The Nine Emotional Lives of Cats: A Journey Into the Feline Heart - Hardcover

Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson

3.68

795 ratings by Goodreads

9780786250059: The Nine Emotional Lives of Cats: A Journey Into the Feline Heart

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0786250054 ISBN 13: 9780786250059

Publisher: Thorndike Press, 2003

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A New York Times Bestseller

Psychoanalyst Jeffrey Masson delves deep into the secretive, playful world of cats, debunking myths and honoring the feline's evolution from solitary jungle creature to human companion.

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Review:

Non-cat people frequently describe cats as selfish, unfriendly, and frustratingly independent, while a true cat lover can see these same traits and wax poetic. The Nine Emotional Lives of Cats is truly an ode to the wonderful and mysterious behavior of our furry friends--even when the behavior at hand is narcissism or jealousy. Author Jeffery Moussaieff Masson (Dogs Never Lie About Love) explores the lives of his five cats as they relate to his family, each other, and the world around them, filled as it is with such interesting creatures as butterflies, automobiles, and visiting humans.

Each chapter is devoted to a study of a particular emotion, ranging from love to playfulness to anger. While there are interesting tidbits of animal science, such as "cats look away or blink when feeling friendly," the majority of the book revolves around the author's observations of his own pets. When he suggests answers for mysterious behavior like the grooming that instantly turns into a bloodthirsty brawl, he is never absolute, but merely offers one among many possible explanations. Kind and thoughtful, Masson's entertaining tales and wise musings will be appreciated by any cat fancier. --Jill Lightner

From the Back Cover:

“An affectionate, completely engaging book full of new insights into the emotional lives of cats. Of course, all cats are interesting, but Masson’s five felines seem particularly so–and you don’t need to be a cat lover to enjoy them via these pages.”
–ELIZABETH MARSHALL THOMAS
Bestselling author of The Hidden Lives of Dogs and The Tribe of the Tiger

“Jeffrey Masson delivers a fascinating and revealing cat’s eye view of life among the human animals. Clearly written by a man who listens, watches, and waits, much like the cats who warm his heart and satisfy his curiosity. Educational, useful, humane, and respectful. I recommend this book to any readers who wish to expand their knowledge of life in all its diverse forms.”
–INGRID NEWKIRK
President, PETA

“A wonderfully thoughtful–and thought-provoking–book about the feline mind.”
–DESMOND MORRIS
Author of The Naked Ape and Catwatching

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