Here is the bible of pure cat breeds--spanning eight millennia and the entire globe--from one of the world's best known authorities.
From neolithic farm cats to ancient Egypt's feline deities to modern house pets, and from the first cat show in 1598 (with prizes for the best ratter and the best mouser) to the high-tone competitive exhibitions that began in the Victorian era, the domestication of the African wild cat has produced a superb, intriguing spectrum of creatures. With the wit, style, and erudition that made international bestsellers of his Catwatching and Catlore, Desmond Morris here details all 100 breeds: both the long-established and the exotic newcomers, from tough European shorthairs to delicate, slender, hot-country Orientals. Cat Breeds of the World brims with authoritative and entertaining information on each breed's history, myths, and legends (who knew there were nine possible explanations of the Persian Cat's origins?); its appearance, special features, and personality; and lists of color forms and breed clubs. Supplementary chapters cover experimental--often controversial--breeds, coat colors and patterns, feline anatomy, terminology, and cat societies. Illustrated with full-color photographs by leading cat photographers, this is the definitive reference for cat professionals and owners of pedigree felines, and a magnificent gift for every last cat addict.
From neolithic farm cats to ancient Egypt's feline deities to modern house pets, and from the first cat show in 1598 (with prizes for the best ratter and the best mouser) to the high-tone competitive exhibitions that began in the Victorian era, the domestication of the African wild cat has produced a superb, intriguing spectrum of creatures. With the wit, style, and erudition that made international bestsellers of his Catwatching and Catlore, Desmond Morris here details all 100 breeds: both the long-established and the exotic newcomers, from tough European shorthairs to delicate, slender, hot-country Orientals. Cat Breeds of the World brims with authoritative and entertaining information on each breed's history, myths, and legends (who knew there were nine possible explanations of the Persian Cat's origins?); its appearance, special features, and personality; and lists of color forms and breed clubs. Supplementary chapters cover experimental--often controversial--breeds, coat colors and patterns, feline anatomy, terminology, and cat societies. Illustrated with full-color photographs by leading cat photographers, this is the definitive reference for cat professionals and owners of pedigree felines, and a magnificent gift for every last cat addict.
