CAT AS HEALTH EXPERT

Hawera Star, Volume XLIX, 15 February 1930, Page 11

CAT AS HEALTH EXPERT

T)0 you keep a cat? If not, get one. A cat is a better teacher than any •physical training or health expert, and, unlike the more companionable dog, keeps itself fit without any special attention on the part of its owner, writes Captain P. ißyrne tf 'K.X., in the “Star” ,(!London). Follow carefully its methods of living and you also will be as fit as the proverbial flea. Thomas seldom worries or fusses; he looks on life with. a benevolent tolcrance. He patronlSeAffiis~emyployer, and as long as his • mistress feeds and takes care of him lie is quite an affectionate pet. He cannot, as a rule, and then only with great difficulty, be m.ade to 410 tricks or anything he doesn’t want to do, and will only work when he feels inclined or if driven to do so by hunger; lie will purr happily on his mistress's knees if she lias a comfortable lap and continues to stroke him pleasantly. Should she be wearing a skirt of rough or coarse material, or neglect her soothing attentions, our friend will leave her for a more comfortable spot. . Thomas does not believe in being uncomfortable, or having his rest disturbed.

Later, as meal time approaches, he ;will wake up. AVatch Mm carefully, and note the exercises he is about to demonstrate. Firstly l he opens his eyes, yawns and stretches his legs and neck, lazily, then he sits up and looks round. Then comes his proper stretching exercises—legsj, neck, tail, back every muscle, and sinew is stretched to its utmost. AYhen this is completed he sits down for a minute or so to rest, and spends a short time on his toilet, then starts to walk leisurely towards the kitchen or wherever his food is, gradually increasing to a trot as he enters the room.

•The next thing o:f interest is to watch him eat. If a saueer of milk and a plate of meat are placed before him at the same time, he will finish one before he touches the other, according as he is thirsty or hungry. He will not eat and drink alternately, as most of us do. Thomas eats slowly

Object-Lesson Habits

and discriminately, no matter how hungry he is, chciwiing every piece thoroughly.

As soon as he has finished his meal lie takes things easy for a bit until his food is properly digested, probably sitting down and 'blinking at the fire or having another little sleep, after which ‘he will complete his toilet, if young play for a bit, or, if of mature years, sharpen his claws on the furniture. On completion of the clawsharpening operation he will take some exercise chasing birds, and so he spends his day. ‘Should Thomas have to work for his living, he is quite prepared to do so, but, although he will concentrate the whole of his attention on the matter in hand, he will not extend an ounce of energy more than is necessary in making his kill. Tie question of his late hours would appear to. be against his claim as a health expert, but he is careful- to make up any rest he has lost during the night by sleeping during the day. To summarise:—

Don’t fuss or worry. AYhen you .wake up from sleep, get up leisurely, and stretch your body anff limbs thoroughly. For stretching is the most beneficial of all bodily exercises.

If hurry is necessary, start slowly and work up gradually. Never rush o take a sudden exertion without real need.

Separate work from both rest and play and 'concentrate wholly on whichever one you are doing.

Take sufficient exercise, but don’t overdo it, and never waste energy in unnecessary thought, word, or deed. Eat slowly, chewing your food thoroughly. \ |Choose 3 n our diet sensibly, eating moderately an dwith discrimination. Don’t drink with vour meals.

If you keep late hours, make up for your loss -of rest at other times, either sleeping during the day or going to bed early. If you are lucky enough to have the leisure, or if .you are a night, worker and have to do so, undress and turn in with the curtains drawn.