By Roger Tabor (C) 2003
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.
Have you ever wondered what makes your cat tick? We are fascinated by these enigmatic animals: a lovable pet curled in a lap one minute, a wily hunter stalking its prey the next. Here, cat expert Roger Tabor reveals why cats behave as they do, and shows how we can learn to understand and appreciate their impact on our lives.
Cats enigmatic behaviour has fascinated us for thousands of generations. Yet just what is it that forms the attraction between us and them, and why do our cats behave the way that they do? World renowned cat authority Roger Tabor addresses this question in detail in this close look at the current state of understanding cat behaviour. Feline behaviour is quite distinctive, and there is such closeness that our tabbies really are small tigers. Despite most changes brought about by modern breeding, a cat is still a cat, and the author shows how this is revealed through all kinds of behavioural features, from hunting and mating, to play and learning. He also looks at behavioural problems, which will help cat owners to come to terms with and hopefully cure their cats' unsociable tendencies. This is a real insight into what makes a cat 'tick'; every owner will benefit from the consequent closer relationship with their feline companion.