Behaviour of the Domestic Cat

by John Bradshaw, Sarah L. Brown, Rachel A. Casey

Describing feline behavior from both a mechanistic and functional approach, this textbook provides an accessible overview of this fascinating subject. The book begins by addressing physiological, developmental and psychological aspects, with chapters on domestication, the development of the senses, learning, communication and feeding behavior. The authors then build on this foundation to discuss social behavior, hunting and predation, cat-human interactions and welfare. Fully updated throughout, this new edition also includes two new chapters on behavioral disorders due to pathologies and from misdirected natural behavior.

Genres: Cats, Science, Animals, Nonfiction, Dogs

264 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

About the author

John Bradshaw is Foundation Director of the Anthrozoology Institute at the University of Bristol. He lives in Southampton, England.

Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Błażej · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thoroughly written, and with loads of references, the book’s a perfect go-to for anyone who wants to dip their fingers in the topic. With that said, however, the overarching outlook on cats is hopelessly mechanistic and can serve as a poster example of how unwieldy behavioral science is in understanding living creatures. Anyone who opens up this book hoping to better understand the umwelt of cats, will not be satisfied. Nevertherless, it's a solid starting point.

[Lindsay Holmes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent textbook, but not light reading. There is an enormous amount of information, and the facts here are presented in a logical way. Incredible lode of learning, just don't expect a light and engaging read!