The Cat's Meow; How Cats Evolved from the Savanna to Your Sofa

The fascinating history, present, and future of the world’s most beloved pet, explored by a leading evolutionary biologist and passionate cat enthusiast.

"Engaging and wide-ranging ... The Cat’s Meow is a readable and informed exploration of the wildcat that lurks within Fluffy." —The Washington Post

From its origins in Africa, the domestic cat has become one of the most successful and diverse species on Earth in a remarkably short period. Jonathan Losos, both a scientist and a devoted cat lover, takes readers on a journey to uncover the mysteries of the cat, past and present, using modern technology like GPS tracking (you won’t believe where your backyard cat might roam), genomics (ever wondered what your “Siamese” cat really is?), and forensic archaeology.

In addition to solving the riddles of your cat’s origins, Losos provides a cat's-eye view of current habitats, meeting wild relatives whose behaviors often mirror those of your own sweet house cat.

Why don’t lions and tigers meow? What’s the deal with that dead mouse your cat leaves at your feet—or, worse, on your pillow? Is having a pet ocelot a bad idea? Why did cats leave the African plains in the first place? And what’s with all those cats in ancient Egyptian art? With a friendly, accessible tone, Losos delves into the science and history of our feline companions, offering insights based on his own research and experience in a multi-cat household.

Over thousands of years, both natural and artificial selection have shaped the domestic cat, resulting in new breeds with wildly different anatomy and behaviors compared to their wild ancestors. But despite all the changes, the cat remains ever the predator, often reverting to its wild instincts as it adapts to new environments around the world.

As humans continue to shape cats, cats are, in turn, transforming the world around them. This charming and insightful book also offers a glimpse into the future of both Felis catus and Homo sapiens.