The Cat : A Natural History

The Cat : A Natural History
ISBN: 9781782408574
Publication Date: 3 March 2020

Anyone with an interest in or love for cats, and all those who have owned a cat will find much to learn and enjoy in The Cat: A Natural History.

The Cat: A Natural History takes an absorbing, in-depth look at the biology, behaviour and diversity of this popular animal.

Provides a comprehensive, richly illustrated introduction to the natural and cultural history of the cat
Offers an in-depth discussion of behaviour, including social organisation, communication, courtship, and learning
Covers anatomy and physiology, including mobility, predation skills, and the genetics of coat colours
Features clear and accessible text plus infographics, diagrams, and 250 stunning colour photographs
Includes a beautiful photographic directory of more than forty breeds

Tracking the evolution of the cat from its first ancestor, the Pseudaelurus, to the emergence of the modern domestic cat, Sarah Brown looks at how different lineages of the species developed and how the domestic cat Felis came into contact with humans.

Clear accounts of how the cat's body functions help explain its extraordinary ability to balance, assess its hunting abilities, and understand its health and dietary needs. Details about the range of coat types and colours and their genetics give a comprehensive overview of the many breeds and non-breeds we see today. Descriptions of the function of whiskers, the cat's reliance on their sense of smell, and the sensory importance of the tongue all contribute to our understanding of the cat's physiology.

Cat communication by different means is covered, including vocalisation and non-vocal communication. Whether living in the wild, on the streets or in a domestic setting, learning how to relate to other cats is a central element to cats' socialisat...