The Interpretation of Cats: And Their Owners

by Claude Béata, David Watson (translator)

‘A guide to being the best humans we can be for our cats’ Focus


A trail-blazing guide to feline mental health from a leading veterinary psychiatrist

Is your cat happy? What can you do to help? And what can cats teach us?

The relationship between humans and cats has never been simple. Cats are mysterious and contradictory, independent and affectionate, predator and prey. Their true nature continues to elude us, and their subtle and complex behavioural problems can often seem unsolvable or incomprehensible.

In this ground-breaking book – a huge bestseller in its native France – veterinary doctor and psychiatrist Claude Béata draws on cutting-edge research and decades of experience with cats, to revolutionize our understanding of pets and transform our appreciation of feline mental wellbeing. Here, we meet Nougatine, a Siamese suffering from bipolar dysthymic disorder, Tabatha, an anxious Ragdoll with attachment issues, and Melly, an Abyssinian struggling with a feline form of schizophrenia – as well as their owners who seek advice and support.

Charming, surprising, and offering illuminating insight into a range of disorders, Béata’s book calls for greater compassion and provides a new way of understanding cat psychiatry so we can care for the mental, and physical wellness of our beloved pets.

Genres: Nonfiction, Cats

230 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 12, 2024

Reviews

[Sarah M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Missy moo 💕🥰💕🥰💕🥰

Slowly freely myself from the shackles of this reading slump!!!

[goingheum · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a non-fiction book and I did really enjoy listening to it because the narrator had this nature documentary voice which I think added to the experience.

So, unsurprisingly this is a book about cats and the way cats are.

Something I liked is in the forward, Claude Béata says that he was called to write this book by a panel of cats that appeared in his dream. They were all cats that he had met in his life. One of the cats asked him to help explain to the world that they are easy to understand creatures but also very complex. The cat wanted him to explain what causes them psychological distress, and that is exactly what he does. Throughout, he references cats he has worked with. For example, there is one I think is called Tabitha who has anxiety. There's Melly who has Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome. He uses research and studies, and also his own own experiences with cats to help give the owners an understanding of their needs.

They are elusive creatures. They are very independent, intelligent, and if you have spent time with even a few cats, you would know they all have distinct personalities. And some times they do have behavioral issues. They're not the cuddly cats of our dreams. They can suffer mentally, just like we can and there are methods presented in this book that have been shown to help.

I personally enjoyed this. I actually liked the epilogue of this book, I found it very touching.

[Scott Bradfield · Rating 3 out of 5]

It focuses a lot of cat medication which although interesting, isn't the main area I was interested in. The narrative around specific cats and the psychological and behaviour fixes were the best parts.

[isabel · Rating 2 out of 5]

2,7 i didn’t know that veterinary psychiatry was really a thing so this was pretty interesting though not riveting. i have a bit of an unrelated thought. i feel like people liking dogs and disliking cats is connected to the patriarchy. just think about it.