REVIEW: Super Cats by Elizabeth MacLeod

JayneB Reviews / Book Reviewscats / non-fiction1 Comments

A fiesta of feline facts for cat lovers everywhere! It’s amazing but true: there are approximately 600 million pet cats around the world! And why not? Not only are they playful, cuddly, and smart, they are also very helpful. Best known as skilled hunters, they can also predict storms and earthquakes, bring comfort to the sick, and have been known to detect diseases in humans. The love of cats goes back to the ancient Egyptians who worshipped them. Young readers will be fascinated to find out all the rituals attached to cat worship –and will be surprised to discover how cats played a role in the defeat of the Egyptians by the Persians. In her lively narrative style, author Elizabeth MacLeod recounts the origin of the superstition about black cats –and how owning any cat could have saved your life during the Plague. She explores the role of cats in Japanese and Chinese culture, and provides a useful guide to how cats communicate, both with other cats and humans. For the millions of young readers who adore cats, this book will keep them riveted with the many stories and facts about the world’s favorite pet.

Dear Ms. MacLeod,

How could I not want to read a book with a cute cat cover like this? Answer – I had to. Isn’t it adorable? Why yes, I do watch cute cat videos too. There is a lot of info here. Some such as how Egyptians worshiped their cats and mummified their remains after which the whole house went into mourning is pretty standard stuff. But there has been a cat astronaut – who returned safely to ground. And the Siamese cats of one ambassador were the ones who sussed out the electronic bugs which had been installed in the walls of the embassy.

Stroking cats can lower your blood pressure and calm you down – which makes me want to be able to deduct mine on my income tax as medical supplies. There is a cat who works in a long term care facility who can predict the likelihood of an imminent patient death and will stay in the room, curled up with the patient. Like dogs, other cats can predict low blood sugar levels or oncoming seizures.

Then there are the musical works inspired by cats like Domenico Scarlatti’s “Cat Fugue,” Chopin’s “Cat Waltz” and Zez Confrey’s “Kitten on the Keys.” I did head over to youtube for that last one. Finally there are cat library workers and we can adore them at cat cafes. Cats are the best and this book helps show why. B

~Jayne

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Jayne

Another long time reader who read romance novels in her teens, then took a long break before started back again about 15 years ago. She enjoys historical romance/fiction best, likes contemporaries, action- adventure and mysteries, will read suspense if there's no TSTL characters and is currently reading very few paranormals.

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