Catwatching (Paperback)

~ Desmond Morris (Author) "We know for certain that thirty-five hundred years ago the cat was already fully domesticated..." (more)
Key Phrases: farm cats, human owners, cat owners, United States

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

In each of these books by the author of Bodywatching an introductory essay is followed by a question-and-answer section (items one to four pages in length). The questions include ones about mating, hunting behavior, and physical characteristics. Morris writes very well, and his answers are often witty as well as informed. Nearly any reader would find these books interesting. Unfortunately, all of Morris's information is available from such other sources as encyclopedias and general dog and cat books, so a purchasing library is getting little new for its money. If your budget permits "extra" buying in the pet area, do acquire these books. Your readers will like them. But if the budget is tight, they are marginal purchases. Susan Matusak, Wilson Coll. Lib., Chambersburg, Pa.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description

This book, the first in the popular Watching series, explains everything from why cats purr to why we say it's raining cats and dogs. 26 black-and-white photographs.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Three Rivers Press (March 31, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0517880539
• ISBN-13: 978-0517880531
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #342,189 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Makes OneWonder Who is More Intelligent - You or Your Cat, February 5, 2001

By	Sandra D. Peters "Seagull Books" (Prince Edward Island, Canada) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Illustrated Catwatching (Hardcover)

Having raised, owned and studied not only human behaviour but cat behaviour for over thirty years, I have found this to be one of the most beautiful and informative books available on the exquisite and highly intellectual behaviour of cats. It is simply written in a manner that answers a vast array of questions on why cats do exactly what they do. Remember, these incredible creatures are trying to figure out what you are all about, too! The coloured photographs are exceptional and ones you will be sure to treasure for years to come. What does a cat signal with its eyes? How many "tail-signals" does this wonderful feline actually have? Why does a cat drink dirty water? Can cats predict earthquakes? Why does your cat roll over when it sees you and why does it sometimes sulk? These and approximately seventy-six other questions are explained in this delightful hard-covered book. If you are a cat lover, "Catwatching" is a definite must for your library and it makes a great conversation piece on your coffee table.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fun, furry read, February 25, 2005

By	Gary Sprandel (Frankfort, Kentucky) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I don't think I'm "letting the cat out of bag" to say that this is a fun book for the cat owner. If you'd like to know the origin of that expression, it's in this book. Using the vehicle of questions that have occurred to many of us, Desmond Morris, reveals a lot about house cat behavior. The questions range from "Why does a cat chatter when it sees a bird"; "How does a cat use its whiskers", and "Why does a cat sneer". Along the way are some fascinating facts; such as a difference in feather plucking behavior in New and Old World cats, and the ear markings (for example of tigers) as a means of enhancing signaling form the ears. Morris may be forgiven for a few presumptions about cat motives (particularly with respect to humans).

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fun and interesting read, May 18, 2005

By	Sam "ephphatha" (Austin, TX United States) - See all my reviews

This book is full of interesting facts about cats. It was a fun read, and I read it in one evening.

I only have two complaints about it. First, there are no footnotes. Morris doesn't cite any of his sources.

Second, he doesn't tell us why we say, "Cat got your tongue?" He answers several similar questions. He explains why we say, "Let the cat out of the bag," and "It's raining cats and dogs," but he doesn't tell us why the cat has our tongue. That's really important, you know.

Anyway, I would recommend this book just because it's entertaining to read. I also read his book on Horse watching, which is just as good.