An inferior specimen shown in tip-top condition has been known to beat a much superior one shown in bad condition, and any fancier who values the reputation of his exhibit should make it a rule never to show when in bad or indifferent condition. Another matter is to avoid showing in spring and autumn, when cats are renewing their coats, for if the coat is not A1 it will be severely handicapped. Strictly speaking, there is no royal road to attain exhibition condition beyond that of regular grooming, careful feeding, and cleanliness.

Long-haired cats are much more trouble than the short-haired, therefore children had better confine themselves to the latter. The wool of the cat is fine, or, rather, should be so, and the best appliance is an ordinary hair-comb, taking care to tease the hair well out, especially the under part, which has a tendency to become felted.

A long soft-haired brush should be used in addition to the comb for long-haired cats, but for the short-haired the writer prefers a soft-haired horse-brush, with a strap at the back, selecting one of small size.

The great secret is the preservation of all the hair possible, but when long-haired cats have been neglected a certain amount of the felted under coat must be clipped away. The frill round the neck must be brushed, so as to stand well off, whilst that on the tail must receive similar attention.

To attain the maximum pristine condition of the coat, it must be groomed three times daily; feed on the best raw meat night and morning, and add two drops of Fowler's solution of arsenic to the milk, night and morning, say, for six weeks previous to exhibition.