Smithsonian Answer Book: Cats

by John Seidensticker, Art Wolfe, Susan Lumpkin

Answers questions the Smithsonian scientists receive annually about members of the cat family, both big and small.

Genres: Animals

304 pages, Hardcover

Published October 15, 2004

Reviews

[Ryan]

Although the title of this book hints at a younger target audience, it contains a wealth of surprisingly detailed knowledge about both wild and domestic cats, much of it actually quite advanced and technical. The first and longest section covers all aspects of cat biology and behavior, from their unique anatomy to the way they hunt, socialize and reproduce. This is followed by a brief section on their evolutionary history, and the final part is about their relationship with humans, from cultural influences to conservation. The book draws on up-to-date research and developments in natural history and conservation biology, and is one of the more recent full blown in depth publications on the subject that is not organized by species like many others.

A valuable addition to the shelf of anyone who is enthralled by one of nature's most enigmatic group of animals. The author can be counted as one of the pioneers and leading experts on feline, if not carnivore biology.

[Seancat]

AMAZING

[Goatllama]

Purretty Good. Furly text heavy, but approachable writing style. Some nice pics nyear the meowdle.