Cats, even when robust, have scant liking for the boisterous society of children, and are apt to exert their utmost ingenuity to escape it. Nor are they without adult sympathy in their prejudice.

the labors of the true critic are more essential to the author, even, than to the reader.

A man who owns a dog is, in every sense of the words, its master; the term expresses accurately their mutual relations. But it is ridiculous when applied to the limited possession of a cat.

The clear-sighted do not rule the world, but they sustain and console it.

A kitten is the most irresistible comedian in the world. Its wide-open eyes gleam with wonder and mirth. It darts madly at nothing at all, and then, as though suddenly checked in the pursuit, prances sideways on its hind legs with ridiculous agility and zeal.

A kitten is chiefly remarkable for rushing about like mad at nothing whatever and generally stopping before it gets there.

to be civilized is to be incapable of giving unnecessary offense, it is to have some quality of consideration for all who cross our path.