The Cats of Thistle Hill: A Mostly Peaceable Kingdom

by Roger A. Caras

The cats of Thistle Hill are the ten-plus cats who live with Roger Caras and his family on their farm in Maryland. In this up close and personal visit to his farm, Roger Caras introduces his feline companions – including such memorable figures as Teddy, who holds court in Caras’s house; Marmalade, intent on sampling everything life has to offer; and Siafu, “the handsomest part-time barn cat anyone ever saw” – and the dogs, horses, cows, and even a llama with whom they share a “mostly peaceable kingdom.” As he recounts the life story of each cat, detailing its preferences and its peccadilloes, Caras lets us in on the truth about what cats need and what we can expect from them – and reminds us of the many rewards of bridging the gap between species.
(back cover)

Genres: Animals, Nonfiction, Cats

237 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1994

About the author

Roger A. Caras was an American wildlife photographer, writer, wildlife preservationist and television personality.

Known as the host of the annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, Caras was a veteran of network television programs including "Nightline," "ABC News Tonight" and "20/20" before devoting himself to work as president of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and to becoming an author.

Reviews

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely look at how animals can live when they are treated well.

[Kai (CuriousCompass) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A memoir of your own cats? Iconic. Also sad. And mysterious. A glimpse into a tiny family and the history of their bonds with their cats and other animals on their farm. I read this years ago during a happier period of my life and am always nostalgic for it. I reread it recently after several of my older animals died, including our nineteen year old cats Snowbell and Patches who I had since childhood. It was highly therapeutic. Recommend especially for cat lovers, but warning, some parts will break your heart. Or leave you wondering about certain things for years after you put down the book.

[Darlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

a lovely read....feel you know them all. A special man and his special critters. Have to be an over the top animal lover to head the ASPCA and have over 30 animals and write over 60 bks and travel the world to learn more about them

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one! I would love to have a place like that with all kinds of animals on it, but I know I wouldn't like all the work involved! That's one reason it was great to read about someone who has the people to help. Very enjoyable, easy to read, conversational style.

[Hentyal · Rating 2 out of 5]

Given to me by my boyfriend's mom to read. It was cute, but kind of boring...I could of gone for more actual stories and less him going on and on about how cool his house was.

[Beverly J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a delightful collection of the memories of the authors many cats over the years. Included are useful tips on care and behavioral issues. A wonderful thrift store find.

[Vickie Kulp · Rating 2 out of 5]

I bought this book at a thrift/antique/collectables shop. I have cared for 6 feral cats for over 6 years so was curious to read about the adventures the author had with his cats. I was a little disappointed. I think my 6 cats are more interesting than his. Or maybe he didn't express about their lives in an interesting way. I didn't care to read in detail how a couple of them died. I just found the book a little boring. It took a long time to read because I had no interest in it except to finish so I could start a new book.

[Janean · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book covers not just the cats, but all the animals of the Caras farm and it gets a bit political as it goes on.

[Glow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wholesome as fuck and rather whimsical too.

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book during a kind of depression-induced reading slump, and reading about this man’s cats (and dogs and cows and birds, etc) was just what I needed.

[Johnr66 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a feeling of melancholy reading this book, not because it was sad, but knowing Roger Caras has long since passed in early 2001 at the age of 72, six years after publishing this story. He's a man with a big heart for animals. Being interested in wildlife myself, I've heard of him before and wanted to read one of his books. Roger had a notable career in Hollywood and network TV news, but his main love was animals and wrote numerous books about them. Later in his career, he became the president of the ASPCA. I recommend the book to any cat / animal lover, though it is more a vignette of some of the cats and other animals that lived on his farm in Maryland. The book contains many photos and is an easy read that adolescents might enjoy as well.

[B · Rating 4 out of 5]

636.8 Stories about the mostly feral cats as well as the other farm animals on a farm. For animal lovers.

[John E · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like cats It would be hard to not love this book. The author was the president of the ASPCA and truly enjoyed his farm and it animals (especially his cats).

[Jannelle Sexton · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wanted stories about his cats not bragging about all of the other animals. BORING

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's hard to imagine a better place to restore your soul than the farm at Thistle Hill.

[Chemteacher · Rating 1 out of 5]

Save your money and time. Read something else.

[Pat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story of each cat, their daily routines, living on the farm.
Very nice.