The Domestic Cat: The Biology of its Behaviour

by Dennis C. Turner, Patrick Bateson (Editor)

The most commonly kept domestic animal in the developed world, the cat has been a part of human life for thousands of years. Cats have been both worshipped and persecuted over this long period - either loved or hated for their enigmatic self-reliance and the subject of numerous myths and fables. Highlighting startling discoveries made over the last ten years, this new edition features contributions from experts in a wide range of fields, providing authoritative accounts of the behaviour of cats and how they interact with people. Thoroughly revised and updated to include information on the basic features of cat development and social life, the history of their relations with humans, health and welfare problems, and the breeding of cats for sale and for show. It is intended for all those, whether specialist or general reader, who love or are simply intrigued by these fascinating animals.

Genres: Cats, Nonfiction, Animals, Science, Biology, Reference

291 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 27, 1989

Reviews

[Caleb Liu · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is certainly one of the most comprehensive books on the science and research behind cat behaviour and a useful summary of academic research done on the topic. While there’s certainly some technical jargon, the book on the whole can be understood by the lay person.

If you’re a cat owner looking to understand more about your cat, this book is useful though it covers topics that may be of limited interest to everyday pet owners (e.g. cat population management, feline reproduction, showing cats)

John Bradshaw’s Cat Sense which covers much of the same material more accessibly might be a better starting point for most.

[Lera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kept picking this up and putting it down for a decade, before having a drive to finish or discard half-read books. Certainly worth finishing, though with the frustrating feeling that some of the content (really a series of review articles) might have dated. The chapter on group-living was most interesting for me, with cat-human interactions, signalling and hunting strategies also yielding new info.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book takes an in depth look at the biology behind cat behavior. It is not for the casual reader, but does contain a lot of information from studies that expand our view of cats. Chapter 10, the human-cat relationship, is particularly valuable for those who raise kittens.

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best books about cats I’ve gotten my hands on. Still nothing can replace spending quality time with your cat. Every book or article I’ve read yields general information. Quality time and close observation will give you the best information about your specific cat and their behavior. Combine this information and your on the path to being the best pet parent you can be.

[Sian Bradshaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book, from Cambridge University Press, confused me a little. It has a very specifically scientific style to it with clear evidence of studies to back up any assertions. It is not afraid to use complex terms. This makes it a good book to read for someone who is comfortable with science and wants to step beyond the mass market cat books. It looks at the origins of some breeds and unsurprisingly ranks the Bengal and the toughest cat to own.

The reason for the confusion is that it mostly sticks to scientific and psychological approaches. And then half way though there's an item on 'respecting your cat's telos (or catness).

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

A compendium of scientific information on felines this book reveals the sketchy nature of our understanding of one of our closest inter-species companions. Fascinating furry creatures those cats are but I'd much rather watch them than read about them

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK it doesn't really deserve five stars.

[Bjm Index]

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