Product Description

Here is a handsomely illustrated descriptive directory of virtually all major cat breeds available to prospective owners in America--a "must-read" reference source for cat lovers and breeders everywhere. Opening chapters include a survey of feline history and evolution, a detailed description of the qualities that make a purebred, a summary of feline genetics, and a discussion of conformation, color, and coat. Following are alphabetically arranged profiles of 40 different breeds, from Abyssinian through Burmese, Manx, and Scottish Fold, to Turkish Van. Remaining chapters provide detailed discussions of the American domestic cat, experimental breeds, choosing the right breed for the right household, pricing and judging quality when buying a purebred, descriptions of cat associations and shows, and advice on showing purebreds. Supplementary information includes a glossary of terms and a list of helpful books and periodicals.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #278622 in Books
• Published on: 1997-10-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 320 pages

Customer Reviews

an almost "purr-fect" cat encyclopedia
After buying many encyclopedia cat books (6 in all) and continually being disappointed in the lack of detailed information on many subjects, such as the differences in personalities among the various breeds, I have finally found, what I believe, is the definitive book on cat breeds. Ms. Helgren has taken her time to explain the dissimilarities among each breed and has done so in an extremely interesting and concise profile form. She has used easy to read charts for showing the various levels of behavior and general care concerns for each type. There's even a chapter on how to choose the best cat for YOUR personality. This is an excellent book and I highly recommend it to anyone who is either beginning a search or just wants to find out more about these wonderful feline companions.

Excellent!
I agree wholeheartly with the reader from California. If you are considering purchasing a cat, you will find this book to be helpful. I also enjoyed the chapter about the history of cat organizations. The author remains neutral about all the various groups, but it appears as if some of them would like to scratch the others eyes out! Talk about being "catty"! I had no idea where were so many cat associations. This book has it all - great pictures, detailed ratings of each breed's characteristics, and well written personality trait descriptions. I have enjoyed every page.

Good for the Veterinary Technician
I am a vet tech student and was currently taking Breed ID when I purchased this book. Wonderfully describes the personality and the car of each breed. A must for any library for research or the thirst for knowledge of cat breeds...