Customer Reviews

The Feline Mystique: On the Mysterious Connection Between Women and Cats

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Well, thank you Clea Simon for writing such a wonderful book about the bond we women have with our cats!

This book is packed with cat women like myself and stories illustrating the points that Clea makes about women and cats. From times before Christ, to ancient Egypt, to modern day, Clea looks at how women get the negative stereotypes that are still present today, as well as looking at why we women love our cats so much. Clea also tells her personal "love story" with her cat. This book also talks about the current feral cat problems, and what women are doing throughout the country to help control this. And yes, there is even women in the book that go a little too far: the cat hoarders.

I also learned something else with this book: I had taken it to work and a few co-workers spotted it. They are on my waiting list to borrow and read this book....turns out there are more women out there who really love their cats than you would imagine. These are the same women who teased me for having a picture of my cat at my desk (and referring to him as "The Handsome Boyfriend").

I read this book in the course of a weekend. I simply could not put it down. It personifies my relationship with my muse, my cat Henderson. This book sheds a whole new perspective on feelings that I already had for my cat. I would often find myself setting it down after reading something that I could not have said better myself, and just seeing my cat in a much deeper way than I had ever before. I truly recommend this book for ANY woman with a cat in her life, or to any woman, really, who has an interest in cats at all. It is insightful, smart, funny and poignant. I have already ordered it for two woman I know, one of whom is my mother who is one of the Cat Rescuers Ms. Simon described. I finished this book with renewed respects and feelings of awe for my cats. This is one book you should not miss.

This book is a valuable addition to any cat lover's shelf. Author Simon interviews women of all ages, backgrounds and professions to find out just what holds this bond with our cats in place. Much of the pleasure of reading it comes from comparing your own relationship with your cats, both past and present, with the women interviewed and the author herself.

Among the topics explored are: why are women/cats stereotyped so harshly and often similarly; why cat hoarders are so often female and why they do what they do; the mythical and historical connections between women and cats; how cats treat our significant others and what that says about how we feel about them (and how we let them treat us); letting go of our cats when it's time for them to pass on; and how our cats choose to communicate with their owners.

If you know your cat's looks, meows, and feelings, this book makes sure you know you aren't crazy! We can understand cats as well as they understand us. I really enjoyed The Feline Mystique. It has wonderful cat stories, as well as great information that all cat lovers need!

I've read and loved Simon's other books ("Fatherless Women" and "Madhouse") and this one was just knockout wonderful. It's so smart, so moving, and filled with history, annecdotes, and reflections on the very special role of cats in women's lives--and particularly in Simon's life. Am absolutely irresistible read about love and relationships--especially the feline kind. Who could resist that?

It's hard to find words to describe this truly unique, but wonderful book. While describing her relationship with her own cat, Cyrus, Simon also explores the relationship between women and cats throughout the ages and answers some age-old questions. Never boring, this book is a must-read for anyone who's ever loved a cat or questioned why others love cats (and that should cover just about everyone!)

Clea Simon beautifully captured both the humorous and the tender side of life with our felines. She has interviewed a wide variety of "cat women" and uncocered truths about the age-old connection between our two tribes. While parts of the book made me laugh out loud, the haunting closing section deals with the loss of Clea's cat Cyrus; but she leaves us on a hopeful note and reminds us that there are more relationships out there. My cat stays on my lap while I read it to her, so it must be good!

My wife is the cat lover (I'm a dog person), but after watching her glued to this book for two days, I picked it up, and was promptly enchanted. It's jam-packed with history, annecdotes and really moving stories from the author's life with cat(s). Terrific!

Clea has invited us into her personal life with her beloved cat Cyrus and opens the windows of the homes and hearts of many cat-owners while acknowledging the myths and folklore of cats throughout the ages. Go! Buy! Read! Every word is worth it.
This book was a great gift as I began reading it only days after my pookie, Karly, passed on. Clea's chapter "Letting Go" was a terrific source of comfort and healing. It gave me much more compassion and respect for all pet-owners and veterinarians alike. I couldn't put the book down.

Clea Simon manages to combine an enchanting story of her own cat with tales about other women and their cats. Some of these are charming, others sad, a few horrific, but all are at once fascinating and helpful. This would be a wonderful gift for any woman who has, or is planning to adopt, a cat.

Barbara Florio Graham is the author of Mewsings/Musings, a "flip" book combining her award-winning humor with that of her cat, Simon Teakettle. Their website is: www.SimonTeakettle.com