.

Tabby markings are often visible upon Blues when they are tiny mites, and one is apt to fear lest these should become more and more apparent, but as the fur grows they quite disappear, leaving no trace of stripes or bars.

It would be a great benefit if the executive of all cat shows decided to supply only water for the pussies, unless milk was specially asked for. I think we should then hear of fewer disasters following exhibitions. Nothing collects germs so easily and quickly as milk, and in all weathers there is the risk of its turning sour. In and about London, and, indeed, even in the country, it is unfortunately the custom to introduce boracic acid as a preservative, which proves a poison to cats and delicate children.

Cobby cats are certainly to be preferred as regards appearance, but I incline to the belief that those females who are long-bodied are the best cats to breed from.

It is not a bad idea to have warm coats made for our travelling queens when making a long journey in cold weather. A lady was sent to my stud the other day clothed in a very smart jacket, through which her front paws were placed, and it was buttoned up on her back. This puss had also a pair of washleather boots on her back legs, so her appearance was a little startling! The boots were as a preventive to scratching her eyes or ears. I think only a very amicable cat would stand these trying appendages.

The eyes begin to change colour in kittens when they are about three months old. It is disappointing when the bright blue eyes of White kittens gradually assume a pale greenish hue, and finally about five or six months old, settle down into a decided yellow. In blue kittens we look out anxiously for the orange tinge. In these kittens the blue eyes quickly lose their brightness, and when first the colour appears to be changing it seems almost the same colour as their coats. It is a curious fact that in many cats it is impossible to state whether the eyes are green or yellow. This is especially the case in Blues and Silvers. The health of the animal has a great deal to do with the density of the colour in the eyes.

The question of hampers versus boxes for our cats when travelling is one that demands attention, more especially during winter. In cold weather I believe in boxes with ventilation on the top. Then comes the question of how to secure a sufficiency of air, as, in spite of our directions, "Live Cat, with Care," the railway officials will heap luggage on the top of our precious cargo. I advise fixing blocks of wood, about two inches in thickness, on the lids, and thus the danger of suffocation would be avoided.

It may sound foolish, but there is no covering so warm and air-tight as paper, and I have found this cheap commodity most useful and efficient. If you wish to send a puss on a journey in a hamper, then procure a large sheet of brown paper, place the hamper in the middle, and fold it up like a parcel, leaving a square space on top of the lid round the handle. This is really a better mode of protecting the cat than by any inner linings, which are often scratched down by struggling and protesting animals. If, however, you like to have a double protection, don't select red flannel, or any material of brilliant hue, as I have seen a light-coloured puss issue from a basket partially dyed scarlet.

We all know what a very trying habit our pussies have of sharpening their claws on choice pieces of furniture. They generally show a great partiality for leather-covered chairs. It is quite necessary that cats should exercise their talons, so it is best to provide a large log of wood in the cattery or in the house, where they may claw away to their heart's delight.

Try and avoid sending your queens on visits in monstrously large packages, for many reasons it is not desirable. I think a cat is more apt to get knocked and rolled about travelling in a very big hamper than a small one. Then again, an unwieldy box or hamper gives more trouble and sometimes extra expense in getting to and fro from the station.