Jeffrey Masson: The Nine Emotional Lives Of Cats

Reviewed by STAN PINNEGAR

Jeffrey Masson acknowledges the help of five cats, Minnnalouche, Miki, Moko, Megalamandira and Yossie, his observations of whom enabled him to write this book.

The author quite obviously, as he says, loves cats, and so do millions of humans. And I don't entirely hate these lithe, silent killers, though something of a love-hate relationship exists since our Cairn terrier insisted we bring home Bella, a kitten he befriended at his homestay last year. (She sucked him in.)

The hate part relates mostly to the numerous bites and scratches Bella has inflicted upon me, the two birds and a lizard I have managed to rescue in our garden, and especially the blackbird I failed to save.

Cats, you see, are the deadliest predator on this planet. What other animal kills on a full belly and for no other apparent reason?

Masson acknowledges the apparent lack of a conscience among our feline "friends" and delves into other questions about their behaviour. He is not so besotted by them that it affects his judgment.

For example, he writes of a kind of loyalty, despite their aloofness, the motive for purring, as well as the nine emotions which make up the main chapters: Narcissism, Love, Contentment, Attachment, Jealousy, Fear, Anger, Curiosity and Playfulness.

But this book is also about Masson's life with his feline friends. It is rich in anecdote about his long walks with his cats and clearly his fondness for Auckland - his new home.

In the chapter Anger, Masson says: "What makes a cat angry with humans? Generally, cats do not like us to infringe their dignity, and they do not like it when we do not respect their wishes.

"This is not, though, the stuff of cat-upon-cat anger. That is more mysterious. Or is it? The one trait that has never been altered in any of the 36 species of wild cats (with the exception of lions and cheetahs) is solitary living ... "

Clearly, then, cats are loners at heart, aren't they?

As I write, Bella has disappeared to her secret place in the house to await the setting sun. She will emerge and make a great fuss of us until she is fed.

Those of us who believe cats to be cold and unemotional might have to think again after reading this book, says the back cover, and that should prepare the reader for an enchanting and rewarding journey through its pages. Highly recommended for cat lovers and haters alike.

* Published by Random House, $27.95.