I have discovered that there is a direct correlation between people who claim to love cats and those that dislike "Albert". People who put pictures of their cats, or pictures of themselves and their cats on their profile picture are generally inclined to dislike the novel.

I'm not sure why that is, but I do know that If I see that a reviewer likes to spend their free time playing with kittens, "Albert" will be in for a bad time.

I have received good reviews from people who I know hold cats in high esteem, but they are the exception rather than the rule.

I think that part of the problem lies with those cat owners to whom all animal life is sacred and the idea of platypuses and raccoons running amok with sword and pistol are an anathema. It runs counter to their deep seated conviction that all animals are good. "My cat kill birds? Ridiculous! Fluffy is a vegan."

Anyway it's just a guess. The next time I read a cat novel, I will ask the author.