The Cat: A Natural and Cultural History

by Sarah Brown

A comprehensive, richly illustrated introduction to the behavior and qualities of the cat

Of all the domesticated species, cats have enjoyed the most complex relationship with people--one that still leads to arguments about whether you can truly call the cat asleep by your fire "tame." The Cat is a comprehensive, richly illustrated exploration of the natural and cultural history of this much-loved pet. Chapters on Evolution & Development, Anatomy & Biology, Society & Behavior, and Cats & Humans take different angles on matters feline, offering rich information and insights about kitten development, the hierarchy of cats, how cats think, communication between cats and people, historic and extinct breeds, the challenges facing cats today and how we can help, and much, much more. The book also features a visually stunning photographic directory of more than forty popular breeds, with essential information about each. Filled with surprising facts, The Cat will enchant anyone with an interest in, or a love for, these animals.



Provides a comprehensive, richly illustrated introduction to the natural and cultural history of the cat


Offers an in-depth discussion of behavior, including social organization, communication, courtship, and learning


Covers anatomy and physiology, including mobility, predation skills, and the genetics of coat colors


Features clear and accessible text plus infographics, diagrams, and some 250 stunning color photographs


Includes a beautiful photographic directory to more than forty breeds

Genres: Animals, Cats, Nonfiction, History, Nature, Biology

224 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2020

About the author

Dr. Sarah Brown is a cat behavior consultant and author. She holds a Ph.D. in the social behavior of neutered domestic cats from the University of Southampton. She has worked as an independent cat behavior counselor, as a consultant for the cat-toy industry, and has conducted research for and worked with several UK animal charities. She lives in London, England, with her family, her dog, and her cats.

Reviews

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do we need another book about cats, perhaps not really, but for fans of these enigmatic creatures they are always welcome. Especially if written by a true bona fide expert on the subject, an author with a doctorate on cats, as Brown is. The same ground has been repeatedly covered by other books, for instance the ever reliable Dorian Kinsley series, but Brown also did a fantastic job, with a highly readable account about cat evolution, their biology and ecology, history with humans and how to decipher their moods and body language, etc. It has just the right balance of text to illustrations, and depth of technical knowledge conveyed, but not so academic as to be dry. The section on pure breeds is de rigueur for any cat book of course and did not disappoint. The author also gave the clearest explanation of genes that determine coat pattern I have seen anywhere thus far.

Certainly a must add to any cat lover's book shelf.

[JenniferAustin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book for what it is -- an inviting, gorgeous book. It would make a great gift for a cat lover, especially a young one. It would also be well loved as a coffee table book. The information is solid, and it goes into a little more detail than you would expect. As a physical object, the hardcover has a great weight and size. The pages are a nice weight, and the pictures and graphics are all beautiful.

It also, without bheinbg tiresome, is full of facts about cats. As a longtime cat owner and lover, I am happy to say that learned new things reading it. For example, we used to have an American bobtail. He was an unexpectedly great traveller. I thought it was a quirk of that individual cat, but it turns out to be something people have noted about the breed. Who knew?

[Charlotte Kane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. As my favourite animal and a recent cat owner, this book really gave me the insight into my pet and how he works/thinks/acts. It also provides a list of the different breeds and how they originated. A great read for cat lovers everywhere.

[Oskar · Rating 4 out of 5]

It mentions TNR!! I’m pleasantly surprised that there was a passage about trap-neuter-return to deal with feral cats & overpopulation in a humane way. I also like how much detail is provided for each cat breed.

[Lance Grabmiller · Rating 2 out of 5]

A light diversion. A sort of coffee table or gift book, so the information is slight but solid. Some unnecessary repetition. The best part is the full illustrated directory of cat breeds that takes up the last 60 pages or so.

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just a solid book about cats 👍

[Mandy Heddle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the chapters on the natural history and evolution of cats, but found the section on behaviour to be quite shallow, and the section on breeds boring and unnecessary.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really beautiful book with absolutely beautiful photographs.

[Tenghe Keita]

bratz-jade

[Heather Walrath · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun and informative read!

[Liliya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a pretty quick and easy read. It’s the most depth book about cats that I have found so far but it certainly isn’t as extremely detailed as I would hope for a nonfiction.

There’s evolutionary and cultural history, lots of science, and lots of info about cat society. I really enjoyed this and learned a lot. A great starting point for someone who is new to cats and likes to learn. If you are looking for something about cat behavior and how to make your home fit for a cat check out Total Cat Mojo by Jackson Galaxy. This book is very minimal in that aspect.