Status
Available
Call number
Description
"A must-read for any cat lover, Cat Sense is a revolutionary new account from one of the leading scientific experts on these little-understood animals. As he did in his acclaimed, best-selling Dog Sense, Bradshaw combines the most up-to-date research with fascinating case studies to paint an unprecedentedly detailed portrait of the domestic cat"-- "Cats have been popular household pets for thousands of years, and their numbers only continue to rise. Today there are three cats for every dog on the planet, and yet cats remain more mysterious, even to their most adoring owners. Unlike dogs, cats evolved as solitary hunters, and, while many have learned to live alongside humans and even feel affection for us, they still don't quite "get us" the way dogs do, and perhaps they never will. But cats have rich emotional lives that we need to respect and understand if they are to thrive in our company. In Cat Sense, renowned anthrozoologist John Bradshaw takes us further into the mind of the domestic cat than ever before, using cutting-edge scientific research to dispel the myths and explain the true nature of our feline friends. Tracing the cat's evolution from lone predator to domesticated companion, Bradshaw shows that although cats and humans have been living together for at least eight thousand years, cats remain independent, predatory, and wary of contact with their own kind, qualities that often clash with our modern lifestyles. Cats still have three out of four paws firmly planted in the wild, and within only a few generations can easily revert back to the independent way of life that was the exclusive preserve of their predecessors some 10,000 years ago. Cats are astonishingly flexible, and given the right environment they can adapt to a life of domesticity with their owners-but to continue do so, they will increasingly need our help. If we're to live in harmony with our cats, Bradshaw explains, we first need to understand their inherited quirks: understanding their body language, keeping their environments - however small - sufficiently interesting, and becoming more proactive in managing both their natural hunting instincts and their relationships with other cats. A must-read for any cat lover, Cat Sense offers humane, penetrating insights about the domestic cat that challenge our most basic assumptions and promise to dramatically improve our pets' lives - and ours"--… (more)
Genres
Publication
Basic Books (2014), Edition: 1, 336 pages
User reviews
LibraryThing member KrisR
This is essentially three books in one: a summary of archaeological and DNA evidence tracing when cats were first domesticated, and attempting to determine the origins of our domesticated cats today; an analysis of the author's experiments to determine links between cat behavior (and best practices
I found the focus of this book to be somewhat problematic. It's written for general audiences, but includes very basic (and often overly general) summaries of academic research, sometimes without footnotes for sources information in the first part of a book. Bradshaw relies heavily on his own research in the second part of the book, which makes his discussions rather one-sided. I understand not including information in experimental design and methodology given his audience, but as an academic I couldn't help but wonder how much weight to put on these experiments as sources of information.
As a proud owner of two cats, I agree entirely with Bradshaw that it's incumbent on owners to understand cats from their own perspectives, and that an understanding of their genetic makeup, evolution, and instincts helps enormously with this process. However, I found this a rather frustrating read for the reasons I mentioned above. It seems like an unwieldy cross between a book for a general audience and a book based on academic research.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in return for an honest review.
Show More
in cat ownership) and what Bradshaw refers to as feline science, largely drawn from behavioral psychology; and a more polemical discussion of some controversies surrounding cats today. These controversies include the attempts of wildlife advocates (often in the UK) to restrict cats' behavior as predators from endangering local wildlife populations, as well as a discussion of concerns about how current breeding practices may bring out cats' less domestic instincts and imperil their position as pets.I found the focus of this book to be somewhat problematic. It's written for general audiences, but includes very basic (and often overly general) summaries of academic research, sometimes without footnotes for sources information in the first part of a book. Bradshaw relies heavily on his own research in the second part of the book, which makes his discussions rather one-sided. I understand not including information in experimental design and methodology given his audience, but as an academic I couldn't help but wonder how much weight to put on these experiments as sources of information.
As a proud owner of two cats, I agree entirely with Bradshaw that it's incumbent on owners to understand cats from their own perspectives, and that an understanding of their genetic makeup, evolution, and instincts helps enormously with this process. However, I found this a rather frustrating read for the reasons I mentioned above. It seems like an unwieldy cross between a book for a general audience and a book based on academic research.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in return for an honest review.
Show Less
LibraryThing member drmaf
Great book. I am an unashamed cat lover, but after reading this it was clear I didn't actually know much about cats, their biology, ancestry or the reasons for their behaviour. Probably the most startling revelation for me is that cats are not yet fully domesticated. Although they have been hanging
Show More
around with humans for millenia, until very recently they were simply tolerated because they kept pests down. The idea of cats as cute pets kept solely for company is not more than a couple of centuries old. Hence cats are struggling to reconcile their wild instincts with our demands on them as companions. I liked how the author worked in the science with his own experiences with cats, particularly Splodge, a large bad-tempered neutered tom, who appears a number of times in the book demonstrating some point or other. For myself I remembered back to cats in my family up to 30 years ago and suddenly mysterious behaviours made sense. I think the most diparaging thing I read was the advice that Bengal cats,a cross between domestic and wild leopard cats that I absolutely adore, just do not make good pets. Disappointing but good to know. I loved this book, I learned so much and it was entertaining too. Recommended for all cat-lovers and even cat-haters as well. Show Less
LibraryThing member jwood652
If you love cats and want to know everything about where each breed originated and current knowledge of their behavior this book covers it. If you want practical tips on cat behavior or care, not so much. I did learn a lot but the book seemed a little boring at times because of the detail that it
I received this book free from Netgallery
Show More
went into about each topic. That is kind of a double edged sword because the comprehensiveness is also a strength. Catlovers should get this. You will learn something new about these wild animals that we let into our homes.I received this book free from Netgallery
Show Less
LibraryThing member kraaivrouw
I love cats and have lived with them as far back as I can remember with only a few breaks. My very first cat friend was named Tigger, a huge feral tomcat who decided to take up residence with us and who put up with my pokes and prods with equanimity and kindness. He was a great cat. I've had the
Cat Sense is full of interesting research about our feline friends. I particularly enjoyed the early histories of the cat as it came into contact with human society. It was also fun to read about all the ways that humans create pressure on cat evolution and cat evolution influences humans. I wish Mr. Bradshaw had included even more information about social predators, particularly lions, since many of their behaviors provide insights into our own behaviors. A warm and interesting book on cat behavior - a reminder that they are little deities for whom we are fortunate to be allowed to provide thumbs.
Show More
pleasure of living with many other cat friends since that time and never grow tired of their company. I like their independence, their different natures, the sense that these are relationships built and worked on over time. Cats, barely domesticated as they are, don't have to like you for their survival, they're not particularly inclined to like you, when they do like you it feels worthwhile.Cat Sense is full of interesting research about our feline friends. I particularly enjoyed the early histories of the cat as it came into contact with human society. It was also fun to read about all the ways that humans create pressure on cat evolution and cat evolution influences humans. I wish Mr. Bradshaw had included even more information about social predators, particularly lions, since many of their behaviors provide insights into our own behaviors. A warm and interesting book on cat behavior - a reminder that they are little deities for whom we are fortunate to be allowed to provide thumbs.
Show Less
LibraryThing member lostinalibrary
Cats are the single most popular pet today outstripping dogs 3-1. The internet is jampacked with popular cat memes and You Tube stars like Grumpy Cat and Li'l Bub. Yet, as much as we love them, most of us really don't understand them. In Cat Sense, John Bradshaw looks at the history and the science
It should be noted that this is not a How-to manual for cat owners. Rather it concerns the history, the science, and the future of Felis Silvestris catus (best Latin name ever). For me, the section on their history was the most interesting. From the ritual sacrifices of cats in ancient Egypt to the burning of cats as witches' familiars in the Middle Ages which, ironically, helped the spread of the Black Plague, the history of the cat is not a happy one.
Bradshaw also talks about the psychology of the cat - turns out that much that we cat fanciers thought we knew is wrong and may be hurting our pets. He discusses the problems of multi-cat households, the difference between domestic and feral cats, the different personality traits, their genetic heritage, and the effect on breeding for specific traits. He also discusses the vocal and growing group of detractors, including conservationists and gardeners, who feel that cats are a threat to the delicate balance of many ecosystems and demand more controls. He discusses many of the studies both pro and con of these accusations and makes some suggestions to ensure the future of cats including some controversial but compelling arguments against neutering every pet cat.
Cat Sense is neither an owner's manual or a biology text. It is simply an attempt to help cat lovers understand their pets better, to create a healthier and happier environment, not only for the cat but for its owner and, most importantly, to ensure the future of the cat so that it may live long and prosper.
Show More
of cats to help us understand better this mysterious creature who shares our homes and our hearts.It should be noted that this is not a How-to manual for cat owners. Rather it concerns the history, the science, and the future of Felis Silvestris catus (best Latin name ever). For me, the section on their history was the most interesting. From the ritual sacrifices of cats in ancient Egypt to the burning of cats as witches' familiars in the Middle Ages which, ironically, helped the spread of the Black Plague, the history of the cat is not a happy one.
Bradshaw also talks about the psychology of the cat - turns out that much that we cat fanciers thought we knew is wrong and may be hurting our pets. He discusses the problems of multi-cat households, the difference between domestic and feral cats, the different personality traits, their genetic heritage, and the effect on breeding for specific traits. He also discusses the vocal and growing group of detractors, including conservationists and gardeners, who feel that cats are a threat to the delicate balance of many ecosystems and demand more controls. He discusses many of the studies both pro and con of these accusations and makes some suggestions to ensure the future of cats including some controversial but compelling arguments against neutering every pet cat.
Cat Sense is neither an owner's manual or a biology text. It is simply an attempt to help cat lovers understand their pets better, to create a healthier and happier environment, not only for the cat but for its owner and, most importantly, to ensure the future of the cat so that it may live long and prosper.
Show Less
LibraryThing member greglief
The author went back and forth between practice advice and the result of scientific research. There were many fascinating points and I learned a lot of information, but it was far from an "easy read".
LibraryThing member AdonisGuilfoyle
A self-designated mad cat woman, I've been tempted to read this study for a while, but a few negative reviews put me off. I would say that readers should definitely have a healthy appreciation of cats - if not one or more feline companions of their own - to better appreciate John Bradshaw's
Show More
research, but I would probably find a similar account of dogs just as insightful. The first three chapters on the origin and domestication of the humble house moggie were perhaps the hardest to get through, just because I'm not all that interested in the ancestry of animals, but I loved the chapters on how cats behave with each other, with people and with wildlife (those frustrated suburban twitchers who get their knickers in a knot over cats following the natural instinct to hunt little furry and feathered creatures are not so far removed from the Roman Catholic persecution of 'pagan' cats in the Middle Ages). Bradshaw is a fellow cat lover, starting to redress the balance in dog-cat scientific and psychological research, for which I applaud him, but his facts and theories are still somewhat inconclusive and repetitive. For those without a cat at home to compare to, I can see how boring this could get. If you love to study your four-legged friends and wonder why they behave in a certain way, though, then you're in good company with Mr Bradshaw (and me). Show Less
LibraryThing member twp77
Cat Sense is a thoroughly enjoyable read for both cat lovers and those interested in feline behavior. What immediately strikes the reader is how little scientific study of cats there is when compared to that of dogs.
Bradshaw seeks to pull together the disparate studies and incorporate them with
Most poignantly, his remarks on the potential for breeding for temperament in cats as is done with dogs, highlights the changing relationship between cats and their human owners and also makes one think on what exactly cats mean to us and whether respecting their wild nature may be as important as any attempts to change them to meet human needs.
Not since Desmond Morris's "Catwatching" has their been such a well researched, thoroughly scientific study of cats. It's a must read for feline enthusiasts everywhere.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book as part of the Goodreads First Reads Program.
Bradshaw seeks to pull together the disparate studies and incorporate them with
Show More
his own to further reveal the universally enigmatic creature which is the domestic (and feral) cat. Most poignantly, his remarks on the potential for breeding for temperament in cats as is done with dogs, highlights the changing relationship between cats and their human owners and also makes one think on what exactly cats mean to us and whether respecting their wild nature may be as important as any attempts to change them to meet human needs.
Not since Desmond Morris's "Catwatching" has their been such a well researched, thoroughly scientific study of cats. It's a must read for feline enthusiasts everywhere.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book as part of the Goodreads First Reads Program.
Show Less
LibraryThing member nicole_a_davis
Great book if you're a cat owner and want to know more about what's going on in the mind of your cat. Also has interesting information of the history of domestication of cats.
LibraryThing member TulsaTV
Some good information in the book, but the writing style is repetitive and rambling.
LibraryThing member BATGRLGOTHAMCITY
It was alright. Gave a lengthy history on cats in the beginning chapters, which I found boring mostly because I'm not interested in history.
LibraryThing member Sullywriter
The latest in feline science with some history, anthropology, and psychology thrown in as well.
LibraryThing member crosbyp
Give it 3 1/2 due to a fair amount of redundancy. Interesting background on feline history and biology but no great revelations. One takeaway was on the issue of spaying all our nice, friendly domesticated cats--then one is left with a population of feral and/or anti-social (to humans) cats. Hadn't
Show More
thought about that. Show Less
LibraryThing member UberButter
Cat Sense: How the New Feline Science Can Make You Better Friends to Your Pet by John Bradshaw
307 pages
★★★
I can’t tell you the day I woke up and became a “cat person” (I honestly see myself as an all animal person but others seem to disagree). I grew up with dogs (to this day I count
Little surprised me in this book but then again you’re looking at a girl who spent many years working with animals (cats and dogs) in many different environments and maybe that’s why the book became somewhat boring to me at times. I think that it did contain a lot of good information but it I felt at times it became repetitive. The author is British and some of the issues he touches on is not quite as large of a problem here in the United States…as far as I know (I didn’t do a huge amount of research either way). Since it takes a much more scientific view of our feline friend, I doubt this book is going to appeal to everyone but it does have some great tips and facts that I believe all cat owners should be aware of. It is also a good book if you truly know little about the cat world. And if you’re not all that much into cats, you’re in luck, as the author has another book cleverly named...Dog Sense.
307 pages
★★★
I can’t tell you the day I woke up and became a “cat person” (I honestly see myself as an all animal person but others seem to disagree). I grew up with dogs (to this day I count
Show More
one of my best friends as my now deceased Akita) and no cats. It wasn’t until my husband (then boyfriend) and I ventured into a humane society in 2007 that I became a first-time cat owner. But along that time, my cats have given me great comfort and love in some of the toughest years. I have spent years without dogs now since I live in a constricted apartment but my cats have turned into my everything. Does that make me a cat person? Perhaps. I would be little offended if you thought so. So I’ve been delving quite strongly into books related to cats recently. This one, Cat Sense, is from a more scientific view – their history, genetics, breeding, training, hunting, etc – seen in both domestic and feral cats and their wild ancestors.Little surprised me in this book but then again you’re looking at a girl who spent many years working with animals (cats and dogs) in many different environments and maybe that’s why the book became somewhat boring to me at times. I think that it did contain a lot of good information but it I felt at times it became repetitive. The author is British and some of the issues he touches on is not quite as large of a problem here in the United States…as far as I know (I didn’t do a huge amount of research either way). Since it takes a much more scientific view of our feline friend, I doubt this book is going to appeal to everyone but it does have some great tips and facts that I believe all cat owners should be aware of. It is also a good book if you truly know little about the cat world. And if you’re not all that much into cats, you’re in luck, as the author has another book cleverly named...Dog Sense.
Show Less
LibraryThing member booksgaloreca
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in return for an unbiased review. I am not finished reading the book yet, but am really enjoying it. It can be a bit dry at times, but I am finding it will be a valuable resource for me to come back to again and again. I have owned cats
Show More
throughout my adult life and have always been fascinated with them. This book helps us understand their history, behaviours, and how we can interact with our feline friends and give them the best possible lives with us. I would recommend this book to cat owners and those wanting to work with and learn more about our feline friends. Show Less
LibraryThing member dkohler52
Wonderful book that gave me the up-to-date information I needed for understanding my new cat. The author gave me an insight into the cat's wild nature that caused me to love him even more.
LibraryThing member Carrie_Etter
A must-read for every cat owner.
LibraryThing member Othemts
This fascinating book explores the domain of the world's most popular pet, the domestic cat. Surprisingly, very little scientific research has been done on the cat, but Bradshaw compiles the outcomes of recent research in this book. The book begins with a natural history of cats and how they
The famous independence of cats comes from how they first were first domesticated. Cats were "hired" to be mousers, a job that they did on their own as opposed to the more social aspects of the dog's work of herding, hunting, and guarding. Despite their independence, the affection of cats is real. In addition to touch and grooming, a raised tail is a signal of friendliness. While cats meow often with humans, it's rarely used among wild and feral cats. While cats can bond with humans (especially if they're socialized before they reach 8 weeks) they are less likely to want to spend time with other cats due to their territorial nature. Getting a second cat to keep your original cat company rarely works. In fact, a cat coming to a new home may find that they yard of their humans' property is already marked by a neighboring cat, leading to stress and standoffs.
The issue of allowing pet cats outdoors on their own is a contentious one. Bradshaw argues that the evidence that cats decimate local wildlife are built on faulty data (although cats can be bad for certain environments, such as islands, and feral cat communities anywhere). In some cases, cats may be beneficial to bird populations since they hunt other predators such as rats. Nevertheless, Bradshaw offers a lot of tips on how best to allow cats outdoors should you choose to do so as well as enrichment to help keep indoor cats happy. Bradshaw believes that when cats leave a dead animal as a "treat" for their humans that they simply remembered once they got home that there was much tastier store-bought food and lost interest in the animal they caught.
The last chapter is a little strange in how Bradshaw considers how to select traits in domestic cats in order to breed them to be better companions to humans and to living indoors. He does make a good point that the growing practice of neutering pet cats means that future kittens are more likely to come from feral cats who have traits opposite of what we desire in cats. Overall it's an interesting book that's taught me some new things about my favorite pet.
Favorite Passages:
"Unlike the dog, which was domesticated much earlier, there would have been no niche for the cat in a hunter-gatherer society. It was not until the first grain stores appeared, resulting in localized concentrations of wild rodents, that it would have been worth any cat’s while to visit human habitations—and even then, those that did must have run the risk of being killed for their pelts. It was probably not until after the house mouse had evolved to exploit the new resource provided by human food stores that cats began to appear regularly in settlements, tolerated because they were obviously killing rodents and thereby protecting granaries."
"Cats’ hearing is therefore superior to ours in many ways, but inferior in one respect: the ability to distinguish minor differences between sounds, both in pitch and intensity. If it was possible to train a cat to sing, it couldn’t sing in tune (bad news for Andrew Lloyd Webber)."
"We could consider some of this behavior manipulative, but only to the extent that two friends negotiate the details of their relationship. The underlying emotion on both sides is undoubtedly affection: cats show this in the way they communicate with their owners, using the same patterns of behavior that they employ to form and maintain close relationships with members of their own feline family."
"pet cats rarely hunt “seriously,” often watching potential prey without bothering to stalk it. A hungry cat will pounce several times until the prey either escapes or is caught; a well-fed pet will pounce halfheartedly and then give up, probably explaining why pet cats, when they do kill birds, usually succeed only when they target individuals already weakened by hunger or disease. Furthermore, pet cats rarely consume their prey, often bringing it home as if to consume it there, but then abandoning it."
Show More
developed a relationship with humans.The famous independence of cats comes from how they first were first domesticated. Cats were "hired" to be mousers, a job that they did on their own as opposed to the more social aspects of the dog's work of herding, hunting, and guarding. Despite their independence, the affection of cats is real. In addition to touch and grooming, a raised tail is a signal of friendliness. While cats meow often with humans, it's rarely used among wild and feral cats. While cats can bond with humans (especially if they're socialized before they reach 8 weeks) they are less likely to want to spend time with other cats due to their territorial nature. Getting a second cat to keep your original cat company rarely works. In fact, a cat coming to a new home may find that they yard of their humans' property is already marked by a neighboring cat, leading to stress and standoffs.
The issue of allowing pet cats outdoors on their own is a contentious one. Bradshaw argues that the evidence that cats decimate local wildlife are built on faulty data (although cats can be bad for certain environments, such as islands, and feral cat communities anywhere). In some cases, cats may be beneficial to bird populations since they hunt other predators such as rats. Nevertheless, Bradshaw offers a lot of tips on how best to allow cats outdoors should you choose to do so as well as enrichment to help keep indoor cats happy. Bradshaw believes that when cats leave a dead animal as a "treat" for their humans that they simply remembered once they got home that there was much tastier store-bought food and lost interest in the animal they caught.
The last chapter is a little strange in how Bradshaw considers how to select traits in domestic cats in order to breed them to be better companions to humans and to living indoors. He does make a good point that the growing practice of neutering pet cats means that future kittens are more likely to come from feral cats who have traits opposite of what we desire in cats. Overall it's an interesting book that's taught me some new things about my favorite pet.
Favorite Passages:
"Unlike the dog, which was domesticated much earlier, there would have been no niche for the cat in a hunter-gatherer society. It was not until the first grain stores appeared, resulting in localized concentrations of wild rodents, that it would have been worth any cat’s while to visit human habitations—and even then, those that did must have run the risk of being killed for their pelts. It was probably not until after the house mouse had evolved to exploit the new resource provided by human food stores that cats began to appear regularly in settlements, tolerated because they were obviously killing rodents and thereby protecting granaries."
"Cats’ hearing is therefore superior to ours in many ways, but inferior in one respect: the ability to distinguish minor differences between sounds, both in pitch and intensity. If it was possible to train a cat to sing, it couldn’t sing in tune (bad news for Andrew Lloyd Webber)."
"We could consider some of this behavior manipulative, but only to the extent that two friends negotiate the details of their relationship. The underlying emotion on both sides is undoubtedly affection: cats show this in the way they communicate with their owners, using the same patterns of behavior that they employ to form and maintain close relationships with members of their own feline family."
"pet cats rarely hunt “seriously,” often watching potential prey without bothering to stalk it. A hungry cat will pounce several times until the prey either escapes or is caught; a well-fed pet will pounce halfheartedly and then give up, probably explaining why pet cats, when they do kill birds, usually succeed only when they target individuals already weakened by hunger or disease. Furthermore, pet cats rarely consume their prey, often bringing it home as if to consume it there, but then abandoning it."
Show Less
LibraryThing member silverarrowknits
This ARC was generously donated by Basic Books Group.
Cat Sense is an all-encompassing book about the domestic cat. The first few chapters describe the history of cats and their domestication. John Bradshaw then discusses some of his research with the modern, domesticated cat. The final chapters
Let's discuss each of these sections in turn. I really enjoyed the chapters on the history of cats. It is something that is rarely discussed in history textbooks, and I found it quite interesting. The chapters on the authors experiments and observations of cats were intriguing; however, I wish he had provided more detail on the experiments themselves. It was frustrating not to have a full picture of the experimental procedures. I am a researchers by trade, so this concern may not be a problem for others. The last few chapters, especially the final chapter were intriguing to read, because he focused his discussion on some controversial ideas. Primarily, he discussed how he dislikes spaying and neutering, because it prevents certain genes from becoming dominant in the cat populations. Specifically, he notes that well-adjusted cats that like to be around humans get spayed and neutered by angry, feral cats that never get trapped (for TNR programs) continue to procreate. His ideas are definitely intriguing.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this book. I learned a lot about cats that I would not have learned elsewhere. The book is a bit dense at times, so I recommend reading it in doses. It also doesn't hurt that the book is not too long (
Cat Sense is an all-encompassing book about the domestic cat. The first few chapters describe the history of cats and their domestication. John Bradshaw then discusses some of his research with the modern, domesticated cat. The final chapters
Show More
discusses how cats are seen in contemporary society and some of his concerns about how cats are treated (i.e., spaying and neutering cats).Let's discuss each of these sections in turn. I really enjoyed the chapters on the history of cats. It is something that is rarely discussed in history textbooks, and I found it quite interesting. The chapters on the authors experiments and observations of cats were intriguing; however, I wish he had provided more detail on the experiments themselves. It was frustrating not to have a full picture of the experimental procedures. I am a researchers by trade, so this concern may not be a problem for others. The last few chapters, especially the final chapter were intriguing to read, because he focused his discussion on some controversial ideas. Primarily, he discussed how he dislikes spaying and neutering, because it prevents certain genes from becoming dominant in the cat populations. Specifically, he notes that well-adjusted cats that like to be around humans get spayed and neutered by angry, feral cats that never get trapped (for TNR programs) continue to procreate. His ideas are definitely intriguing.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this book. I learned a lot about cats that I would not have learned elsewhere. The book is a bit dense at times, so I recommend reading it in doses. It also doesn't hurt that the book is not too long (
Show Less
LibraryThing member Gwendydd
My biggest takeaway from this book is that it is pretty surprising how little scientists have actually studied cats. There have been a jillion studies about dogs and their body language and how their brains work and how they interact with humans, and hardly any actual research into cats. The
Bradshaw's main argument is that cats are not nearly as domesticated as dogs, and that we need to treat them like the barely-tamed predators they are for them to be healthy and happy. I was expecting some chapters about how to pander to an indoor cat's instincts, for instance by providing them with places to climb or certain kinds of toys, but his discussion of how to improve the situation for cats focuses on breeding programs.
As a life-long owner and observer of cats, I really didn't learn much from this book. If you're new to cat ownership, there's probably some useful stuff in here.
Show More
studies that Bradshaw does cite usually involve just a few cats, so it's hard to really trust their conclusions.Bradshaw's main argument is that cats are not nearly as domesticated as dogs, and that we need to treat them like the barely-tamed predators they are for them to be healthy and happy. I was expecting some chapters about how to pander to an indoor cat's instincts, for instance by providing them with places to climb or certain kinds of toys, but his discussion of how to improve the situation for cats focuses on breeding programs.
As a life-long owner and observer of cats, I really didn't learn much from this book. If you're new to cat ownership, there's probably some useful stuff in here.
Show Less
Awards
NPR: Books We Love (2013)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2013
Physical description
336 p.; 8.35 inches
ISBN
0465064965 / 9780465064960