A LION—TAMING CAT

Evening Star, Issue 18255, 20 April 1923, Page 4

A LION—TAMING CAT

[From Our London Correspondent.] March 8. The awed admiring crowds who pass through the lion house at the London Zoo hardly notice the keeper’s remarkable tame cat. They are simply hypnotised by the majestic kings of the forest and striped autocrats of the jungle. But the keeper’s cat, “ Rush,” is worth a little attention. He is a Russian tom, with an unusual smoke-grey coat, very silky fur, and quite a Moscovite face. Incidentally he says “ mewh ” with a slight Russian accent too, entirely distinct from the, articulation of the ordinary British tom cat. “ Rush ” is a very accomplished animal —probably the only authenticated lion-taming cat. Regularly he enters the cages of some of the biggest and fiercest lions and tigers, and moves about with apparent unconcern. But “ Rush ” is really most alert. He takes no unnecessary risks. lie knows those big cats w'ho know him, and never makes a mistake'. : Until he has carefully felt his way, and taken social soundings, he never ’ventures into ' the cage of a complete stranger. He never forgets with whom he is on safe visiting ternu /