The Domestic Cat: The Biology of its Behaviour

by Dennis C. Turner (Editor), Patrick Bateson (Editor)

Humans have lived with cats for thousands of years, and there are now more cats kept in Western households than any other animal. Cherished as companions and valued as rodent catchers, their enigmatic behavior has intrigued and bewildered us for generations. While accepting the comforts of human homes, cats do seem to "walk by themselves." Although loved for their independence and self-reliance, myths and fables surround them, leaving them open to persecution and misunderstanding. Covering all types of cats from pampered pets to feral hunters, this completely revised new edition of The Domestic Cat shows how cats live and behave in a variety of circumstances and surroundings. With new chapters on welfare issues, and cat-cat communication, this volume penetrates the enigma that is Felis catus, sorting fact from fiction, and helping both the general reader and the specialist in animal behavior or veterinary science to understand cats as they really are.

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

256 pages, Paperback

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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