CATS

The cats--domestic and wild--have intrigued humans for thousands of years, and throughout that time the relationship of these animals with humans has varied widely. People have valued cats as hunters, worshiped them as gods, and sacrificed them as demons.
However, the animals have survived and are still fascinating. They have often been used as symbols of beauty, grace, mystery, and power, and they have been favorite subjects for many artists and writers. Today, the domestic cat (house cat) is second only to the dog in popularity as a house pet. No one knows exactly how many domestic cats there are in the United States, but researchers estimate that more than 30 million are owned as pets.
There is no way to estimate the numbers of homeless cats that roam about freely as feral animals (those that had been tame but have returned to living in a wild state). There probably are many millions of such cats wandering about in the streets and alleys of cities and towns across the country.

The New Encyclopedia of the Cat

Fully revised and expanded to include the newest breeds, varieties, and colors, as well as the latest thinking on behavior and training, The new Encyclopedia of the Cat is the definitive guide to the history, anatomy, and behavior of the feline species. Cats Past and Present: Chronicling the history of the cat, world-renowned veterinarian and author, Dr. Bruce Fogle, explains how one subspecies of the wildcat developed a tolerance for living near humans and became the domestic cat we know today. The new Encyclopedia of the Cat explores many aspects of the cat's role in human culture, including cat worship and cats in folklore, literature, and art. Visual Breed Guide: More than 65 of the world's major cat breeds are lavishly photographed in specially commissioned full-figure portraits. Key facts are included about all the registered color varieties, their ancestry, breed standards, and temperament. A Complete Cat Care Manual: The anatomy of the feline form is analyzed in detail, from the skeleton and nervous system to the function of hormones and genes. There is extensive advice on your cat's health, grooming, and other aspects of responsible ownership. The instincts, hunting, socializing, and mating habits unique to cats are explained in full. Truly encyclopedic in scope, this is the essential reference for every cat lover.

The definitive book for cat lovers!

The Character of Cats: The Origins, Intelligence, Behavior, and Stratagems of Felis Silvestris Catus

The best way to love our domesticated animals is to understand and appreciate what they really are. Why cats have physically changed so little (unlike dogs) after domestication, and why they can be so social (despite being descendants of a very solitary species) are two interesting topics. I also found fascinating the story about human influence on the distribution of cat colors (and number of toes) worldwide. That traveling ancient Egyptians apparently snatched cats they found abroad to "return" them to Egypt is one bizarrely amusing historical anecdote that made this book a pleasant read for me. And the story of the cat that attacked its owner who was bathing a parrot is weirdly unforgettable. Although this isn't necessarily a how-to book, it contains good information on behavior that can help with problems cat owners encounter. I found some practical information that helped me improve a new-cat-added-to-three-cat-household problem. I'd recommend this book to cat owners who are as curious as their cats.

Barron's Encyclopedia of Cat Breeds:
A Complete Guide to the Domestic Cats of North America


If you are considering purchasing a cat, you will find this book to be helpful. I also enjoyed the chapter about the history of cat organizations. The author remains neutral about all the various groups, but it appears as if some of them would like to scratch the others eyes out! Talk about being "catty"! I had no idea where were so many cat associations. This book has it all - great pictures, detailed ratings of each breed's characteristics, and well written personality trait descriptions. I have enjoyed every page.