This is a beautifully illustrated, intelligent, straightforward book that contains just about everything you ever wanted to know about cats. It avoids the cuteness of many cat books, dealing instead with serious issues of conservation of wild cats and expressing the author's special fondness for mixed breed cats (or, as he calls them, "Moggies"), because, he maintains, they are the purest breed of cat and closest in genetics and behavior to wild cats. (Mercifully, Roger Tabor avoids the annoying affectation of using the pronoun "she" in referrence to all cats.) The historical information on how cats become our domestic pets is particularly fascinating, and the health advice and care instructions for cats are right on target and quite useful.
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.
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