Reader Reviews from Amazon.com:
Charming and enlightening stories of le chats 
Good insight into one of my favorite animals; we have many, but I found the stories quite charming and informative. I didn't realize a cat would walk on or near a beach, much less follow someone to it. What varied personalities they have. :)
In defense of this book 
I'm almost annoyed that I feel compelled to write a slightly defensive and certainly protective review of this book but there you have it. In sweeping general response to the various criticisms posted on this page, my thoughts are the following. Of course all cats are unique as are all humans. Criticizing an author or his/her output for neglecting to state as much is almost silly. Shall we expect every biography, non-fiction work or novel to specify that the character/s don't represent all of humanity? Granted, Masson overstated his argument a bit with a generalized title, but I can forgive him this and thoroughly enjoy his discussion of his relationships with and meditations on his cats. And make no mistake...this is a meditation of sorts, a musing on the behaviors, expressions, and characters of his cat friends. I personally loved this book, maybe because I, too, spend a great deal of time and attention studying my feline friend, Stryder, who is as individualistic and defined as any human I've ever met. To sum, read the book, enjoy it for what it is, appreciate Masson's insight (which is substantial) and don't expect a clinical guide to cat behavior.
Nice and informative read
Despite being almost narrative, Masson's book is based on facts about the feline world. Some questions about the cats I've had through the years were answered, and I was entertained and moved by the anecdotes the author tells. All in all, a nice and clever read. Why the hate?
The Nine Emotional Lives of Cats
Delightful and thought-provoking. Animal-human and animal-animal interactions are far deeper than we often give them credit, and this book explores the depth of relationships and feelings, and ways of animal communication. Us humans have a lot to learn. Masson in a previous life was a psychotherapist, and he brings his insights into his relationships with cats, providing us ailurophiles with information about how best to relate and behave with our cat companions.
Heartwarming story of what is possible with your cat
Excellent story of the author's life with his cats in New Zealand, and how they accompany him for long walks. Even urban cats like to travel and walk - my city cats love to walk for miles with me, no, not on a leash. Many of the reviewers are quite unfair, just because they don't let their cats out - indoor cats are common in America and many shelters for instance only rehome them on signing a contract that they will not be allowed outside - does not mean their policy is justified. Cats need access to outside and the warm earth, just as we all do, and this wonderful book shows what's possible.
|
