Drawing from literature, history, animal behavioral research, and the wonderful true stories of cat experts and cat lovers around the world, Jeffre...
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reviews
Mar 31, 2011
Joon
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I picked up this book at the Lifeline Bookfest. A lucky find, I think, as I would never have thought to find a book like this! While I hoped to get a more general understanding of the psychology of cats, in the hopes of better understanding my cats, his observations on his 5 cats, made this a very enjoyable read. Masson references other titles which I would be interested in following up too.
I found that this book gave me some deeper insights into the emotional lives of my two cats, w More...
I found that this book gave me some deeper insights into the emotional lives of my two cats, w More...
Jan 28, 2012
Stephanie
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This started as a four star book...I was getting the giggles reading about the authors eccentric cats and relating his experiences to my own. However, as the book progressed I realized that I was bothered by Masson's authoritative tone about what HE thinks cats are thinking. There is no scientific background to his beliefs, and he seems to disagree with any feline scholar/doctor that has ever come up with an opinion of their own on cat emotions. I had had enough when I read the following: "
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Mar 09, 2010
I disagree with the author in several areas - I thought he could have worked harder to adopt and that his defense of buying from breeders was a cop-out. Also his cats are half-feral and are decimating the small animals in his region, so he's definitely putting their interests way over the interests of the animals that share his ecosystem - not cool.
But besides these points, I found a lot to learn from and live by in this book. Masson is very respectful of the catness of cats, and he re More...
But besides these points, I found a lot to learn from and live by in this book. Masson is very respectful of the catness of cats, and he re More...
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Feb 11, 2008
Alina
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When a friend first gave this book to me, I couldn't help but think, "Oh god -- have I really become known as a crazy cat lady at such a young age?" The book's title conjured up images of some old Aunt Mildred who baby talks to her 26 cats. I'm more of the type who tells my (one) cat, in the same voice that I speak to my friends and family, to "stop being neurotic."
The book, though, is not a list of ways to spoil your cat or attempts at learning types of meows and what More...
The book, though, is not a list of ways to spoil your cat or attempts at learning types of meows and what More...
Feb 03, 2008
Marigold
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I really wanted to like this more than I did. LOVED his book "When Elephants Weep". This book is really a story about Masson's own cats, & while they're beautiful & fascinating as all cats are, I thought I was going to get a more scientific discussion of cats & their emotions. Masson theorizes that cats have nine emotions, & breaks the book up into corresponding chapters, which is fine. But after that it's just a series of observations about his cats. He reads a lot of his own ideas in
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Aug 22, 2010
Patty
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This was a fun, fairly quick read. The book was available; we were babysitting a cat and I had time to read it. I have never been a cat owner and thought it wouldn't hurt to know more about the species.
There are a few things in this book that I don't agree with. However, the author spent a long time observing 5 different cats. I think much of what Masson had to say was good to learn. I do think that I learned much about the author as well as cats. And for me, that made this a mo More...
There are a few things in this book that I don't agree with. However, the author spent a long time observing 5 different cats. I think much of what Masson had to say was good to learn. I do think that I learned much about the author as well as cats. And for me, that made this a mo More...
Jan 18, 2010
Junio
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This series of essays each focuses on an emotion that the author believes to be one of the nine main emotions which cats universally experience. The author uses language perfectly to tell these tales, but the similar subject matter means that I didn't read every essay and I would suggest that any other readers also pick and choose whichever ones seem most interesting to them.
Jun 13, 2010
Mary
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The last line of this book is such a beautiful wrap up of cats:
"They shrug and set off individually, to I know not where, and I am left with the feeling that I have missed out on something essential, some clue to the mystery of these perfect beings who briefly and mysteriously grace my life."
"They shrug and set off individually, to I know not where, and I am left with the feeling that I have missed out on something essential, some clue to the mystery of these perfect beings who briefly and mysteriously grace my life."
Feb 01, 2009
Catherine
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Masson has the gall to think that just because he owns five cats that he's an expert on feline behavior. As even his cats, I'm sure, probably would, if they could, attest to on a daily basis, how very delusional he is.
I strongly disagree with his insistence that cats should be outside, asserting that housecats can't live a full life. Actually if he'd spent a little time actually learning about domestic felines he'd have learned that outside cats, in fact, have much shorter life s More...
I strongly disagree with his insistence that cats should be outside, asserting that housecats can't live a full life. Actually if he'd spent a little time actually learning about domestic felines he'd have learned that outside cats, in fact, have much shorter life s More...
Aug 15, 2008
In the beginning of this book, Jeffrey talks about the emotion of love as one of the most famous characteristics known mostly to the mammal world. Little documentation shows early human affection towards cats. Since ancient times, cats were placed on pedestals and given little affection. Cats have thus affect adoration to each other, and love carries over time to their owners. I like what Jeffrey says about the undetected emotion in cats. From happiness to trust and to rejection, it is easy t
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Apr 17, 2011
Sharon
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This an amazing insight into the lives of one of the most enigmatic creatures in our world. For those of us who are cat lovers, this will be a nice treat to read and connect to. If you don't know cats, this book will surprise you!
A must read!
A must read!
Oct 06, 2011
Faith
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Don't like that he thinks that all cats should have the indoor/outdoor choice. I think that he has a rather strange relationship with his own cats. My cats grow closer to me as they age, not farther away.
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Aug 09, 2009
Donna
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some insight, some over-the-top introspection and deduction into the mind of cats.
loaned to me by a friend. not one I would buy for my own shelf.
loaned to me by a friend. not one I would buy for my own shelf.
May 12, 2009
Jean
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Oct 08, 2009
Lindsay
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I love this book so much! This guy has amazing cats, not to mention he lives in New Zealand!
May 29, 2011
Lindsey
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A must read for every cat lover. :) I can't wait to read this book again, actually.
Feb 24, 2011
Dalet
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this book literally made me laugh OUT LOUD! i enjoyed reading this very much!
Feb 17, 2011
Alicia
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This book has some excellent insight into not only cat's lives but also human behavior. There were some parts that I didn't agree with and more that I am skeptical about, but it raises some interesting questions and re-frames many familiar ones.
Nov 13, 2007
Wysterria
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excellent book! a must read for any cat lover! the author went into a detailed description of the range of emotions a cat will experience, and i completely agreed with his explanations of them. you will be more in tune to your cats wants and needs after reading this book.
Mar 25, 2010
Liz
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This probably confirms what people think of me in terms of being a crazy cat lady....but the book is fascinating. You will never look at your cat in the same way again! (Although I disagree with his belief that it is okay to let your cat live outside. )
Dec 16, 2009
Mary Catherine
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I was disappointed with this book. I was expecting it to be a little more scientific, but it turns out that it's really just a guy writing about his observations of his own cats. And I was really annoyed by his opinion that keeping cats indoors is cruel.
Apr 18, 2009
Andrew
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A very interesting book by a captivating author. i learned a lot about cats.
Sep 15, 2008
Tyas
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What can I say? I'm a feline freak! While reading this book, I nodded time and again in agreement. Yeah, yeah, my cats do that too! Oooooh!
PS I put it in my biology shelf for a lack of more appropriate one.
PS I put it in my biology shelf for a lack of more appropriate one.
Apr 01, 2008
Kimber-ly
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This book was a great light read. It was a gift and I thought it hokey at first, so it sat on my shelf. I really enjoyed it though overall! Who'd a thought cats were so emotionally complex, ha ha ha...
Mar 26, 2008
Jennifer
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It's so fun to look into the personalities of your pets and via THIS book, find ways to decode different emotions and looks. I thought this book was surprisingly really cool and well done.
