First published 2013
Three cats exist for every dog on Earth, yet these popular pets remain puzzling to their human companions. Anthrozoologist John Bradshaw examines the domestic cat through scientific research, revealing why our feline friends behave as they do. Cats developed as solitary hunters over millennia, and this evolutionary heritage shapes their modern behavior. Though humans and cats have coexisted for eight millennia, cats retain their independence and predatory instincts. They can revert to wild living within just a few generations. Bradshaw traces feline evolution from lone predators to household companions, showing how cats maintain three paws in the wilderness even while living with humans. The author explains feline body language, environmental needs, and social relationships. He demonstrates that cats possess complex emotional lives that require human understanding and respect. The book offers practical guidance for cat owners who want to create harmonious relationships with their pets while honoring their natural behaviors and instincts.
Genres: nature, animals, non-fiction, biology
Vibes: informative, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: educational, scientific
307 pages · Hardcover · Basic Books