This indispensable reference book provides veterinary-approved advice on cat care and an illustrated guide to the world's cat breeds, shown in 700 wonderful photographs.

Presents information on all known domestic cat breeds, providing detailed descriptions of each purebred's physical attributes, behavior patterns, and genetic history, and includes information on how to participate in cat shows.

A comprehensive, practical care and training manual and a definitive encyclopedia of world breeds.

The perfect guide for cat lovers! Encyclopedia of Cat Breeds is a comprehensive cat book for any animal lover, updated with the latest information on all recognized feline breeds, from Maine Coons to Persians. This valuable pet reference guide includes all the facts on cats and kittens, a thorough history of feline evolution and the history of the house cat, a detailed description of purebred cats, a summary of feline genetics, and an in-depth discussion pet grooming and cat healthcare. This book includes over 45 feline breed profiles with stunning color photos, bar graphs, fast facts, and breed characteristics. Profiles feature: Abyssinian, American Shorthair, Bengal, Burmese, Cornish Rex, Himalayan, Maine Coon, Oriental, Persian, Ragdoll, Siamese, Sphynx, Turkish Angora... and many others! This must-have cat and kitten guide also features: Descriptions of new or experimental breeds Extensive information on the American domestic cat Tips for decide which breed is best for you Advice on choosing a purebred cat Information on entering a cat in shows For cat lovers far and wide, this is a comprehensive guide for keeping your furry friends happy and healthy!

Lavishly illustrated, the 256 page directory is presented according to basic groups: shorthairs, longhairs, semi-longhairs, orientals, and foreign breeds--all featuring full color identification photography plus photographs of varieties to show variations within the breed. Breed standards are given as well as care boxes for at a glance tips for each breed. An introductory section covers the history of cats, ranging back over the millennia to the wild cats which roamed the earth with early humans to the domesticated cats of today. There follow sections on the anatomy, physiology, and psychology of the cat, and specialist terminology is illustrated with examples taken from the breeds featured in the Encyclopedia. Photographs, maps, and drawings show how particular conformations and characteristics have evolved into groupings which are recognized today.