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Ever wondered what all the meows mean? This book will translate them and ensure you never misunderstand a meow again. Today, domestic cats live harmoniously with devoted owners all over the world. But how did the wildcats of old creep into our homes and our hearts, convincing us to keep them warm, fed, and pampered?
They learned to talk to us.
Renowned cat behaviour scientist Dr Sarah Brown reveals the previously unexplored secrets of cat communication in a book that is both scientifically grounded and utterly delightful. Each chapter dives into a different form of communication, including vocalisation, tail signals, scents, rubbing, and ear movements. Through observing the behaviour of two cat colonies in rural England, readers will also have the opportunity to glimpse into the lives of some of the cats behind Dr Brown's science. With references to historical records, modern scientific studies of cat-human communication, and the inclusion of simple, elegant line drawings, The Hidden Language of Cats is perfect for any cat lover who wants to learn more about their beloved companion.
Dr Sarah Brown gained her PhD on the social behaviour of neutered domestic cats while working at the Anthrozoology Institute at the University of Southampton. She has since worked as an independent cat behaviour counsellor, as a consultant for the cat-toy industry, and has conducted research for and worked with several UK animal charities. Sarah has authored The Cat: A Natural and Cultural History, which has been published in three languages; co-wrote The Behaviour of the Domestic Cat, 2nd edition; and contributed to The Domestic Cat: The Biology of Its Behaviour, 3rd edition. Sarah lives in London, England.
"The Hidden Language of Cats is full of such striking facts [...] . As a self-proclaimed cat lover, Ms. Brown is keen to smash certain stereotypes [...] .[and] she is determined to celebrate the domestic cat's achievements."
– The Wall Street Journa
l"A fascinating compendium of scientific information about our furry friends' modes of communication interwoven with anecdotes from Brown's 30 years of fieldwork (plus her own cats' hijinks at home). "Just like people", Brown notes, "cats have complex personalities". Whimsical line drawings by Brown's daughter Hettie add to the fun of this informative, accessible guide to what cats are telling us, whether through tail twitches, meows or exceedingly slow blinking."
– BookPage
"The history enlightens and the science provides robust insight why felines do what they do. Cat lovers will want to add this to their shelf."
– Publishers Weekly
"[Brown] approaches her study of domestic cats from a scientific perspective, offering her firsthand observations and analysis of recent research studies in a writing style that is easily comprehendible and captivating [...] . With her lighthearted yet authoritative approach, Brown helps us better understand our feline companions."
– Kirkus
"At last, a brilliant voice to give cats the recognition they deserve. From feral cats outside an asylum, to pampered mother cats giving birth in the warmth and safety of a home, Dr. Brown studies her subjects with a fascination and delight that is contagious. Tracing our relationship with cats all the way back to the Fertile Crescent, The Hidden Language of Cats solves the mystery of how their solitary predatory ancestors came to be such an important part of our lives. The best book you will read this year."
– Brian Hare and Vanessa Woods, New York Times bestselling authors of The Genius of Dogs
"Cat advocates sometimes call themselves "the voice of the voiceless", but the truth is cats express themselves very clearly; we just have to know how to listen. The Hidden Language of Cats decodes the underlying meaning behind the wide variety of ways cats communicate with us, each other, and the world around them, empowering readers to better understand and advocate for them. This deep dive into cat language is a must have for any animal rescuer or guardian who wants to increase their feline fluency!"
– Hannah "Kitten Lady" Shaw, bestselling author of Tiny But Mighty and founder of Orphan Kitten Club
"Sarah Brown knows cats. A fascinating blend of real-life stories and science informed by her deep expertise, this book will both entertain and inform any cat-lover."
– John Bradshaw, New York Times bestselling author of The Trainable Cat and Cat Sense
"Purrs, hisses, meows, scents, scratches, ear tilts, tail flicks, and head butts. Cats are wonderfully expressive across a variety of modalities, even if their meaning isn't always clear to us. Sarah Brown's delightful book will help you better understand what our feline friends are trying to say, while appreciating how much remains mysterious."
– Sean Carroll, Homewood Professor of Natural Philosophy at Johns Hopkins and New York Times bestselling author of The Biggest Ideas in the Universe
"Every cat lover wishes they could understand what their cat is thinking: This book will help you do just that! Sarah Brown provides the reader with a highly-entertaining and evidence-based guide to how cats communicate and how to have a better relationship with the cat in your life. Every house cat wishes their owner would read this book!"
– Dr. Mikel Delgado, PhD, Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist and coauthor of Total Cat Mojo
