A Review of The Nine Emotional Lives of Cats: A Journey into the Feline Heart, by Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson

The Nine Emotional Lives of Cats: A Journey Into the Feline Heart by Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


If you are an ailurophile, then this is a book for you. Part memoir of life with his own pride (5 cats), part animal behavioral research, part love story, Masson draws upon literature and history and "the wonderful true stories of cat experts and cat lovers around the world, Jeffrey Masson vividly explores the delights and mysteries of the feline heart."

He explores nine emotional states of being or behaviors, ranging from narcissim to love to contentment to curiosity (which does not kill them) to anger and playfulness. Masson both confirms and debunks what people believe they know about cats. For example," are cats selfish?" Are they really narcissists? Self-centered? Reminding the reader that to think so is to interpret a non-human by human standards of behavior, the answer is, of course, no. "Cats may appear self-centered, but they watch us all the time, taking us in They see us; they notice us--a far cry from vanity."

As I write this, I have a cat in my lap. He wants to be there; he want to rub noses, and came in the room, fussing to get my attention (I know, that is my interpretation!) He wants to be petted. He wants to be be with me. As Masson points out, over and over, they want to be with us--just on their terms. In a while, Festus will want to get down and I will let him--until the next time he wants to be with me.

Does he need me, as Masson asks? I want to think so . Masson argues that as cats are happy to be themselves, maybe not. But they do love us and like being with us.

Catlovers, read this book for its "surprises and insights" that offer a new perspective on the deep connection between humans and their feline friends," written in clear and lucid and often beautiful prose.


Recommended.



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