The Feline Mystique: On the Mysterious Connection Between Women and Cats

By Clea Simon

Book Overview

What is it with women and cats? The Feline Mystique is the first serious examination of the intense relationship between woman and their cats and of the repercussions that bond can have on others. Richly researched and searchingly personal, The Feline Mystique uses history, science, art, and literature as touchpoints to explain and explore contemporary women's lives with their cats. From a glamorous tiger trainer to a feral-cat rescuer, from a show breeder to Simon and her own relationship with the gray longhair Cyrus, this book will introduce you to women both ferocious and nurturing and animals both whimsical and noble. It's a fresh, fascinating exploration of the timeless bond between women and cats, and will deepen your understanding of your relationship with your own feline-be he or she tiger or tabby. A cat person's answer to Pack of Two and The Secret Life of Dogs , The Feline Mystique is an eye-opening and soul-soothing book for all cat lovers.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312316100
• ISBN13: 9780312316105
• Release Date: August 2003
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.56 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Great book for those who know cats

If you know your cat's looks, meows, and feelings, this book makes sure you know you aren't crazy! We can understand cats as well as they understand us. I really enjoyed The Feline Mystique. It has wonderful cat stories, as well as great information that all cat lovers need!

Hear me MEOW loud and proud!

Well, thank you Clea Simon for writing such a wonderful book about the bond we women have with our cats! This book is packed with cat women like myself and stories illustrating the points that Clea makes about women and cats. From times before Christ, to ancient Egypt, to modern day, Clea looks at how women get the negative stereotypes that are still present today, as well as looking at why we women love our cats so much. Clea also tells her personal "love story" with her cat. This book also talks about the current feral cat problems, and what women are doing throughout the country to help control this. And yes, there is even women in the book that go a little too far: the cat hoarders.I also learned something else with this book: I had taken it to work and a few co-workers spotted it. They are on my waiting list to borrow and read this book....turns out there are more women out there who really love their cats than you would imagine. These are the same women who teased me for having a picture of my cat at my desk (and referring to him as "The Handsome Boyfriend").

I laughed, I cried, I purred

Clea Simon beautifully captured both the humorous and the tender side of life with our felines. She has interviewed a wide variety of "cat women" and uncocered truths about the age-old connection between our two tribes. While parts of the book made me laugh out loud, the haunting closing section deals with the loss of Clea's cat Cyrus; but she leaves us on a hopeful note and reminds us that there are more relationships out there. My cat stays on my lap while I read it to her, so it must be good!

A Book that fundamentally sheds light on Our Cats!

I read this book in the course of a weekend. I simply could not put it down. It personifies my relationship with my muse, my cat Henderson. This book sheds a whole new perspective on feelings that I already had for my cat. I would often find myself setting it down after reading something that I could not have said better myself, and just seeing my cat in a much deeper way than I had ever before. I truly recommend this book for ANY woman with a cat in her life, or to any woman, really, who has an interest in cats at all. It is insightful, smart, funny and poignant. I have already ordered it for two woman I know, one of whom is my mother who is one of the Cat Rescuers Ms. Simon described. I finished this book with renewed respects and feelings of awe for my cats. This is one book you should not miss.

Smart, charming, lyrically written

I've read and loved Simon's other books ("Fatherless Women" and "Madhouse") and this one was just knockout wonderful. It's so smart, so moving, and filled with history, annecdotes, and reflections on the very special role of cats in women's lives--and particularly in Simon's life. Am absolutely irresistible read about love and relationships--especially the feline kind. Who could resist that?