Cats & Us
Cats & Us is a charming collection of mini-essays highlighting human-pet interactions over time and across cultural contexts. Its several-page spreads consider how felines relate to certain subgroups of people, including children, vets, and cat sitters.
Cats can take on a variety of roles, like traditional mousing on farms or serving as a trucker’s companion. From ancient Egypt to the battleship Bismarck, they made themselves comfortable onboard sailing vessels. Today, cats are found working as therapy animals at airports and offering a friendly welcome at churches and pubs.
The book is illustrated with out-of-the-ordinary, cheeky color photographs and a sprinkling of quotations. It compares the behavior of different breeds, gathers sayings and proverbs about felines, looks for the scientific truth behind cat clichés, and acknowledges issues such as the hunting of endangered native wildlife, especially in Australia. It also profiles famous cats, including those owned by presidents and prime ministers. Tuxedo Stan of Halifax, Nova Scotia, made international headlines when he ran for mayor.
“Mystery is an essential trait” of the cat; the endearing and informative Cats & Us will delight animal lovers while preserving that inscrutability. Pet owners will smile with recognition during pieces on naming, routines, playtime, emotions, moving house, and aging.
Reviewed by
Rebecca Foster
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. No fee was paid by the publisher for this review. Foreword Reviews only recommends books that we love. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
