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284th out of 430 books
—
158 voters
The Nine Emotional Lives of Cats: A Journey into the Feline Heart
Drawing from literature, history, animal behavioral research, and the wonderful true stories of cat experts and cat lovers around the world, Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson vividly explores the delights and mysteries of the feline heart. But at the core of this remarkable book are Masson’s candid, often amusing observations of his own five cats. Their mischievousness, aloofness,...more
Paperback, 260 pages
Published
June 29th 2004
by Ballantine Books
(first published February 1st 2002)
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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, who seem to h...more
I found that this book gave me some deeper insights into the emotional lives of my two cats, who seem to h...more
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: "Almos...more
Mar 09, 2010
Shirari Industries
added it
Recommends it for:
any person who wants to know anything about cats
Shelves:
animals
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 really gets...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 really gets...more
"The Nine Emotional Lives of Cats," follows Jeffrey Moussaiff Masson as he adopts five cats and explores some of the psychological myths regarding cats such as aloofness, laziness, and inability to love. Some parts of this book are helpful and interesting like chapter four on "Attachment," others are downright ridiculous tack-ons from the previous chapter, like "Curiosity," and "Playfulness," but are enjoyable for the descriptive writing.
However, I checked the date of publication and was prompt...more
However, I checked the date of publication and was prompt...more
Masson spent a year or so observing his five, newly adopted cats to describe the nine main emotions he has detected in them. Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson's book was a delight for the cat lover that I am. Not only is the book informational, the anecdotes Masson tells are both funny and moving, and we can really appreciate the true cat lover that Masson must be.
While many people, even people who do really like cats, will tell you that cats don't think or feel much, Masson takes us on a journey to try...more
While many people, even people who do really like cats, will tell you that cats don't think or feel much, Masson takes us on a journey to try...more
What a pleasant read! Such a nice point of view and a nice way to look at cats as a narrator and an owner of cats living as part of your family. The location where the author's family lived (New Zealand) with his descriptions of the walks he took with the cats in the brush added a bit of an exotic feel to the narration.
The book has a great Recommended Reading section at the end and excellent Notes on the chapters. The sections are part diary, part scientific journal, and part philosophical musi...more
The book has a great Recommended Reading section at the end and excellent Notes on the chapters. The sections are part diary, part scientific journal, and part philosophical musi...more
Feb 11, 2008
Alina
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
animal enthusiasts
Recommended to Alina by:
Gaby Ellenberger
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 they mean. The book is an...more
The book, though, is not a list of ways to spoil your cat or attempts at learning types of meows and what they mean. The book is an...more
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 id...more
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 more interesting bo...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 more interesting bo...more
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.
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."
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 spans than house...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 spans than house...more
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 to l...more
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!
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.
Good look at the lives of cats from an observer's point of view. Not much science here, but the compassion and emotional fabric will require you to have a kleenex nearby.
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.
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I love this book so much! This guy has amazing cats, not to mention he lives in New Zealand!
It's very well written, but he makes sweeping statements as if they were fact based on observing five cats for one year. I just don't think he had anything to back up his ideas. And after living with cats for most of my life I disagreed with some of his conclusions.
A must read for every cat lover. :) I can't wait to read this book again, actually.
this book literally made me laugh OUT LOUD! i enjoyed reading this very much!
helped me understand my cats in an easy to read format
A real man who has a deep love for his cats and nature.
Helps me understand Skippy more, maybe.
Jan 02, 2009
Suzie
added it
Okay book.
Love his books!
I learned a lot about cats! They are so primal, but so complicated. Very interesting read.
Nicely narrated, but very light on facts and references.
Jul 26, 2012
Alyson
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
books-read-in-2012,
5-star-books
Beautiful book with great insights into the world of cats!
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He has written several books books critical of psychoanalysis, psychotherapy and psychiatry as well as books on animals, their emotions and their rights.
He currently lives in New Zealand with his wife, two sons, three cats and three rats.
More about Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson...
He currently lives in New Zealand with his wife, two sons, three cats and three rats.
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“The curiosity of cats is, like their affection, of a purity and intensity rarely seen in humans. We would be jaded when faced with the fiftieth paper bag. Not so our cats.”
—
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