The Washington herald., 1907-07-07
PLAN A CAT VILLA
Society Women Want Place
for Blue-blOOded Felines.
MAY BUILD SPECIAL HOME
AristOcrPtic Pets Likely to Have
HOsteIry of Their own Where They
May Stay in Dignity While Mis-
tresses Go North or South or Eu-
rOpeward-LIss of PntrOnesses.

Many Of Washington's most prominent
society women are consummating plans
for a cat home here.
Meetings have been held, every phase
Of the situation discussed, ana several
pieces of property visited with a view to
buying.
1t is the intention TO purchase a tract
Of land and build handsome and suit
able home, If this is found to be possible,
but if not, house fitted for the pur-
pose will be bought The scheme has
not yet come to a head, but modest
start has been made in a shelter FOR
stray cats. This, however, IS not the
major purpose Of the home. 1t win be for
boarding handsome and expensive cats,
belonging to persons who regularly leave
the city. who at present either have to
take their pets on long journeys. or
stay at home. The promoters are en-
thusiastic over their scheme, and the
contributions have been large.
Some Of Washingtons most prominent
society folk are interested, including
Nine. Eleanore de Remusat Guys, Miss
Mary A. Pect, Miss Mathilde Townsend,
Mrs Larz Anderson. Mrs. A. L. Barber,
Miss Mary Robinson, Mrs. Austin, Mrs.
Krouse, Mrs. Solberg, Mrs. Henry L.
West. wife OF the Commissioner. who is
president Of the Cat Club, and many 9TH
ers.
Maltese Cats Worth 81, 900 Each.
Mrs Justice Harlan, who is the proud
possessor Of three handsome Maltese cats,
worth 1900 each, is also greatly inter-
ested.
Great difficulty has been experienced in
the past by those going on long and dis
tant vacation trips in having their pets
properly groomed and cared for No place
has been available, and a number Of the
women have found 1t necessary TO employ
a caretaker and keep the city residence
open for the benefit Of tabby.
Miss Robinson stated last night that she
was compelled to stay at home all last
summer, because she had no place at
which 70 board her cats. She has six Of
them, al short-haired, or what are known
as common cats. but 70 which she is
greatly attached.
The previous summer she obtained
board for them, and passed six months In
contented, but the one place
available at that time has since been
broken Up.
This summer. in order 10 get q vacation,
she will keep the house open and have
some one stay there TO care for the
feliues.
Many OF the other women interested
have carried their pets on long trips
rather than leave them behind to be
improperly cared for
While the care Of their own pets is one
Of the principal reasons for the home,
its promoters also have In mind the
point Of view. and intend
10 care for all stray and homeless kitties.
They say that many persons leaving
the city throw their cats into the street
TO starve or 10 exc out miserable exist
once in ash barrels, with no shelter.
white House Cats Visit.
Attention is called to the fact that the
Presidents children take all their pets
with them to Oyster Bay during the hot
summer months. instead Of leaving them
at the White House at the mercy Of the
servants. and In this connection It was
said that many Of the greatest men and
women In the worlds history were lovers
Of cats.
Lord Stanley, the noted explorer, ls
quoted as saying after his return from
fighting IN darkest Africa that a pet
feline was the most pleasant sight that
greeted him upon his return,
Those interested in the present plan
are enthusiastic on the subject and have
studied every phase Of the cat subject.
from the part played By felines In the
worlds history. and in the lives Of great
men and women, TO the cure Of diseases
common 10 the cat family.
Humane laws have also come in for
and they are severely criti-
cised. 1t is said that persons who throw
their cats upon the street, whether Of
high or low station. diplomats from for
eign countries, or poor families moving
from one section Of the city 70 another.
should be prosecuted.
Difficulty has been experienced in secur-
ing a suitable location, care being taken
that the site selected would be far
enough removed not 10 be a nuisance or
disturb residents in the neighbOrhOod.
Many sites have been visited and a num-
ber abandoned for the reason that they
were in the path Of the citys growth.
Must Have High Lot.
High, sunny ground is demanded, with
lots Of sunshine and fresh air, but con-
venient 20 the car lines.
The proposed home. that is the dream
Of the promoters, il successfully carried
out, will be a spacious building with
every modern comfort and convenience. /
Servants will be in attendance to watch
over and care for the inmates, to groom
and feed them.
one Of the citys best architects has
been consulted. Il is said. and. among
other things. the building will have spa
ciOus verandas opening on the south and
closed in with glass in the winter time.
where the happy felines may bask in the
sJ.SNine to their hearts delight.
Sufficient ground will be secured 70 in
sure spacious runways, and the whole
will be inclOsed with wire netting. The
viii be commodious and of hand
some design.
Many more contributions are necessary
and any woman interested may contrib /
ute, or VIII be welcomed. by Miss Peet