Cats

Cats are among the most enigmatic and alluring of domestic animals. Beguiling beauty, fierce independence, aloof intelligence, and self-sufficiency characterise their long and exotic history. The Beauty of the Cat is a celebration of this most captivating animal and a moving account of the feline's journey from the wild to a comfortable domestic existence. In this beautifully illustrated book, established author and animal specialist Tamson Pickeral traces the colourful and tumultuous history of the cat, from its glory days in Egypt to its transport on creaking ships to America, and explores the diverse role of the cat in each culture, culminating in the 'modern' history of cats, the origins of cat shows, and the selective breeding of pure bred, pedigree animals. Open this richly illustrated book and you will discover the stories behind more than fifty breeds of cat, from the lithe-bodied Abyssinian originating from ancient Egypt to the intelligent Russian Blue with unique silver-blue coat, and from the graceful, long-haired Balinese to the lop-eared Scottish Fold. The evocative and informative text is accompanied by stunning photographs of every featured breed by award-winning photographer Astrid Harrisson. Her breathtaking images capture the many facets of what makes a cat a cat - its beauty, spirit, intelligence, and wit. The Beauty of the Cat is an essential volume for everyone who loves cats.