P Cutts 256 pages Color

Never owned in the truest sense of the word, cats nonetheless have deigned to take up residence as favored guests in millions of homes around the world. Charming and graceful, they inspire a different kind of affection than their canine counterparts -- an affection inspired not from slavish devotion but from a certain dignified independence. Whether you are a first-time cat owner or an ailurophile of longstanding, this reference book includes everything you will ever need to know about these fascinating animals. Filled with more than 400 color photos and written in a highly readable style, it is both a comprehensive owner's manual and a visual gallery of every recognized cat breed in the world. The first section covers health; characteristics; and selection, care, and breeding. The second section depicts various breeds, from longhairs to shorthairs, providing information on temperament, special care needs, and breeding. 9 1/2" x 13"