A Description of Three Hundred Animals, 1768

The Common HOUSE-CAT is in all Parts like a Lioness, except in her sharp Ears. Her Flesh is soft and smooth; her Tongue, in licking, is rough like a Lion’s; her Teeth are like a Saw; her Nails are sheathed, like the Nails of a Lion; striking with her fore Feet both Dogs and other Things, as a Man doth with his Hand. The Age of the Cat terminates between six and ten; a nimble Creature, abounding in Spirit, that eats voraciously, and swallows without much chewing. She catchers her Prey by Leaping. The Cat is neat, cleanly, and a very useful domestic Creature.