Cats are the most enigmatic and alluring of domestic animals. Beguiling beauty, fierce independence, aloof intelligence, and self-sufficiency characterize their long and exotic history. The Elegance of the Cat is a celebration of this most captivating animal and a moving account of the feline's journey from the wild to a comfortable domestic existence. In this beautifully illustrated book, established author and animal specialist Tamsin Pickeral traces the colorful and tumultuous history of the cat, from its glory days in Egypt to its arrival in America on creaking ships, and explores the diverse role of the cat in each culture, culminating in the "modern" history of cats, the origins of cat shows, and the selective breeding of pure bred, pedigreed animals. Open this richly illustrated book and you will discover the stories behind more than fifty breeds of cat; from the lithe-bodied Abyssinian, originating in Ancient Egypt, to the intelligent Russian Blue, with its unique silver-blue coat; and from the graceful, long-haired Balinese to the lop-eared Scottish Fold. The evocative and informative text is accompanied by stunning photographs of every featured breed by award-winning photographer Astrid Harrisson. Her breathtaking images capture the many facets of what makes a cat a cat--its beauty, spirit, intelligence, and wit. The Elegance of the Cat is an essential volume for everyone who loves cats.