How the New Feline Science Can Make You a Better Friend to Your Pet

This is a fascinating book full of great information about cats. It gives the reader insight into cat psychology and behavior. It describes scientific research into cats over the past several years, and the need for more. The only thing I didn't like about the book was the initial chapters went into great detail on the history of cats and their domestication. Don't put the book down if the history part isn't for you, just breeze on past to the next part on behavior and psychology. This is a great book!

I thought the book was too repetitive. It went into too much technical history. Did not really say much about today's cat. Needed more about cats personality rather than so much complicated history. A lot did not really seem to relate to the personality of my cat.

This is an excellent book for cat lovers who want to understand their cats! The author explains the evolution of domesticated cats in an interesting and easy-to-understand way. I was fascinated with the domestication process and how today's felines evolved into the creatures they are. The chapters that discuss how cats perceive their environment, and humans as part of this environment, opened my eyes in ways that hopefully will make me a better companion and caretaker.

A fantastic and informative read that enables one to delve into and understand the nature of the feline and all its whims and desires. A book I recommend to read as it provided adequate information scientifically. My only complaint is that I take issue that cats need to be selectively bred and their genetics altered to become "more domesticated". I have two kitties, a Siamese and a domestic and they are perfect and loving. Cats are cats and I don't see why domestic cats need alteration as the author suggests.

Heard John Bradshaw in a radio interview and was impressed with his intimate knowledge of cat behavior. I am not as obsessed as many with my cat, but she bites and I was interested in getting insight into why and how to break her of the habit. Still pursuing the perfect remedy, but enjoying the book, nevertheless. Disappointed, however, that it does not have an index, and therefore it's very difficult to track down specific subjects. Bradshaw writes well and it's a pretty good read.

Dull, ponderous - written in a tedious reports style. The first three chapters are about ancient cats - not current and most of that report is not about cat types that have evolved into today's cats. I gave up after 4 chapters.

Heard John Bradshaw in a radio interview and was impressed with his intimate knowledge of cat behavior. I am not as obsessed as many with my cat, but she bites and I was interested in getting insight into why and how to break her of the habit. Still pursuing the perfect remedy, but enjoying the book, nevertheless. Disappointed, however, that it does not have an index, and therefore it's very difficult to track down specific subjects. Bradshaw writes well and it's a pretty good read.

Dull, ponderous - written in a tedious reports style. The first three chapters are about ancient cats - not current and most of that report is not about cat types that have evolved into today's cats. I gave up after 4 chapters.

I am a cat breeder. Bradshaw provides scientific evidence to prove or disprove many of the beliefs held about cat behaviour. I have no doubt my colleagues will soon begin sentences with,"According to Bradshaw ...."

Read this book and you will know more about cats. I expected a few chapters detailing ways to raise my cats; the information has to be culled out. Everything noted in the text is exactly what is happening in our 'cat country'. Learning how my Queens picked a mate is worth the book's price and the reading time. The squib about Pope Gregory IX may upset devout Christians. Three cats live with us. They tolerate each other and we two humans. I expect the cats to be here long after the humans have left.

I want some behavioral information and I get a lot of detail that is more than I want and which usually ends with the conclusion that no one is sure why cats behave the way they do. They don't know what certain behaviors and vocalizations mean. As a cat person, I am not sure I agree with all the conclusions. I got some tidbits. If we need to do more study on cats, we should. How can such a common animal be so unknown? If people want to figure out how to have more privacy in the modern age, they should ask a cat!

Book was great! Very detailed and informative. Gave me a lot of insight with regard to our cats, how they evolved, how they interact with us humans, and why cats do what they do. Very worthwhile reading.

I heard an interview with the author of this book on the radio and it was SO interesting. I ordered it for my mother-in-law who at 89 yrs of age has never had a pet of her own. She is in love with her cat so I thought with it she could find out some of the 'whys' of some of the things he does. She loves the book.

Hard to read. Boring. Writing style does not bring the reader in, nor create a desire to read further. Didn't make it past the first ten pages. I love cats, but will defer to our resident feline to learn about their behavior. Luckily bought the Kindle version so this was not a large outlay and I can delete it.

The first few chapters were a bit difficult for me but the history of cats provided "cat insight". The part of the book I am into now is providing excellent information for me in understanding my 10 month old striped tabby. Previously I just called her an orange and white domestic shorthair kitty.

One well-edited article could have conveyed the few facts revealed in the book. Basically the author reveals that little research exists concerning the kinds of cats which can become pets. Ok, now there is no need to repeat that fact endlessly in the same and in different words.
My advice is to read relevant Wikipedia articles or a good general book on cats and kittens.

interesting tidbits, well written, but lots of fluff and too little hard science. Maybe, as a scientist I expected too much from a book with the words 'feline science' in the title. Much of the science presented in the book seems to be conjecture, common sense or personal observation.

I enjoyed the book but found the large amount of statistics from scientific studies given to be off-putting. I think most "cat people" would find anecdotal tales about cats to be more interesting and what they're (and I'm ) interested in when selecting a book about cats.

If you love cats and are interested in what makes then tick, this is your book. I like its scientific, factual narrative - it's fascinating information. It's easy to read and comprehend, that is, it's not a text book. I'm a cat person and have wanted to read the latest science on my favorite pet so I love this book. But I love dogs too and plan to read Dog Sense as well. Meow!

This is a very practical book for understanding cats. I work at a local shelter with cats that have either been relinquished or found stray and though there are never 2 cats alike, this book is a wonderful tool in giving each cat what they need most to be their happiest and make them feel safe and secure in their temporary housing.

Written in a clear and simple manner, this book is of interest to anyone who wants more insight into the origins and workings of the domestic cat. I enjoyed reading this book and felt it made me understand my kitties a but better.

A must read for all cat enthusiasts and owners. Although a bit too academic at times, I learned an enormous amount about what makes my pet cat tick and what a superb cat she really is. Perhaps Mr. Bradshaw should next write a book for cats to more fully understand their owners and how to train them.

Lots more information on the history and origins of Cats and how they descended from wildcats than a guide to living with your cat. Some very good info on feral populations and general behavior.
Thought provoking on the future of cats in modern society. A must for cat lovers!

The subject matter is fascinating and would be thoroughly engaging were it not for the fact that the author continuously repeats himself from start to finish. I would have finished this sooner if it hadn't felt like my teeth were being ripped out of my head. Sooo sorry!!!!

Every veterinarian and cat caretaker should read this book.

As both a scientist and a cat-lover, I found Prof. Bradshaw's book extremely well researched (and cited). Even for someone who has read a great deal about the evolution and self-domestication of cats there was a great deal of new information. For the non-scientist, this book will open a clearer understanding of cats and their behavior. It is written in a way that explains the science behind understanding our feline compatriots without dumbing-down the science. As I write this, my two (black) cats Artemis and Luna sit contentedly next to me - while I feel even a greater understanding of their nature and even more privileged that they share their affections with a gangly, awkward, hairless, and slightly deranged gigantic cat.

Having been raised around "barn cats", were they were left to developing their own social structure and enjoying city house pets in our disjointed human world, my observations are now understood. This unique creature who chose to befriend us, we owe our better understanding. If we are to keep cats in our world, we need to consider deeper, the meaning of cat nature and cat sense.

Interesting book. I'm not sure everything is accurate but probably pretty close. Until Phlufy can talk, there is no way to confirm.
It is helpful in training me to respond and react in a way that will make my cat's behavior acceptable.