The Book of the Cat

This edition has been fully restored with modern typesetting, custom cover design. This richly illustrated cat handbook is both a love letter to felines and a practical guide to their care, breeding, and exhibition. Opening with a plea for greater appreciation of the "harmless, necessary cat," it surveys cats in history and mythology, from ancient legends of the lion's sneeze to the sacred cats of Egypt, where they were mourned, mummified, and honored in temple ritual. From there, the book moves into the modern cat fancy, celebrating the rise of shows, pedigrees, and devoted breeders. Alongside this historical and cultural sweep, it offers detailed guidance on housing, kitten rearing, health, anatomy, instinct, and disease. Much of the book is devoted to prized varieties, especially Persians in a dazzling range of colors, with special attention to orange and cream cats, their temperaments, markings, and the challenges of breeding them well. Notable catteries, celebrated cats, foreign breeds, American cat culture, Maine cats, and amateur cat photography all enrich this affectionate, expert survey of cats as companions, show animals, and enduring marvels of human life.