The Nine Emotional Lives of Cats

More about the book

In this engaging exploration, provocative psychoanalyst Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson takes readers into the secretive and playful world of cats, revealing their emotions and debunking common myths. Drawing from literature, history, and animal behavior research, he honors the feline’s evolution from solitary jungle creature to cherished companion. Through vivid storytelling and true anecdotes from cat experts and lovers, Masson examines the delights and mysteries of the feline heart. Central to the narrative are his candid observations of his own five cats, whose mischievousness, aloofness, and affection provide a lens to explore emotions ranging from contentment to jealousy, anger to love. He challenges the notion of cats as selfish, suggesting that their apparent self-centeredness is not vanity but rather a keen observation of their human companions. Cats, curious by nature, assess whether we are worthy of their attention, and while they may not need us in the same way we need them, they still seem to love us. This captivating work offers surprising insights and a fresh perspective on the deep bond shared between humans and their feline friends, making it a must-read for cat lovers and Masson’s fans alike.