The use of all strong smelling disinfectants should be avoided, both at shows and in the cattery.

All odours in a cattery can be avoided by strict cleanliness, having the sanitary pans washed and refilled once a day.

For cleansing purposes nothing equals permanganate of potash crystals; for ordinary purposes use enough to colour the water a light purple. This potash is used extensively in England at most of the largest hospitals; it is considered a certain germ-killer, and is practically odourless; it can be purchased in half and one pound bottles. The only objection to it is its staining properties, therefore it must not be used for rinsing blankets, etc., for disinfection. For disinfecting cages, rooms, etc., after distemper, make a very strong solution, using two teaspoonfuls of the crystals to a small pail of water. As this will stain the hands, all woodwork, wire netting, etc., can be wetted with a brush and short mop. After all the fixtures have been well wetted, then see that the floor is mopped all over with this strong solution; leave for ten minutes or so, then have it all dried with a mop and clean water, without disinfectant; the floors of a cattery should be done every week in this manner, using the weaker solution only when ordinary cleansing is necessary.

No soap or soda need be used, as the crystals cleanse as well as disinfect, and a cattery is safe from infection if everything in it is thoroughly saturated. This disinfectant has been used satisfactorily at cat shows in place of strong smelling disinfectants generally used, which affect the eyes and nose of both visitors and cats to such an extent that a temporary affection of the mucous membrane results. Carbolic in any form is deadly poison to cats, therefore it should never be used in any of its various preparations. For bathing wounds a more refined disinfectant should be used, such as dioxide of hydrogen, etc.; one which does not stain the hair, is preferable for dark cats, as both peroxide and dioxide will turn a black or blue cat red.