Cat Sense: How the New Feline Science Can Make You a Better Friend to Your Pet - Couverture souple

From John Bradshaw, one of the world's leading experts on animal behaviour, and the author of the Sunday Times Bestseller, In Defence of Dogs, Cat Sense is a scientific portrait of the true, surprising nature of catsWorshipped as gods, feared as demonic servants, seen as both wild opportunists and beloved companions, cats often seem as unfathomable, enigmatic and magical to us today as they did in ancient times. They have lived with humans for at least ten thousand years (far earlier than the reign of the Pharaohs), and today are the most popular pet in the world. That they now outnumber the dog, man's 'best friend', by three to one, is small wonder: at once affectionate and self-reliant, they seem to be perfectly suited to our busy 21st Century lifestyles. Yet cats still think like the wild scavengers and hunters from which they are descended - and to which they can quickly revert. Today, they face unprecedented challenges in their life with humans: from conservationists who cast them as a threat to wildlife; from other cats who they compete for territory with; and from good-intentioned owners and vets with misconceptions of what they require. Cats need not so much our sympathy, but our understanding, if they are to continue to enjoy our companionship. The recent surge in feline science - with John Bradshaw at the forefront - means we are now better equipped to understand them than ever before. Cat Sense offers us for the first time a true picture of one of humanity's closest and most enigmatic companions.Praise for In Defence of Dogs:'The most fantastic book, a revelation' Observer'Essential reading' Daily Telegraph'Nothing less than a manifesto for a new understanding' Guardian'A case grounded in kindness and science ... Authoritative, wise and rather moving' Independent'A wonderful, reassuring, and encouraging book' Literary Review'A wonderfully informative, passionate book' EconomistJohn Bradshaw is a biologist who founded and directs the world-renowned Anthrozoology Institute, based at the University of Bristol. He has been studying the behaviour of domestic cats and their owners for over 25 years, and is the author of many scientific articles, research papers and reviews. He is also the author of the Sunday Times bestseller, In Defence of Dogs.

"For any who may wonder what their feline companions are really thinking, Cat Sense, by John Bradshaw, provides the best answers that science can give."―New York Times

"A definitively guide to the origins, evolution and modern-day needs of our furry friends."―Cat Fancy

"An indispensable addition to the cat-lore canon."―NPR, Book of the Year

"[Bradshaw] cracks an enigma: the feline mind. A must for owners wondering how Fluffy really feels about them."―People

"Insightful.... Using cutting-edge research, Bradshaw takes us into the mysterious mind of the domestic cat, explaining the cat's nature and needs, and, in doing, so deepens our understanding of our wild housemates and improves our relationships with them."―Modern Cat

"In his wide-ranging new book, Cat Sense, English anthrozoologist John Bradshaw calls on all his scientific resources to interpret our enigmatic felines for the 21st century ---a restrictive era far removed from the predatory instincts of these not-quite-domesticated animals."―Globe and Mail

"[A] thoughtful, useful and utterly absorbing book."―Guardian

"[Bradshaw] deftly sums up the latest science that attempts to discover what's going on inside the kitty brain.... A careful read can help a cat owner understand why cats don't get along, guide efforts in training and even reveal what's behind kitty's favorite toy."―Science News

"[Bradshaw] offers plenty of insights into what makes your tabby purr and how those insights can make a difference in your domestic life.... The understanding you gain should make for a happier cat-human household."―Natural History

"This fascinating book will be a bible for cat owners."―Booklist, starred review