Customer Reviews

DK Handbooks: Cats

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If you ever need to know the difference between a Lilac Tabby Point and a Lilac Tortie Tabby Point, this Eyewitness Handbook of "Cats" will enlighten you with good, clear photographs of both coat colors. There are even photographs of cats with no coat at all (Sphynx).

I own three of the Eyewitness Handbooks ("Cats", "Horses", "Gems") and they are a browser's delight. The "Cats" handbook purports to be a "visual guide to more than 250 types of cats from around the world," and if you count all of the different color variations of say, Persians, as a different type, this is undoubtedly true. Two small, fact-filled paragraphs labeled 'Features' and 'Remarks' accompany each of the 'types' (most of which are recognized cat breeds), along with a short history of that particular feline variation.

The text and photographs are slanted toward British standards, although the differences are minor for most breeds. If you happen to be a Persian fancier or have attended any North American cat shows, then you'll probably notice from this book's photographs that the British Persians have more sensible noses than their American counterparts. There are also differences on acceptable breed colors and markings, depending on which side of the Atlantic you happen to live.

"Cats" is easy to use and fun to browse. I had no idea that cats came in so many different colors: cream point; red silver mackerel tabby; platinum; mink; sable; chocolate smoke; sepia agouti; cinnamon tortie---Eye-candy for all cat lovers!

I've never been disappointed in any of the Eyewitness books I've purchased. I don't know a lot about cat breeds, so my impression is not guided by that standard.

The initial sections on general cat characteristics and physical categorizations are well-illustrated and interesting. The sections about the different breeds of cats are much different than dog breeds. For this reason, I am not sure that the breed presentation is what most cat lovers would expect. We keep many stray cats, and enjoy knowing more about the origins of their physical characteristics. Actual breed standards is not an issue.

The pictures, as always in any Eyewitness book, are gorgeous, perfectly reproduced, and every page is covered with them in an eye-pleasing layout.

Ideal for people who like cats, or for people who hate cats but want to know their enemy.

i havent read a whole book since graduate school but have never stopped learning about things. we have the entire collection and i now devour them cover to cover. i purchased almost all of them on Amazon for $5-$13 each (verses the $20 cover price). my kids and i LOVE to read these books and learn about the rocks, fossils and nature we find camping and fishing. who knew there were so many different kinds of cats?!

A good book for a general overview of cat breeds. Great pictures.

I'd have liked a bit more infromation on each breed though, the info given is only very basic.

This is a really good book. My daughter 10 years old loves it. She kept checking it out of the library. I found it on line and purchased it. She keeps it in a safe place. A must for all cat lovers.

I read the book "cats" by: David Alderton and this book tells everything from kittens being born to the ancestry of these felines. This book has facts about every cat just about and their body weight and lots more. This book has everything on them, whether it's just for your pleasure or for the facts this books got it. I loved this book I thought it was very good, it has a lot of very good information and facts, it also has over 700 colorful pictures.
This book tells you anything and everything about cats. It's a great book for children to learn about both domestic and exotic cats and kittens. This book helps you with your decision on buying or adopting a cat and picking out which one's right for you. It talks about how to groom them this book even tells you which breeds of cats always win shows and awards and how to win one with your feline. It tells you how many months it takes before a kitten is fully weaned off its mother's milk and doesn't need its mother anymore.
"BUY THIS BOOK "this is a very good and interesting and factual book. This book is great for children or cat lovers of any age. It is very unique and could tell you just about anything you need and want to know about cats and kittens.

I've owned this book (the eyewitness edition, actually) for years, and it's still the best and most comprehensive photographic guide to cat breeds that I've seen. Great, clear photographs featuring both common and some rarer breeds in all the major color variations for each breed, as well as lots of good, interesting info on each breed and its history.

A must have for cat lovers!

If you love cats, you will go absolutely mouse for this book. It has so many beautiful cats, I just wanted one of each.

If you are just starting to look for a new kitten and want to know what your cat will look like when they grow up, this is an excellent resource. Kittens change so much, although I wish they just stayed little!

If you want to identify your cat, this is also a great place to start. You are sure to find a picture that looks pretty darn close to the cat you have. I had to laugh when I looked on page 241 and saw my very own black and white cat and the resemblance was just strikingly good.

If you have friends online who are always talking about their Chartreux cats and have forgotten to send you a picture and you are dying to know what they look like, then here is your answer!

The unique sections in this book include:

An Introduction into the lives of Cats
Information on Cat Shows
A Chart of the Cat Family
Body Shape Details
Breed Development

Color Development
How to Choose a Cat
Grooming and Showing your Cat
Fur Types, Fur Colors, Coat Patterns, etc.
Identifying your Cat section with Meow Faces

The rest of the book focuses more on the individual breed of cat you are interested in. After you identify the cat you want to look up, find the name in the index and voila..there you are. A handy Glossary is available for you to look up words like necklace, outcross, pads, laces and feral.

And, if you think this book is wonderful, wait until you see: The New Encyclopedia of the Cat by Dr. Bruce Fogle, that I rave on and on about to everyone I know.

I recommend both for the serious cat lover! The Encyclopedia of the Cat has some information on Big Cats, while this book focuses on the domestic breeds.

~The Rebecca Review

This book is amazing! If you're a cat lover like I am, then you'll definitely enjoy this cute little book! So much information in such a tiny book! It's great! Buy one! :]