Catwatching (original 1986; edition 1993)

Fascinating, convincing, and well written. My only complaint about this wonderful book about domestic cats is that it's so brief. ( )

A must reference guide for all cat owners from the world-renowned zoologist & ethologist.

I was expecting more from this book. There were a few relivant tid-bits here, but I found it pretty light on usable information. ( )

My 1992 edition has the subtitle 'And Catlore'

Where there are several theories about cat behaviour he mentions them all before Mr Morris gives his final appraisal. He has certainly demystified much of cat behaviour here, though I am not convinced about his assertion that cat does not attack once eye contact is maintained.

In about 60 very short chapters, in question and answer form, Desmond Morris, explains the natural and adapted behavior of cats in terms that even dog-people can understand. Watching cats and trying to relate their behavior to basic science and bahavioral principles has been the famed zoologists passion since childhood; the breadth and depth of his understanding of animals is evident. This is not a 'cat care' book, it is merely a collection of random bit of information - but fascinating and informative nonetheless. Except for a couple of inappropriate and irrelevant remarks (as on page 11)he makes the cats behavior understandable, hopefully to the benefit of both the cats and we, whom they let live with them. [** because it is not an organized text, just a collection of Q & A.] ( )