Introduction Cats have been part of our lives in one significant way or another for many thousands of years, and for most of that time we have struggled to truly understand them. Their behavior can appear focused, manipulative and ruthless outdoors, yet loving and gentle with their owners at home. They can be contrary, fun-loving, dismissive and frolicsome in equal measure. So which cat is the real one? I doubt that we can ever domesticate the cat or even really claim to own a creature with such independence. It's a very telling fact that we have never succeeded in selectively breeding a cat to assist us humans by performing a particular role -- there are no cats that can herd, guard or sniff on command. And we have failed to produce a cat that is significantly smaller or larger than nature's version, unlike the Chihuahua or the Great Dane in the case of our other favorite companion animal, the dog. The cat seems to defy any of our clumsy attempts to alter perfection or achieve a sense of control. "A Riddle Wrapped in a Mystery Inside an Enigma" The more I study cats to discover the truth about their behavior, the more I realize that we still only know half the story. Research is constantly revealing new and amazing facts about this incredible species, each piece of information linked with others to eventually complete the jigsaw puzzle. I continue in my quest to solve the mystery of the cat because the key to the wellbeing of the animal we love so much is in our understanding of it. This book starts that journey of discovery by exploring the domestic cat's unique physiology to see how its structure contributes to its success as a species. We will then delve into the secretive world of its behavior by getting close up and personal with the pet cat's "wild" (feral) cousins to see how they spend their days. Domestic cats are only a whisker away from their wild side, so understand the wild cat and you'll get a little closer to understanding your own! Throughout the book I refer to pet cats as male, for ease, so my apologies to anyone who shares their home with a female, as I do. It's nothing personal! Excerpted from The Secret Life of Your Cat: Unlock the Mysteries of Your Pet's Behavior by Vicky Halls All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.
