Book Description

"The finest pictures ever taken of cats," says The Atlantic Monthly of Hans Silvester's photographs of Greek cats languorously stretched along whitewashed walls and sun-drenched pathways. The Complete Cats in the Sun is the essential Hans Silvester: together in one book are all the free-spirited felines from the enormously popular Cats in the Sun, Asleep in the Sun, and The Mediterranean Cat. This is a beautiful one-volume collection of those memorable cats leaping from one fishing boat to the next, prowling across the rounded azure rooftops in search of the perfect place for a quick nap in the sun, or slinking through the cool shadows of a Mediterranean afternoon.

The Complete Cats in the Sun is destined to become the classic gift book for lovers of felines, the sun, and the magic that is the Grecian Isles. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Fabulous photos!
The photos in this book were beautiful. Even if you're not a cat lover, the backdrop of Greece is amazing. The book is a real picture book with very little text except for the author's foreword.

I am writing this review to let you know that the "animal lovers beware" review didn't tell you the whole story. I, too, was in Greece (recently) and I know what this reviewer is referring to -- I saw some very shabby cats in need of medical attention and food. However, that said, if the reviewer had bothered to read the author's foreword, they would have noticed that Silvester says that this "cat paradise" exists only in his book and he recognizes that the cats do not have it easy. He then goes on to explain the relationship that the cats have with the Greeks. Having been to Greece, I realized myself that over there cats are sort of like squirrels to us. We tolerate them, sometimes like them and feed them, but for the most part, we see them as part of the environment. That's basically what cats are in Greece, in my opinion.

So, take this book for what it is -- it's meant to be a beautiful picture book and not some misinformed statement on the plight of cats in Greece. Buy the book because you'll be amazed, amused, and awed by the pictures. Read the foreword, too, and you'll get a better sense of the whole picture.

A great coffee table book
As a cat lover, I wanted something cat-related in my office that didn't make me look like a loony. It's so easy to go overboard with squishy, sentimental nonsense about cats. This book is elegant and tasteful. The cats are photgraphed doing what cats do. Sleeping, watching, stretching, hanging out, eating fish, keeping a watchful eye on nearby dogs, etc. It's a celebration of cats the way nature made them. I use it as the conversation piece in my office and open it to a new cat picture every day. The photos are beautiful and the settings spectacular.

Beautiful, Sweet
I was a shelver at the library and one day I was shelving this book. I fell in love and HAD to buy it. The pictures are artistic and beautiful. The cat images capture the essence of cats, and are just simply wonderful. There are no Cat Fancy groomed cats, but just cats acting themselves - stretching, sleeping, curious - it's all there and with exceptional photography.

It is difficult to find words to describe this great book, so all I can say is that if you are a cat lover, or know someone who is, this book is the best you could buy. I normally wouldn't buy a book like this, but looking at it is so fun that I had no choice!

A cat-aholic's Dream!!
This book is WONDERFUL. The photos are stunning. I love it!

The best present for a cat lover!!!
I have bought each & every of Hans Silvester's creation & this has to be the best! I like photographers who take their subjects in the wild, in their natural environment. Only in this way can you really capture the spirit of the cats. You may also want to try Jack Couffer's The Cats of Lamu - a pictorial with narration. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Non-cat people frequently describe cats as selfish, unfriendly, and frustratingly independent, while a true cat lover can see these same traits and wax poetic. The Nine Emotional Lives of Cats is truly an ode to the wonderful and mysterious behavior of our furry friends--even when the behavior at hand is narcissism or jealousy. Author Jeffery Moussaieff Masson (Dogs Never Lie About Love) explores the lives of his five cats as they relate to his family, each other, and the world around them, filled as it is with such interesting creatures as butterflies, automobiles, and visiting humans.

Each chapter is devoted to a study of a particular emotion, ranging from love to playfulness to anger. While there are interesting tidbits of animal science, such as "cats look away or blink when feeling friendly," the majority of the book revolves around the author's observations of his own pets. When he suggests answers for mysterious behavior like the grooming that instantly turns into a bloodthirsty brawl, he is never absolute, but merely offers one among many possible explanations. Kind and thoughtful, Masson's entertaining tales and wise musings will be appreciated by any cat fancier. --Jill Lightner ... Read more

Reviews (26)

Good book of cat stories but disappointing.
This is an interesting subject but the author did not take this to it's full potential. At times a difficult & confusing read and the author consistently contradicts himself regarding the subject matter and seems to not be able to make even his own mind up regarding even his own theories. Most of the narrative of the text is over-psychologised and preachy (possibly PETA sympathies & bias), and the author jumps from one subject to another without completing his previous thoughts & analysis on the emotion he's talking about at that particular time. The stories of the author's cats are amusing and interesting but the analysis is contradictory. At times, the emotions his cats clearly exhibit the author ends up discrediting the proof and then in the next sentence he changes his mind. This is a study & observation of the author's own cats, not a study of many over a long period. Just as human beings are of a same species,all are different & have different personalities, so too I believe animals have unique personalities and traits that are unique to them, in addition to the emotions that are universal to them.

I'm a licensed veterinary technician, specializing in emergency and critical care and have 6 cats of my own, along with a German Shepherd dog, and a lot of the emotional traits the author states cats do not have, I have observed that they do have, both in my own feline companions and also in the ones I care for. This book seems more of a thesis collection of data and amusing observations instead of information regarding this great creation of God, the cat, and the feelings & emotions of genuine love that this living being truly has. I was so excited about this topic in animals finally being written about but was disappointed in that this wasn't further expounded upon in this book.

Finding your own answers
This book was written in an interesting, almost philosophical way, asking more questions and not giving a whole lot of answers. That isn't a criticism, just an observation. The author will give an example of an emotion in cats, tell a story, then give his own opinion of what it means. Then he'll question it, and say, well, maybe it could also mean this. It's an interesting style because he doesn't just feed you information, rather he forces you to think about it on your own. It's quite enjoyable.

Plus the anecdotes are hilarious, and any cat owner can relate to them. Yossie with the strategically-placed sponges, Minna and her banana leaf prey... a book any cat-fancier will enjoy.

Ilan Masson - the real hero of the book
"I've read all of Jeffrey Masson's animal books in almost one week -and I loved them all,
but when the "Pig who Sang to the Moon" came out last fall - it became my very favorite!

Every animal is different, true, but it's so much more prevalent in cats then any other species.

My cat, which had been abused, slowly gained my trust over the years and is becoming sweeter and sweeter as he gets older.

The discussion seems to be evolved around "should or shouldn't cats venture outside" - well, I have no heart to keep mine locked up.

He is very careful crossing the street of my suburb, loves to take the walks with me trotting beside or behind me - and love him!

Yes, the passage about the misbehaving cat being returned to the first owner didn't escape me, as well as the pleading of Ilan, the author's 3 years old son.

The father's main priority seemed to be keeping the order in his big, extended family, but for the little boy with a soft heart -the cat is all that matters.

It is something very touching in Ilan's plea, if only because he was so very young at the time - are we still more children of Heaven then Earth at that age? - I sometimes wonder..

I love little Ilan for his tenderness for animals, and the fact that he won over his father's heart in this case - testify for Jeffrey Masson being not only a great animal lover, but also a great Father to Ilan and Manu.

Again - thanks Jeff for all the books you've written and thank you for such an extensive bibliography you've included.

It led to "Dominion" by Matthew Scully, the book that everyone should read, to wonderful, so touching books of Kristin von Kreisler, and I'm sure, it will lead to many more in the future.
And as always - can't thank enough Louis Dorfman from whom all my Journey to the Animals World begun."

The Nine Emotional Lives of Cats
An informative and interesting book about 9 emotions that are common in cats. (This review refers to the audio cassette version.) Mr. Masson, a psychoanalyst, discusses cat emotions such as narcissism, love, jealousy and aloofness. He uses an academic tone, but provides helpful insights to the cat owner. I learned more about my cat and what makes him tick through this book! Did you know that a cat who holds his tail straight up is very confident? Or a cat who holds his tail in the shape of a question mark is friendly, but not confident? You will learn insights such as these and more...

Not well done
I borrowed the tape from the library and was surprised to find it not re-wound. Looks like the last borrower only listened to half the first tape before returning it to the library, just as I will.

Mr. Masson claims to know a lot about cats. But then he claims they have "no economic value." Anyone who looked into the topic would know cats have been treasured as mousers since the Egyptians and Indians began storing grains, maybe earlier. Some historians think civilization might not have developed had the mouse population consumed our grains and spread disease unchecked.

In the first tape, Masson also claims cats care nothing for humans. Personal experience suggests otherwise and there are numerous reports that show Masson wrong. Was it too much trouble to research the topic?

Masson's pedantic writing style may be meant to compensate for his lack of facts. It didn't do anything for me. ... Read more

Book Description

"Do Maine Coon cats have snowshoe feet?"
"What ever happened to rust-colored Coon cats?"
"Are Coon cats related to raccoons?"
"But really, what is a Maine Coon cat?"

With humor and wisdom, Marilis Hornidge has answered these and other oddly difficult questions in That Yankee Cat, the best reference guide to the first truly American breed--the Maine Coon cat. This newest revised edition includes up-to-date breeding facts, new stories, old legends, color photos, and other information essential to anyone who has fawned over a cat with ear tufts, a neck ruff, "britches," or a glorious banner-like tail. You'll also find an updated appendix listing a variety of additional resources about the Maine Coon, and a comprehensive manual of cat care helpful to any cat owner, no matter what breed they fancy. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

That Yankee Cat: The Maine Coon
A thorough definition of this spectacular breed, is brilliantly explained by this author. This book confirms for me, what I already believed. The Maine Coon breed is SMART SMART SMART (but not snobbish)!

More General Cat Info Than Maine Coom Info
A very fine book for generalized cat information and care, there is little specific about the Maine Coon that is not in any breed book. As a new Maine Coon breeder, I had hoped for in depth information on problems and care, grooming, birth, genetics, etc, specific to the breed.

That Yankee Cat
Once again Marilis Hornidge has created one of the best books ever written about the Maine Coon Cat. This newly updated edition has many interesting facts about this wonderful breed and dispels many of the myths. And, you'll soon understand why a true Yankee cares for his Maine Coon as carefully as he cares for his last dollar!

That Yankee Cat is an excellent choice for cat lovers of all ages.

Another EXCELLENT Edition!!
A fine book by a fine lady. This is a must have for any Maine Coon owner, breeder or fancier.

Robert Call
Catcall Maine Coons
Summerville, SC

The Cat with 'Boondocker' Paws
"That Yankee Cat" is 'the' complete reference guide to the Maine Coon cat, and well-written to boot. I also read "Maine Coon Cats" by Carol Himsel Daly, and "Guide to Owning a Maine Coon Cat" by Abigail Greene (et al) and "That Yankee Cat" is by far the most interesting and the most specific to the breed. The author, Marilis Hornidge even spends some print on the characteristics of Maine Coon owners (although, for some reason she leaves out the fact that we are all totally loveable):

"Maine Coon people, more than any other group in the fancy, seem to enjoy word games in naming organizations, catteries, and their cats."

In Chapter 5, "Tales of the Cat", Hornidge gives full rein to Maine Coon-related word play, although she doesn't explain why some owners chose the names they inflicted on these big, shaggy beauties, e.g. Captain Jenks of the Horse Marines, Absorbine Jr., Commodore Perry, and Surfer Dude. ...

Breed characteristics are discussed in terms of 'boondocker paws', 'Elizabethan ruff', 'rectangularness', "SMART, SMART, SMART (but not stuck up about it)", 'a dry sense of humor', and 'the Medium-sized Cat in the Large Fur Coat' - not quite CFA-standard language, but easy to visualize! The photographs in this book demonstrate the great variety of the breed, not just your typical big, brown tabby. There are pictures of red mackerel tabbies, cameo tabbies, and splotched tabbies, and even a Black Smoke and a 'tuxedo cat' or two. I only wish more of the photographs could have been in color. It's very difficult to distinguish a brown mackerel from a red mackerel in a black-and-white photograph.

The book also has clearly written sections on genetics and coat color, 'peaceful coexistence' (if you own any cat at all, you'll know what that means), grooming, and first-aid.

The author has even composed a sub-chapter called 'Pot Purry' which I will leave to your imagination.

And speaking of word games and Maine Coon owners, shouldn't a Maine Coon Cattery be called a 'Coonery'?

Read "That Yankee Cat" if you're even thinking about getting a kitten. Or not. It's a hundred-and-one pages of sheer delight for those of us who are actually lucky enough to be owned by one of these gentle, shaggy down-Easterners. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Excellent attention to detail, a gem in your library!
Lesley Anne Ivory is well known as a wonderful illustrator, but with this superb illustrated book of cats and their star signs she has created a brilliant collection of cat illustrations. Simply magical! She pays attention to the finest detail , and each of the star signs are well researched with their related gems, flowers and colours. A "must buy" for cat lovers, definitely! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

BIG CATS
A fantastic book for anyone who is interested in big cats. The book covers all eight of the world's big cat species, giving details on such things as; population status,habitat,prey and physical characteristics. With stunning photo's and a clear and concise text, this really is a must for anyone who has a love for these majestic creatures. ... Read more

Book Description

Dingle shares her years of feline know-how in this book of toys and games guaranteed to keep your cat a kitten forever. Clever illustrations thoughout. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Fantastic Kitty Fun
This is a great book with excellent and little or not cost games and toys for cats. I have tried 4 games already and I just recieved the book. Pita Puss had a great time! and I did too. He really enjoyed the shoe box ride and he already plays in water so the bobbing for vegi's was a big hit. If you have a cat this is a must for you. Know anyone with a cat they will really enjoy this book as a gift. The illustrations are great and the writing is witty and fun to read. Try it you will like it!

EXCELLENT BOOK!!
GREAT BOOK ESPECIALLY IF YOU'VE GOT CATS! ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (1)

A worthwhile addition to any wild cat reference library...
One of the few recent books that has dared to take up the challenge of producing a good single volume (452 pages) on *all* cat species, there is an inevitability that this volume will be compared with the likes of Guggisberg's "Wild Cats of the World" (1975).

In approach, the Sunquists' have chosen to create a more "scientific" presentation than Guggisberg; focusing less upon anecdotes and narrative, and including much summary information from previously published researches, many of which are indeed difficult to obtain first-hand.
In many areas, of course, this shows how *little* we actually know about many felid species: the entry for the flat-headed cat, for example, is brief and contains little new information from the last 27 years.

For each species, we are given a color image (bound in two signatures), one or more black and white pictures as a chapter heading, followed by a more-or-less detailed species account which has a core format (description, distribution, ecology, behavior and status in the wild) to which is added various other information, as is available.
Given the number of sources available in many cases, these accounts are well written and fully referenced within each species' chapter; a major plus for further researches.

Further chapters on study and conservation, the introduction ("What is a Cat"?) and appendices on communication, reproduction, trade and status (IUCN/CITES) seem to be somewhat "tagged on".
The first and last of these would be ably complemented by the IUCN's "Wild Cats: Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan" (also available free-of-charge, on-line), whilst Andrew Kitchener's "The Natural History of the Wild Cats" and Paul Leyhausen's "Cat Behavior" would be of considerable interest with regards the other aspects; albeit there is, as yet, no single-volume reference work covering all felid-related topics in detail.

On the down side, the Sunquist's book appears to show a wilful and selective neglect of work carried out on a "non-scientific" basis. This is perhaps most obvious to the layperson in the section on translocation and reintroduction which totally fails to mention the Adamson's ("Born Free"), Billy Singh ("Tiger Haven"), and others. Given that issues surrounding the reintroduction of human-socialised big cats are of importance, it is surprising that such discussions are totally avoided, here.

Other worries include careless interpretation (such as the family tree of wild cats on page 14, suggesting that many felid lineages diverged from the same common ancestor at a single instant in time) and the avoidance of scientific works not published in Western sources. The dustwrapper inscription suggests that the authors "have spent more than a decade gathering information about cats from every available source", yet on tigers alone they totally miss key books and papers in the Indian literature on man-eating (Chakrabarti), white and other color variations (Desai, L.A.K. Singh), olfactory communication and social behavior (Choudhury, Sankhala, etc.) and ethnographic impact/human interaction (Chakrabarti, Niyogi, A. Singh, etc.). The same absence of references to primary Russian sources (for the Amur tiger) is also noted, and similarly for other species (such as the only worthwhile book on the Asiatic lion, Srivastav's "Asiatic Lion: On the brink").

It is also unclear what the authors have to benefit from the assertion (in the Introduction) that 25 years ago, "the biology of even easily recognizable species... was virtually unknown, and nothing was known about what they needed in terms of space and food". Despite the fact that our knowledge has increased greatly in recent years, a review of the available literature from the 1960s through mid-1970s proves this statement to be largely false: indeed, references to these "non-existent" sources are made throughout the Sunquists' book....

On balance, then, good reading and a most worthwhile addition to any wild cat reference library, albeit our understanding of these intriguing and fascinating animals is in a continual state of flux and it can be dangerous to place *too* much credence in any single volume written at a given date. ... Read more

Book Description

Almost every community has feral cats, animals too poorly socialized to be handled who cannot be placed into typical pet homes. In many of these communities, feral cats are seen to pose public-health, animal-welfare, nuisance-animal, or other problems.

Veterinarian Margaret R. Slater offers a comprehensive, compassionate review of the issues surrounding feral cats and of solutions to feral cat problems in communities large and small.She also provides a blueprint to veterinarians, feral cat caretakers, animal shelters, and public agencies for finding common ground in their approach to feral cats.

Community Approaches to Feral Cats is a handbook for action, a great resource, and a "must have" for anyone interested in stray, feral, and unowned cats. ... Read more

Book Description

From the plains of Africa to her very own backyard, noted author and anthropologist Elizabeth Marshall Thomas explores the world of cats, both large and small in this classic bestseller. Inspired by her own feline's instinct to hunt and supported by her studies abroad, Thomas examines the life actions, as well as the similarities and differences of these majestic creatures. Lions, tigers, pumas and housecats: Her observations shed light on their social lives, thought processes, eating habits, and communication techniques, and reveal how they survive and coexist with each other and with humans. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

The finest Natural History book I¿ve ever read
This is a book that anyone interested in natural history and/or animal behavior ought to read. The author has an almost poetic command of the English language combined with a thorough understanding of the methodologies of the social and natural sciences. Her (radical?) contention that animals, particularly cats, have culture - a series of learned and transmissible behaviors - is demonstrated to the point where it should at least be taken seriously by the scientific community, and perhaps to the point of being as proven as possible outside the established boundaries of scientific methodology. Her observations of the interactions of the Serengeti populations over time, both lions and people, have certainly convinced me that animals have culture. And at the same time they've broken my heart just a little bit more at what we humans are doing to one another and to the other species that share this world.

I have read this book at least four times, cover to cover, and smiled and wept a little and been further enlightened during each read. I've bought it as a gift for several friends and have two or three copies of my own at home. A reviewer said of this work: "Wonderful book. Formidable woman.", and that pretty well sums it up - her voice is quiet, but I believe you will find it resonating with you for a very long time indeed.

In its own small way, "The Tribe of Tiger" is every bit as much of a classic as "Origin of the Species" or "Silent Spring" (or "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats"!).

Insights into human/cat interactions, beautifully written
This is without doubt one of the best books on animal behavior I have ever read. What Thomas does that others do not (and often cannot) is three-fold:

First, using her long experience with animals both domestic and wild, she INTERPRETS their behavior from her observations. Most of us do that, but scientists in general do not. They cannot because such interpretations, unless established scientifically, would be labeled "anthropomorphic," and prove dangerous to their careers. You and I interpret the behavior of our animals, but most of us have only a small fraction of the experience that Elizabeth Thomas has. She has spent decades in the wild, especially in Africa, studying animals and their interactions with humans.

This interaction between humans and their way of seeing the world and that of cats and their way of seeing the world--our differing "cultures" as Thomas rightly uses the term--is the second thing she does so very well. Her stories about how the Ju/wasi people, for example, treat lions and how the lions treat them--with mutual respect--and how that differs from the way non-indigenous people treat lions is just fascinating to read. She describes the Ju/wasi talking to a couple of lions, telling them firmly and politely that a certain fallen wildebeest was theirs and that the lions should leave. After listening, the lions left. (p.118) And how the Ju/wasi behaved if by chance they should come upon a lion in the wild: the person would take an oblique angle away from the lion and walk with purpose, keeping the lion in sight but not staring. Thomas discovered that a lion meeting people sometimes would do the same!

The third thing that Thomas does extraordinary well is to use her novelist's sense of description and IMAGINE how the cat is feeling. She writes beautifully with love and understanding, but without mawkish intent or any phony sentimentality. Here's an example:

"Even people with very inconspicuous disabilities are quickly zeroed in on by cats...the entering tigers stopped...to stare...at someone they had spotted deep in the [amphitheater] crowd. Following their gaze I finally found what they had noticed immediately: a child with Down's syndrome sitting quietly and (to me) inconspicuously amid his family." (p. 123)

If you limp by a caged carnivore, a wolf or a leopard, say, your limping will excite the animal because an injured or disabled animal is its best prey. As Thomas explains, carnivores want to obtain their meals with as little risk of injury to themselves as possible because any injury in the wild can prove fatal.

Here's Thomas on the roaring of lions: "At about ten o'clock that night a lioness suddenly appeared between the two camps and began to roar. The loudness of lions cannot be described or imagined but must be experienced. My body was so filled with the sound that I couldn't think or breathe, and in the brief silences between the roars my ears rang." (p. 135)

She goes on to speculate later in the book that lions may use their roars to frighten and flush out their prey.

On page 161 Thomas describes exchanging yawns with a lioness lying by a water hole. Thomas yawned and then, "To my amazement, without taking her eyes off me she also yawned. Was it coincidence...Was it empathy? Fascinated I deliberately yawned again. She yawned again!"

I've had similar experiences with cats. A yawn is a signal that they are comfortable with your presence. Domestic cats in the yard will also turn their back on you as they lie on their side to signal that they are comfortable with your presence.

I always wondered about water holes on the savannas in Africa. How could the various animals come to drink in safety, and how did they manage to avoid one another? Thomas gives a convincing explanation. The lions, who are most active at night, come in the night to drink. During the heat of the day prey animals come when the lions are resting. And of course the humans wait until the sun is fully up before approaching. When the elephants come, the lions leave. Interestingly enough, Thomas claims that lions will not spoil the water hole with their scat.

Thomas's skill as a novelist shows in this passage. She is describing her friend Katharine Payne's experience with a lion that she had spotted just a few feet away as she lay in her sleeping bag: "He looked and looked at Katy. She looked and looked at him, hearing the wet noises of him swallowing his saliva and settling his tongue. He was thinking of eating. Cats are famous for their patience--the big lion watched Katy while the moon slowly rose behind him...The lion continued to think of eating. Eventually, he drooled." (p. 162)

One of the points that Thomas makes in this book is that all cats, from four hundred pound lions to our house cats, have much in common. Our domestic little kitties are more social than we think, and their hunting instincts are just as savage as those of a leopard. And yes lions purr.

She also claims that tigers are better off in circuses than in zoos mainly because they engage in regular activity that stimulates them, and that they enjoy their interactions with their trainers. She makes a convincing argument, and yet we must have zoos because without them most of us could not see these magnificent creatures; and indeed someday sadly zoos will be their only home. Maybe what is needed are zookeepers who know the culture of their animals well enough to provide them with something more than meat and boredom.

It is wonderful how Thomas becomes, for the purpose of this book, the animals she describes. Here she describes a lioness observing cattle: "One whiff of that dizzying, grassy scent would have set a lion's mouth watering." (pp. 181-182)

The Circus culture
I spend a lot of time in India and am very knowledgeable about tigers. I was absolutely amazed to read that Ms Thomas thought it perfectly acceptable for tigers to be kept in tiny cages, and dragged around America only to emerge in a circus ring and then be put back in a cage. Ms Thomas seems to think this a wonderful life guaranteed to keep tigers alert and happy, and reccomends the practice continue. She even sings the praises of John Cuneo who breeds tigers for circuses in the US and is currently being prosecuted for animal cruelty.
On the tiger in a circus: Ôthe owners live in small trailers and tigers live in travellin cages on wheels, each cage about twice the length of the tiger who inhabits it. Sometimes nothing beteter than a large tarp or the edge of a circus tent shelters these little groups of people and tigers just barely protecting them from wind sun & rainÕ

The tiger is a top predator, it is extremely intelligent and built to hunt. That is its raison d'etre.

Even when not hunting a tiger will prowl may be 15 miles a night.
They spend 2 years teaching their cubs to hunt.
If Ms Thomas seriously think that learning a few miserable tricks to perform in a ring, keep an animal such as this stimulated and happy, she clearly has no knowledge of tigers at all and frankly makes one wonder what if anything else she writes about in the book has any validity.

If you are interested in tigers, don't buy this ridiculous book buy anything by Valmik Thapar, a man who really does know about this majestic predator.

Skip it
I think her dog book was good cuz she's a dog person. She's not a cat person, and it shows.

Mislead by Cover Photo...
I generally liked her other book, the Social Lives of Dogs, and in fact read it twice over the course of the previous year. I felt as though I learned a lot about canine behavior and their social organization. This book however was a terrible disappointment for me. I checked it out of the library after giving one as a gift to a friend, only to find that there was very little written about house cats (my primary interest), and all the talk of big cats and anecdotes from the author's many years in Africa seemed indulgent and not even terribly insightful for those interested in these topics.

I'd urge you to look for a copy in your local library or bookstore and scan through it before commitment to the cover price. ... Read more

Book Description

Often misunderstood and sometimes misjudged, cats remain the most mysterious of our domesticated companions. Yet with a little patience and a lot of love, cats will enter your hearts on soft paws and remain there with an infinite amount of devotion. Author Karen Anderson explores some of the mistakes cat owners may unknowingly make while raising their feline friends. She also tells how to correct undesirable behaviors while at the same time forging a bond of trust and affection that will remain throughout your lives together. In an original format, the text is segmented into vignettes of behavioral descriptions and methods for interacting more rewardingly with your cat, each with an accompanying photograph. Page after page of insightful text and colorful photographs capture these wonderful animals in both their daily routines and frisky, playful behaviors - in short, doing what makes a cat a cat. A must-read for cat lovers everywhere, this book will change the way you look at our furry friends. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

A treasure for all cat-lovers !
This book is beautiful - in its content and its wonderful photography. You can tell Karen is a lover of cats, and she knows them well. Anyone who is a "friend" to a cat, or wishes to be, will love reading this book and especially will enjoy looking at the photos - again and again. I purchased 2 copies - one for my sister, and one for myself.

insightful & helpful...MORE than just a coffee table book!
Don't let the price scare you away, it's worth every penny. There's a wealth of tools and secrets for a super-rewarding relationship with your cat(s). Two thumbs 'way up' for this work by Karen Anderson. purr purr purr

PURRRFECT GIFT FOR A CAT LOVER
Purrfect cat coffee table book. One purrecious cat basking in the sun after another, another at play, another at hunt

...it would make a great wonderful gift with beautiful cat pictures in majestic scenic backgrounds and great useful verses on how to treat a cat and how a cat treats you."

..take it from me, my friend's cat passed away and so i gifted her with the book and she felt 1000 TIMES BETTER! she's thinking of now getting another cat!

The Real "Cat"
I picked this book up at the bookstore to read while I waited for my husband. If you have ever had a "cat friend" this is excellent. Karen Anderson catches the true thoughts and feelings of cats and their human friends. I will now buy this book to keep in my library to enjoy again and again. It is a book for those who truly love and know "the cat".

GREAT GIFT FOR A CAT LOVER FRIEND! 5 STARS!
Great cat coffee table book. One purrecious cat basking in the sun after another, another at play,

...it would make a great wonderful gift with beautiful cat pictures in majestic scenic backgrounds and great useful sayings on how to treat a cat and how a cat treats you.

The author was so kind as to autograph my book for a friend whose one and only cat had passed away. ... Read more

Book Description

Over 700 photos of 250-plus types of cats.Entries includepictures, description, features, and more. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Cat Lovers Ultimate Guide to Cat Breeds
If you love cats, you will go absolutely mouse for this book. It has so many beautiful cats, I just wanted one of each.

If you are just starting to look for a new kitten and want to know what your cat will look like when they grow up, this is an excellent resource. Kittens change so much, although I wish they just stayed little!

If you want to identify your cat, this is also a great place to start. You are sure to find a picture that looks pretty darn close to the cat you have. I had to laugh when I looked on page 241 and saw my very own black and white cat and the resemblance was just strikingly good.

If you have friends online who are always talking about their Chartreux cats and have forgotten to send you a picture and you are dying to know what they look like, then here is your answer!

The unique sections in this book include:

An Introduction into the lives of Cats
Information on Cat Shows
A Chart of the Cat Family
Body Shape Details
Breed Development

Color Development
How to Choose a Cat
Grooming and Showing your Cat
Fur Types, Fur Colors, Coat Patterns, etc.
Identifying your Cat section with Meow Faces

The rest of the book focuses more on the individual breed of cat you are interested in. After you identify the cat you want to look up, find the name in the index and voila..there you are. A handy Glossary is available for you to look up words like necklace, outcross, pads, laces and feral.

And, if you think this book is wonderful, wait until you see: The New Encyclopedia of the Cat by Dr. Bruce Fogle, that I rave on and on about to everyone I know.

I recommend both for the serious cat lover! The Encyclopedia of the Cat has some information on Big Cats, while this book focuses on the domestic breeds.

Over 700 color photographs of cats, cats, cats
If you ever need to know the difference between a Lilac Tabby Point and a Lilac Tortie Tabby Point, this Eyewitness Handbook of "Cats" will enlighten you with good, clear photographs of both coat colors. There are even photographs of cats with no coat at all (Sphynx).

I own three of the Eyewitness Handbooks ("Cats", "Horses", "Gems") and they are a browser's delight. The "Cats" handbook purports to be a "visual guide to more than 250 types of cats from around the world," and if you count all of the different color variations of say, Persians, as a different type, this is undoubtedly true. Two small, fact-filled paragraphs labeled 'Features' and 'Remarks' accompany each of the 'types' (most of which are recognized cat breeds), along with a short history of that particular feline variation.

The text and photographs are slanted toward British standards, although the differences are minor for most breeds. If you happen to be a Persian fancier or have attended any North American cat shows, then you'll probably notice from this book's photographs that the British Persians have more sensible noses than their American counterparts. There are also differences on acceptable breed colors and markings, depending on which side of the Atlantic you happen to live.

"Cats" is easy to use and fun to browse. I had no idea that cats came in so many different colors: cream point; red silver mackerel tabby; platinum; mink; sable; chocolate smoke; sepia agouti; cinnamon tortie---Eye-candy for all cat lovers!

A good book to put in your library
Although not my favorite cat breed book, it is quite informative and has great pictures, even if they are small. I like "Legacy of the Cat" better but buy this one anyway.

Lots of Pictures
I've never been disappointed in any of the Eyewitness books I've purchased. I don't know a lot about cat breeds, so my impression is not guided by that standard.

The initial sections on general cat characteristics and physical categorizations are well-illustrated and interesting. The sections about the different breeds of cats are much different than dog breeds. For this reason, I am not sure that the breed presentation is what most cat lovers would expect. We keep many stray cats, and enjoy knowing more about the origins of their physical characteristics. Actual breed standards is not an issue.

The pictures, as always in any Eyewitness book, are gorgeous, perfectly reproduced, and every page is covered with them in an eye-pleasing layout. ... Read more

Amazon.com

North America's largest wildcat stalks a landscape of myth, fear, and isolation. Most people--even ardent outdoors enthusiasts--will never see one. "In eleven years of hiking, boating, guiding, and exploring," says writer Pam Houston, "I've come face to face with nearly every North American game species"--except a mountain lion. But as we encroach increasingly on their habitat, the tally of sightings goes up, along with stories of attacks on humans and even deaths. The essays that make up Shadow Cat introduce us to the animal and the controversies that surround it. Divided into three parts, the collection covers natural history, eyewitness accounts (from biologists, hunters, and admirers), and the complex, sometimes nasty politics surrounding Felis concolor, variously known as cougar, catamount, panther, puma, painter, and mountain lion. Noted conservation writer Ted Williams exalts in the animal's population comeback after decades of persecution; Rick Bass tells of his own history with a legendary lion in the Yaak Valley of Montana; and Chris Bolgiano puzzles over improbable sightings in the East. The collection's true high moments arrive, however, in skillful editing that reveals an interconnected community of cat fanciers and the complicated ethics they navigate in their avocations. In "Eat of This Flesh," celebrated environmental writer David Quammen (Song of the Dodo) sits down to a meal of stir-fried lion, chewing over some difficult ethical questions: "I will let the butcher do all of my killing.I will destroy habitat, but not animals. I will eat stir-fried shrimp, stir-fried beef, even stir-fried elk, but not stir-fried lion. Huh?" In the next piece, E. Donnall Thomas Jr.--doctor, writer, bow hunter, and the chef in the previous essay--serves up a taste of the hunt, musing,

No matter how many times I stare up into an evergreen canopy and see a mountain lion, I doubt that I will ever become accustomed to the experience, and to tell the truth, I hope I never do. Tawny and graceful, the cat looks as if it belongs on another continent, if not another planet.

Reviews (3)

A terrible book on lions.
If you want a terrific book on mountain lions, then please read Soul Among Lions by Harley Shaw. I have read every book on lions and his is the only one worth reading. Most of the authors in Shadow Cat are easterners who have moved to Montana or California, displacing numerous wildlife species with their cabin in the wilderness and who have never even seen a lion, let alone have any kind of authority to provide insight into any aspect of lion ecology. The book is biased toward anti-hunting and environmentalism and doesn't portray an accurate picture. If you are a granola who likes to blame loggers and hunters for your own ineptness then you may like this book. They let Wayne Pacelle have the parting shot in this book, and well if that doesn't throw up a big red flag then you're probably dumb enough to want to read Shadow Cat.

An anthology of cougar lore.
A sleek, golden mountain lion sizes up the reader from the cover of "Shadow Cat". Intelligent, probing eyes pierce your soul. This is an anthology of cougar lore: natural history, cat encounters, and conflicts. Do you want something different? Sample David Quammen's description of a meal preparation. The main course: cougar flesh. Shadow cat offers the perspectives of hunters and conservationists, ephemeral recollections and sensation. Variety it has.

Excellent book, but Houston, we have a problem
Some anthologies are glued together, others are woven. This text is a wonderful tapestry of insightful, well written essays that address a controversial topic without relying on platitudes. There is one strand that is out of place, however, and while I normally think bad literature is best left ignored, I have to inquire why Pam Houston was included here? Her fiction is shallow, and when put to the test here, in essay form, it is apparent that she cannot write one honest line, cannot turn an original phrase that does not rely on her own substantial ego. The real meditations here are from Elizabeth Marshall, David Quammen, Rick Bass. Here is contemporary nature writing at its best. ... Read more

Book Description

A step-by-step guide to the care of stray and feral cats. Here is everything you need to know to give your feral or stray cat a quality life, including how to care for, feed, and control the population by humanely trapping to spay or neuter. Also detailed information about taming feral cats and kittens, managing more than one stray, and caring for orphan kittens. Contains photographs and a 20 page Resource Guide to organizations, products, and additional information. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Feline Finesse
This volume of data, anecdotes, and knowledge is unsurpassed in helping the growing volume of stray and/or feral cats! Beautifully written and lovely photos, it is a treasure of information and a pleasure to read! It should be in the library of every "cat person" as well as schools, vet waiting room, pet supply shops, book stores!

A practical, useful guide for cat lovers of all ages
Arising from her lifelong commitment and efforts to helping all types of animals, Ann K. Fisher has written Living In Shadows: How To Help The Stray Cat In Your Life (Without Adding To The Problem) is a straightforward, informed and informative introductory guide to feeding and caring for stray cats without attracting other animals, how to humanely trap feral cats for spaying or neutering, orphan kitten care, and gradually taming feral cats for domestic relationships. A practical, useful guide for cat lovers of all ages and circumstances, Living in Shadows is very highly recommended reading and an invaluable addition to community libraries and animal shelter reference collections.

A MUST for the cat lover
That skinny cat keeps coming to your back door. When you show any interest, he dashes away. What is the kindest thing to do? Keep leaving out food? Call the local Humane Society? Trap him?
Ann Fisher offers no-nonsense guidance in what has to be one of the most unusual how-to books ever written. She doesn't mince words. Some feral cats will never be tamed. Think about your investment of time and money. Set limits.

Still, your feral cats may become part of your household, even if they live in the back yard. By spaying even one cat, you are doing a lot of good. And if you are not in a position to help a cat first-hand, Fisher provides a list of cat-saving organizations that will be very grateful for your donations.

Here's the perfect gift for your cat-fanatic friends who, like me, hope to evolve into little old ladies who live for their cats.

A MUST READ FOR ANYONE WHO HAS A STRAY CAT IN THEIR LIFE
I recently adopted a stray cat from my neighborhood, and this guide was extremely useful when it came to trapping my new cat.

Not only were the instructions for trapping the cat easy to follow, I was even able to locate a trap by using the resource guide in the back of the book!

This book is much needed and beautifully written. I highly recommend it to anyone who has ever had or is thinking about adopting any stray cat! ... Read more

Book Description

Recent mountain lion attacks in California received nationalattention.Although infrequent, these and other lion attacks raiseconcern for public safety.Mountain Lion Alert contains helpful advicefor mountain bikers, trail runners, horse riders, pet owners, andsuburban landowners on how to reduce the chances of mountain lion-humanconflicts. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Great book!
I was wary about hiking in mountain lion country, but this book reassured me and gave me great tips on how to avoid an encounter as well as what to do in the event of an encounter.

Informative, Excellent
Not quite as 'cut-to-the-chase' as its sister- Falcon publication "Bear Aware", "Mountain Lion Alert" nonetheless does an equally effective job providing key facts on Mountain Lion attacks(including a break down by area for the past 100 years), its physiology and habits as a predator, identifying tracks and signs, dispelling the usual myths about the animal, handling encounters and travelling safety in Cougar Country.

Its a bit more Q & A format than "Bear Aware" but still presents alot of key info in a short, easy read. Excellent.

Terrific, easy reading, guide to mountain lions.
Steve Torres has written an excellent easy reading and interesting guide to living safely in and near mountain lions and their habitat. The author included current information about lion history, biology, and behavior, as well as several chapters explaining step by step procedures to protect people, runners and bike riders, property, pets, children and livestock. His writing is consistant with other professional writings and is presented in a unbiased manner with enough scientific information to please mountain lion research enthusiasts, and simple enough for more novice readers. The book can be read is a few sittings and the material can be referenced in the future.

Excellant..informative and touching
Steven Torres truly captures the cougar. While bringing to light the potential conflicts between pumas,humans/livestock Torres also makes known the respect and admiration these majestic cats so mich deserve....A must read for anyone who loves the wild and the life therein... ... Read more

Book Description

"The Kingdom of the Cat" traces the cat's relationship with humans since it was first domesticated by the Egyptians. It covers every aspect of cat life, from anatomy to the various breeds. Entire sections are devoted to the cat in art, literature, myth and legend. The ever-changing role that the cat has played through the ages is depicted, and many of the falsehoods that surround the cat are dispelled. A fascinating look at the witch's cat explains how it came to be so, and how religious beliefs of the Middle Ages influenced the way cats were treated.

Illustrated with over 250 full color and black and white photographs and illustrations, including reproductions of paintings and drawings of cats through history and from around the world, The Kingdom of the Cat includes photographs of all of the major breeds and information on breeding and showing cats. Everything the cat lover needs to know:
- The Origins of the Domestic Cat
- The Biology of the Cat
- The Cat and Man
- The Cat in Myth and Legend
- The Cat and Witchcraft
- The Cat in Art and Literature
- The Cat's Sixth Sense
- Breeding Cats
- Cat Breeds
- Further Reading and Useful Addresses. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Catfantastic!
_The Kingdom of the Cat_ is the most complete cat encyclopedia I own. It's packed full of information: the history of cats, their biology, the cat in art & literature, myths and legends surrounding cats, different breeds, cats and religion, and more.....even contact information for cat-lover societies and magazines. The book is written with a thoroughness and energy that only a true cat lover could summon, and the photographs are absolutely divine. Any cat lover would do well to own a copy! ... Read more

Book Description

Bill Jordan's life changed forever the day a stray cat nesting under his bougainvillea bit him on the hand. A reformed biologist, Jordan had no particular love for animals and felt vaguely contemptuous of those who did — until the cat, beckoning with a wink and a yawn, led him on a journey to exotic lands, strange cultures, and fascinating discoveries. As their bond deepened and the cat's health began to fail, Jordan was forced into a commitment more devoted and sincere than any he had known before.

Puzzling through his own feelings, he came to some remarkable conclusions: that those we love live in the synapses and molecules of memory, and that as long as we exist, they exist as part of our brain. It doesn't matter to our neurons whether the loved one is animal or human; the mechanism is the same. Even so, the two relationships are quite different: A cat is a creature with whom one shares solitude; with a human being, on the other hand, solitude generally means a failed relationship. And while communion with animals is usually considered inferior to communication with human beings, the truth is that the need for companionship is a human trait. In the absence of other companionship, the human mind will grow around any living thing like a vine. Bill Jordan learned that the first time your mind grows around a cat, you don"t realize you have fallen in love until it"s too late. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

GRIPPING
A brilliant and intense confession, this book examines the tender and deeply personal process of learning to love a cat as a totally life changing experience. It is at times an insightful, humorous and poignant journey into loving and losing a cat. A true story and fascinating read from the mind of a scientist who attempts to explain and demystify our deep connection with cats.

GREATEST BOOK EVER!!!!
After reading several books on true stories about humans and their animal companions, this book IS THE ONE! The author leads you with an open heart in his relationship with Darwin and how Darwin changed his deepest emotions. We all know how our companions change our life, but he has a way of describing all of this. I saw myself in this book, having lived a similar situation with my dear Sylvester, this story brough out my memories and lead me through the pages with smiles, deep emotions and tears, and at the end a deep sense of acomplishment surfaced once again. There will always be a special place in my bookshelf for this one...

An Educated Slant on the Feline/Human Bond
You'll be hooked from the first page. At times brilliant, entertaining and intense. But always an interesting view on the Feline/Human connection.

Wonderful Story - Great Read
I was given this book by a dear friend after I lost my cat Jolie to cancer. I felt like the world was ripped out from under my feet. Not many people understand this kind of love for an animal. This book is a very touching story of a kindred animal lovers tale of love and loss. Very well written. Intellegent and charming at the same time. If you have ever loved and lost an animal you must read this book.

a cat named darwin
fantastic read. anyone who has a cat and ponders that relationship will love this book. a mix of life's realms all culminate in a primal realtionship between author, cat, and reader. funny, deep, informed, vulnerable, wonderful! ... Read more

Book Description

Illustrated with two hundred color photographs, this striking volume reveals the worlds of four neighboring prides that roam the diverse habitats of Botswana's Okavango Delta. Drawing on continuing field research begun in 1995, Pieter Kat shows how Okavango lions challenge long-held assumptions about sociability, mating strategies, and hunting techniques. Pride males readily mate with females from other prides; females often leave their offspring vulnerable to predators; and lions are more prone to hunting mistakes and scavenging than has been commonly believed. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

I was there!
Several years ago I was lucky enuogh to spend a few weeks with Pieter Kat at his camp in Botswana. The experience was tremendous, and as I read his book, Prides, I could once again hear lions roaring in the evenings, see tiny cubs romping with tails and ears of adults, and remember many of the conflicts and struggles that threaten the survival of lion populations in Northern Botswana. The book is stunning. The photos are sensual and captivating; it is easy to spend hours paging through the pictures revisiting brilliant sunrises, herds of zebra, lionesses nuzzling. Harvey has done a commendable job capturing movements, dynamics and expressions, and as you page through, it is difficult to quiet the crunching of dry grasses underfoot and the yapping of jackels on the periphery. The text is similarly impressive. Conservation issues are identified and analyzed within a narrative that moves throughout the lion prides of Moremi Game Reserve and the nearby management areas. Kat increases the scope of research on lion biology in the Okavango Delta and frames scientific ideas around the story of his research. The book is a testament to maintaining biodiversity and wilderness areas and is a beautiful and insightful look at the lions of Moremi. ... Read more

Book Description

Let's face it: indoor cats may get bored when their owners are away or otherwise occupied. No more. This user-friendly, step-by-step guide takes owners through the process of establishing successful bird-watching windows for the endless enjoyment of their cats - and without harming (in fact, benefitting) the birds on the other side. The vividly illustrated chapters describe how to set up appropriate window feeders, birdbaths and even birdhouses for your home or apartment. Suggestions for planting natural cover outside windows, one-way viewing, bird videos, outside speakers, and special toys - all for the pleasure of cats - are also included. This remarkable book by renowned bird experts (and lifelong cat owners) George and Kit Harrison is sure to be a valuable resource - for both you and your cat. ... Read more

Book Description

From the tremendously successful "Just Pets" series, abridged and condensed to an appealing 7 x 5 5/8 inch format.The books in our "Half Pint" series have all the charm and appeal of their bigger cousins.96 pages and 100 color photographs. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Great coffee table book
The pictures are the main attraction of the book, but Karen Anderson's commentary throughout is entertaining and embodies the cat lover's feelings about felines. And the arrangement of the pictures into the categories of kittens, country cats, suburban cats, and city cats is noteworthy.

This is a book for cat lovers to look through leisurely, enjoy the pictures...the commentary is well spaced and rather like words from a friend who's also a cat lover. And of course, this sure would be a welcome gift to a cat lover.

Kitten sized...
I was surprised when I received this book due to its small size. I guess I just kind of skimmed over all the flags of the "Half pint" book series etc. I had just seen the full size book at...and found this one under the same name and at a good price. I find that the price is due to its small reprinted size, the book is less than 1/2 the size of the original....

This still has some nice pictures of cats and kittens doing what cats and kittens do but get your magnifying glass out for the detail.

a real find!
As "cat people" we are intrigued by the many-faceted feline, both "in the fur" and in pictures, so this photographic essay with contributions from thirty-six photographers celebrating the special world and style of the cat is a real find. The full color photographs are magnificent and the text by Karen Anderson, author of 'Cats Have No Masters...Just Friends', with her warm and often witty observations on the situations and attitudes of cats make this book a treasure among photographic treatises.

The "short journey from kittenhood . . . to cat" is beautifully portrayed in both the chapter on the antics of kittens and one entitled "Portraits" which concentrates on the face of the cat with emphasis on their many expressions and their hypnotic eyes. Three other sections allow us to see and enjoy the cat in various situations: "Country Cats/Land of Opportunity," "Suburban Cats/Best of Both Worlds," and "City Cats/The Prince and the Pauper."