Gilded Age Fashionable Cats

“The points especially desired are perfect whiteness without a colored hair, both eyes of the same hue, good hearing (for some are deaf), and manners not too languid.”  – Image source, Pinterest

The Persian cat is of an exquisite Maltese color, with long silky hair and topaz eyes. A full ruff around her neck and feathered ears and toes testify to her pure blood. “Dundreary whiskers” and a tail like a banner complete her charms, and in this description are noted the distinctions of her breed. Not all Persians are of her color; there are several varieties, the preferable being a pure white with yellow eyes. 

Persians possess all the cat virtues, including a gentle disposition, in which latter quality they excel the Angora, their rival in popularity. The Angora (or Angola) is a eat of superbly dignified manners, but its long hair, being closely curled, is extremely hard to keep 'in nice order, needing, in fact, frequent washing. It is supposed to bo descended from the Siberian wildcat, and its cries are said to be even more uncivilized and weird than the unknown tongue in which ordinary pussies exchange opinions on the back fence. Either of these cats is a beautiful creature, though not so intelligent as the short-haired kinds. 

Persians are often imported, but there are places in New York where the kittens may be sometimes procured at a moderate price. Of the short-haired eats perhaps the greatest favorite is white with blue eyes. If to these attractions are added tufted ears, the animal ranks high, and is considered worthy of a ribbon collar and silk tassels on the tips of the ears. The points especially desired are perfect whiteness without a colored hair, both eyes of the same hue, good hearing (for some are deaf), and manners not too languid. 

It must be said that a cat of this sort, though affectionate and exceedingly ornamental in a room, is not the most knowing of its family. To be a thing of beauty is quite satisfactory to the high-bred creature. Next in favor is the Maltese, sometimes called the blue, and to be perfect it should be of a rich dark shade, free from hint or suspicion of any other hue. Amber-colored eyes and lips and soles of black are equally indispensable. To these qualities the Maltese adds good temper and brightness. – The Weekly Calistogan, 1887

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