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Understanding Cats

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Traces the historical origins of the cat, looks at breeds, and examines the changing nature of the human relationship with cats throughout history

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1995

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22 people want to read

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Roger Tabor

29 books2 followers

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5 stars
13 (50%)
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7 (26%)
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5 (19%)
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
Profile Image for Eyehavenofilter.
962 reviews102 followers
August 16, 2017
Ever wonder why your cat runs through the house like it's tail is on fire for no reason what so ever? Yeah ? Me too, especially at 3:00 AM.
Roger Tabor draws on 20 years of professional study of cats around the world, tracing the historical origins of cats from Egyptian goddess to show champions.
The best bred cat- the Maggie, a non pedigree cat, they live longer, are healthier, and have a bit of the wild cat in them, so they are more robust.
Cats for use in weather prediction, yes it's possible, just observe their whiskers. Then washing their ears, that denotes a change in pressure and possible rain, ( who knew?)
There are over 10 North American Pedigree Registration Organizations, ( far too many for me)But they seem to all have restrictions.
The book goes on to identify the major breeds, Oriental, Manx, Hairless, etc., but doesn't really get into the behavior. Sad because it never addresses my question that I needed answered. Why DOES my cat fly through the house like aliens are attacking? Obviously further research is required.
Profile Image for Dan Downing.
1,392 reviews18 followers
April 5, 2022
Although published in 1997, I found this generally up to date and immensely interesting. Of course, that it is full of wonderful pictures of cats makes it worthwhile, but that it addresses their history, genetics, anatomy, breeding, care and feeding in a clear and interesting way simply cements its status as a 5 Star volume.
The author lives in Great Britain and so offers some opinions that differ from those found in the States. Or did a few decades ago. We here have largely adopted the practice of NOT declawing cats, a definite move toward humane treatment, and both sides of the Atlantic have moved toward keeping housecats. That practice brings its own problems which have been well attended to. The movement toward catch-neuter-release of feral cats has grown strongly, too.
To find a mine of useful facts twined with insightful history makes for a reader's treat.
Recommended
451 reviews2 followers
January 25, 2018
Great, informative book about our adorable cats.
Profile Image for Ravi Singh.
260 reviews27 followers
September 11, 2018
Very informative and many 'Ahhh' moments of clear Zen like understanding, made me look at the Kitty anew.

Very good read.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews

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