It's thought that there are over ten million domestic cats in the United Kingdom therefore Te Harrison-Best's new collection of feline poems titled Catawall at very least should have a vast ready-made audience among owners. If you've kept a dog and cat at the same time you will be only too aware how different in nature these creatures are. Basically, the faithful hound is a camp follower, awaiting orders while the cunning kitty strolls off to do its own thing. Does this make the cat a much more interesting and independent creature? All the evidence would suggest so and this colourful assortment of verse helps make the case. However, before we get over-slushy and sentimental on the topic of cats (which is easy to do) one or two interesting facts are worth considering. It's thought that every year the average domestic cat kills up to forty small feathery or furry creatures. But remember their antecedents included the sabre-toothed tiger and apologists will tell you they are still only doing what comes naturally. And did you know that researchers at Bristol have found that cat owners tend to be more intelligent than dog owners? Not because of close contact with the wily pussies but simply because they have been better educated, tend of work longer hours and so have less time to spend with their pets; thus the low maintenance, independent moggie best fits requirements.

Why do cats purr? How much can you learn about a cat’s mood from the direction it flicks its tail? How do cats show trust with their eyes? Why do cats rub against their owners’ legs? Arranged in chapters covering physical characteristics, senses, lifecycle and behaviour, Cats features a huge range of breeds from all around the world. From Siamese to Russian Blue, Manx to American Bobtail, Burmese to Bombay, the book expertly explores and celebrates this most beloved pet. With fascinating captions on every page, even cat lovers will learn something new. Cats is a brilliant examination in 150 outstanding colour photographs.

Cat's log, day 345. Human finally accepts her place in the home. When you look into the enigmatic eyes of your beloved cat, it can be hard to know just what on earth is going through their curious minds. Well you needn't wonder any more, because after intensive research and cat-psychology study, we have cracked the kitty code and can now reveal all the secrets of the moggy world. You'll find out: - what your curious kitty really thinks when you try to play with them - why they love knocking things off tables so much - what's behind their disdainful looks - why it's so hard for them to decide whether they want to go outside or not - why they get really cheesed off when your culinary skills fall short of their expectations This charming and fully illustrated book is the perfect gift for any cat lover, or anyone who has ever been owned by a cat.

Caleb Carr lived with cats ever since he was a young boy. He grew up in a turbulent household – where famous Beat poets, artists and addicts came and went – and his steadiest companions were pets. Since then he had many feline companions, with relationships that have outlasted most of his human ones. But only after building a three-story home in rural, upstate New York did he encounter someone extraordinary: Masha, a Siberian Forest cat who had been abandoned as a kitten and was languishing in a shelter. She had hissed and fought off all previous carers and potential adopters, but somehow, she chose him.

For the seventeen years that followed, Caleb and Masha were inseparable. Masha ruled the house and the dangerous wilderness surrounding it. When she was hurt, only Caleb could help her. When he suffered long-standing physical ailments, Masha knew what to do. Caleb learned to decode much of Masha’s inner life but their bond went far beyond owner and pet. Inspiring, heart-breaking and life-affirming, this is a love story like no other.