CHOOSING AND CARING FOR A CAT. The problem of choice. Part 7.

      As nowadays domestic cats are seldom kept as working animals to catch mice and rats - at any rate, in toens - its hunting prowess is unlikely to be a relevant consideration affecting the choice of cat. Nevertheless, given the opportunity, 75 per cent of all house cats are mouse-catchers but among pedigree cats the long-haired varieties seem to be less interested or accomplished as mousers. Another fundamental difference is in the temperament of the cats. Long-haired cats are often considerably quieter, even phlegmatic, compared with short-haired cats. Orientals usually want considerable attention from and involvement with their humans, whilst long-haired cats require a great deal more grooming care, the fur requiring daily attention.