2-888-271 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Large Cat, 1850. 'This noble specimen of the Cat is domesticated at No. 175, Oxford-street, [London]. He is a beautifully-marked Tabby, and is very docile, though his unusually large size conveys to the beholder, at first sight, a contrary impression. He weighs 25¾lb.; and measures 27 inches round the body, and 36½ inches from the tip of the tail to the end of the nose; height, 11½ inches to the top of the shoulders. The Cat has gained 7 lb. in weight within the last two years; he does not eat so much as an ordinary cat, and is extremely active, and rarely appears to be inconvenienced by his great bulk. He is seven years old, and was born in a building known as "the old Palace at Chelsea".' From "Illustrated London News", 1850.