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The Cat Encyclopedia
The Cat Encyclopedia is a comprehensive cat compendium that has all the facts about cats and kittens and is packed with beautifully photographed profiles of different breeds from the Maine Coon to the Khao Manee.This extensive catalogue of cat breeds includes information on cat anatomy, cat behaviour and kitten and cat care, plus an authoritative care programme providing advice for every stage of your cat's life. Learn how to understand your cat, how to handle your cat, the importance of play, first aid tips and much more. You'll also find fascinating facts about the celebration of cats in arts and culture and their place in magic and superstition.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2014
13 people are currently reading
189 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 12, 2025
Learning About Cats
Until I got my most recent cat about two years ago, I had forgotten how much I loved the little creatures. They bring something special to life. I pounced on the opportunity to read this new book, "The Cat Encyclopedia: The Definitive Visual Guide" when I found it at the local library weeks after its publication. Kim Dennis-Bryan, PhD, an authority, such as there is, on cats, is credited as the contributing editor of the volume.
The Cat Encyclopedia is a large, heavy coffee-table sized book of 320 pages on glossy paper. It is a pleasure to read but large. As befitting its subject, the book can be a bit difficult to handle. Although it conveys a wealth of information, the book is fun and enjoyable. After all, who wants a dry boring tome when it comes to cats? The emphasis is on pictures of cats, mostly in color and well reproduced. The central section of the book consists of photographs of over 130 breeds of cats, both shorthair and longhair, with a discussion of the origin and characteristics of each breed. I was surprised to learn of the recent origin of many of the breeds. The beloved and common domestic short or longhairs remain at the center of the world of cats and receive their deserved attention.
The book offers an interesting and readable account of the biological evolution of the domestic cat and of cat biology. Then, the encyclopedia gives an overview of the sometimes tortured relationship between cats and humans (they were persecuted in Europe during the Middle Ages.) A further section of the Encyclopedia discusses cats in human culture, including religion, folklore, art, religion, and, if you will, the Internet. Following the large gallery of photos of cat breeds, the book concludes with a long useful discussion of cat care, from acquiring a cat, to enjoying it, to taking care of the animal in health and in sickness.
The book reminded me of the difference of getting to know a cat by living with one and getting to know about cats by reading. Knowing about the animal is no substitute for living with a cat but it is a treat and informative just the same. Much of the material in this book was published only about a year ago as "The Complete Cat Breed Book". For those not having that book, it is worth having this new, expanded volume. This book will delight lovers of cats.
Robin Friedman
Until I got my most recent cat about two years ago, I had forgotten how much I loved the little creatures. They bring something special to life. I pounced on the opportunity to read this new book, "The Cat Encyclopedia: The Definitive Visual Guide" when I found it at the local library weeks after its publication. Kim Dennis-Bryan, PhD, an authority, such as there is, on cats, is credited as the contributing editor of the volume.
The Cat Encyclopedia is a large, heavy coffee-table sized book of 320 pages on glossy paper. It is a pleasure to read but large. As befitting its subject, the book can be a bit difficult to handle. Although it conveys a wealth of information, the book is fun and enjoyable. After all, who wants a dry boring tome when it comes to cats? The emphasis is on pictures of cats, mostly in color and well reproduced. The central section of the book consists of photographs of over 130 breeds of cats, both shorthair and longhair, with a discussion of the origin and characteristics of each breed. I was surprised to learn of the recent origin of many of the breeds. The beloved and common domestic short or longhairs remain at the center of the world of cats and receive their deserved attention.
The book offers an interesting and readable account of the biological evolution of the domestic cat and of cat biology. Then, the encyclopedia gives an overview of the sometimes tortured relationship between cats and humans (they were persecuted in Europe during the Middle Ages.) A further section of the Encyclopedia discusses cats in human culture, including religion, folklore, art, religion, and, if you will, the Internet. Following the large gallery of photos of cat breeds, the book concludes with a long useful discussion of cat care, from acquiring a cat, to enjoying it, to taking care of the animal in health and in sickness.
The book reminded me of the difference of getting to know a cat by living with one and getting to know about cats by reading. Knowing about the animal is no substitute for living with a cat but it is a treat and informative just the same. Much of the material in this book was published only about a year ago as "The Complete Cat Breed Book". For those not having that book, it is worth having this new, expanded volume. This book will delight lovers of cats.
Robin Friedman
May 7, 2021
Unless there's something hugely problematic, I will rate every book with cats 5 stars. This book has cats on almost every page, and you can learn about them too! I showed my cat her digestive system, but she wasn't interested.
:p
:p
December 15, 2016
I actually bought this book as a gift for my friend, then I went back and purchased a copy for myself. I had no idea there were so many breeds of cats.
Read
February 6, 2024What I learned is how a cat's hormones regulate their bodies. How amazingly intense cat photography is, especially dated cat photography. And how the seemingly innocent musings about cats throughout the ages has a butt ton of racism just sprinkled in about other cultures across the world. Me-ouch. That part of the book did not stand the test of time.
March 14, 2019
y e s.
I love cats. Love, love, love. (my profile may not be a cat. but i love cats!!!!)
First of all-
pictures.
it's called a definitive visual guide, anyway.
really gorgeous, high-quality photos of cats that i could look at all day long. and sometimes there are photos of the kitten version of them. and that's just too much for me.
okay! so i really don't have anything else to say but it's really informative and i never knew there were so many cat breeds! also cuteness overload!
summary of my thoughts: it's too pure for this sad, sad world.
I love cats. Love, love, love. (my profile may not be a cat. but i love cats!!!!)
First of all-
pictures.
it's called a definitive visual guide, anyway.
really gorgeous, high-quality photos of cats that i could look at all day long. and sometimes there are photos of the kitten version of them. and that's just too much for me.
okay! so i really don't have anything else to say but it's really informative and i never knew there were so many cat breeds! also cuteness overload!
summary of my thoughts: it's too pure for this sad, sad world.
December 5, 2018
موسوعة أكثر من رائعة تبدأ في رحلة بالحديث عن اصل السنوريات و السلالات في التاريخ و كيف انحدرت سلالات القطط الحالية منها ,
و بعدها يبدأ في تقسيم القطط بحسب المنطقة و البلد الذي يعيش فيه و بعض الشروحات و الصفات عن النوعية .
عندما قرأت الكتاب ( لم أقرأه بالكامل ) اكتشفت كذب و تضليل محلات الحيوانات الأليفة لدينا و فتح علي التهام كتب دار نشر DK الجميلة جدا
و للأسف كانت تترجم من دار نشر لبنانية و توقفت الآن
و بعدها يبدأ في تقسيم القطط بحسب المنطقة و البلد الذي يعيش فيه و بعض الشروحات و الصفات عن النوعية .
عندما قرأت الكتاب ( لم أقرأه بالكامل ) اكتشفت كذب و تضليل محلات الحيوانات الأليفة لدينا و فتح علي التهام كتب دار نشر DK الجميلة جدا
و للأسف كانت تترجم من دار نشر لبنانية و توقفت الآن
January 17, 2019
Notes:
huge heavy book 320 pages
large variety of breeds even though not many coat patterns shown (prefer the dk cats handbook for that)
beautiful photos on every page
huge heavy book 320 pages
large variety of breeds even though not many coat patterns shown (prefer the dk cats handbook for that)
beautiful photos on every page
January 26, 2024
In this book, you can learn about cat types around the world and the history of cats.
This book is worth reading for anyone who currently owns a cat, loves cats, or wants to own a cat in the future. All with beautiful photos and detailed explanations of each cat's characteristics.
I feel healed just by looking at cats.
Cats are always calm.
Even when I'm alone outside, I live a relaxed life.
All cats, may all living beings be happy.
This book is worth reading for anyone who currently owns a cat, loves cats, or wants to own a cat in the future. All with beautiful photos and detailed explanations of each cat's characteristics.
I feel healed just by looking at cats.
Cats are always calm.
Even when I'm alone outside, I live a relaxed life.
All cats, may all living beings be happy.
June 28, 2018
Lots of visuals! From very indepth catalogue of cat breeds to illustrations of cat's body systems to representations of cats in history and culture. Very thorough! Good background information for cat lovers.
October 17, 2018
An informative introduction to everything about cats. Everything on shorthairs, longhairs and cat care with a little on the history of how cats came to become cats. I particularly liked the brief description of the temperaments of each cat breed. Spot on with the Bengal breed!
March 10, 2021
Gave this one a good old skim with a friendly neighbor cat, who dozed off next to me and purred as the rain poured outside. Packed with useful information along with stunning photographs, it's a must-read for all cat lovers. It even has a designated chapter for cat owners!
December 22, 2017
Incredible. Everything you need to know about cats. So much evolution in one little creature.
June 10, 2025
BEST BOOK OF ALL TIME!!!!!!!!!!!
July 8, 2025
4.25/5 stars
including a lot of information but not comprehensive enough
including a lot of information but not comprehensive enough
September 27, 2025
Amazing!!!🐱
March 17, 2016
One of the better books on the subject matter, I still don't see how they can publish any book that is filed in non-fiction where there is not one but several errors.
Are books not meant to educate and further learning?
Still, the photographs are a feast for the eyes; even if they cover minority breeds that have little to no representation world wide. Page fillers?
Are books not meant to educate and further learning?
Still, the photographs are a feast for the eyes; even if they cover minority breeds that have little to no representation world wide. Page fillers?
November 1, 2016
What a book ! Very informative !
At first i was afraid that it would be a cat breed guide ( created for cat breeders) , but the content is wider,it contains anatomic, morphological, and behavioral informations. Plus advices to pamper and understand our lovely creatures . Adding to this great quality pictures.
Definitly a cat lover's must have ! <3
At first i was afraid that it would be a cat breed guide ( created for cat breeders) , but the content is wider,it contains anatomic, morphological, and behavioral informations. Plus advices to pamper and understand our lovely creatures . Adding to this great quality pictures.
Definitly a cat lover's must have ! <3
Read
May 5, 2016This book is very professional and I have learned so much about the animal I love, the only complaint I would have was the misprint on page 181.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews