Chronicling the history of the cat world-renowned vet and author Dr. Bruce Fogle explains how one subspecies of the wildcat developed a tolerance for living near humans and became the domestic cat we know today. The New Encyclopedia of the Cat explores many aspects of the cat's role in human culture including cat worship and cats in folklore literature and art. More than 275 of the world's major cat breeds and varieties are lavishly photographed in specially commissioned full-figure portraits. Key facts are included about all the registered colour varieties their ancestry breed standards and temperament. The anatomy of the feline form is analyzed in detail from the skeleton and nervous system to the function of hormones and genes. There is extensive advice on your cat's health grooming and other aspects of responsible ownership. The instincts hunting and socialising and mating habits unique to cats are also explained in full. Truly encyclopedic in scope this is the essential reference for every cat lover.