The Interpretation of Cats - by Claude Béata

About the Book

"From a leading veterinary psychiatrist, a groundbreaking exploration into the minds of our feline companions..."--Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

"A fount of practical tips for cat owners." --The New York Times

From a leading veterinary psychiatrist, a groundbreaking look into the minds of our feline companions and "a guide to being the best humans we can be for our cats" (Focus Vif).

Cats are mysterious creatures, and the relationship between humans and cats has never been simple. They are contradictory creatures: curious and aloof, independent and affectionate, predator and prey. Their true nature continues to elude us, and their subtle and complex behavioral problems can often seem unsolvable or incomprehensible. So, how can we tell when our pets are suffering? How can we understand their aggression? And how can we treat patients who can't speak for themselves?

In this fascinating book--a bestseller in its native France--veterinary doctor and psychiatrist Claude Béata draws on cutting-edge research and decades of experience to revolutionize our understanding of cats and transform our appreciation of feline mental well-being. Here, we meet Nougatine, a Siamese with an aggressive streak; Tabatha, a Ragdoll with separation anxiety; and Melly, an Abyssinian struggling with a feline form of schizophrenia--as well as their owners, who seek advice and support. Through their stories, Dr. Béata takes us inside the minds of cats, helping us to improve our relationships with them and love them even more.

Charming, surprising, and offering illuminating insight into a range of disorders, The Interpretation of Cats provides readers with a new understanding of cat behavior so we can care for the mental and physical wellness of our beloved furry friends. The result is an indispensable and eye-opening guide to our most enigmatic companions.

Review Quotes

"A fount of practical tips for cat owners." --The New York Times

"Fascinating. A must for every cat owner." --Philippa Perry, author of The Book You Want Everyone You Love to Read

"The internationally renowned veterinarian and animal psychologist Claude Béata has given cat-lovers the perfect guide to their feline companions. Drawing on many years of experience and research into the behavior of these adorable and enigmatic creatures, he shows how they interact with the humans with whom they share their lives. If you want to understand the needs of cats, you can do no better than read this wise, witty and absorbing book." --John Gray, author of Feline Philosophy

"It is often said that there are two means of refuge from life--music and cats--and I'd like to add reading this book to this soul healing prescription." --Theresa Cheung, author of Psychic Cats

International Praise for The Interpretation of Cats
"A fascinating manual about the wellbeing of cats." --Times (UK)

"A guide to being the best humans we can be for our cats . . . For the countless humans living with cats, this could become the most useful manual." --Focus Vif

"Béata demystifies the highly complex behaviors of our little tigers, so that we may better understand them and live more harmoniously together . . . A fascinating book, charming to read and bursting with anecdotes." --Santé Magazine

"Enlightening . . . Claude Béata sheds new light on animal psychology at a time when we are all, more than ever, reappraising our relationships with living things." --Madame Figaro

"Across the pages, and with clinical examples, Claude Béata decrypts the perspective of this enigmatic companion, torn by its dual nature as both predator and prey. The book refers as much to the madness of certain owners as to that of cats, who the author hopes to soothe with his accessible and concrete advice." --La Croix

About the Author

Claude Béata is a veterinary doctor and specialist in behavioral medicine based in France. Dedicated to animal well-being, he is a strong advocate for the development of veterinary psychiatry and is the author of several bestselling books on the psychology of animals.