A Cat's Tale

August 24, 2020
This charming, funny, and informative history of cats is narrated by Baba, a domestic shorthair tabby cat, as “dictated to” her human companion, historian Koudounaris (Memento Mori). Baba’s story begins at the end of the Neolithic period, when humans became agricultural and cats became domesticated, eliminating the rodents on farms in exchange for food and shelter. Baba goes on to describe the special relationship between cats and the ancient Egyptians, who considered felines a “bulwark against evil”; later, under Roman rule, an enraged Cairo mob reportedly dragged a centurion to death in the streets after his chariot ran over a cat. The book is full of such fascinating historical anecdotes, including Queen Victoria’s refusal to authorize the medal worn by members of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals until it was redesigned to feature a cat, and Cardinal Richelieu’s Bond villain-like habit of “lovingly strok a contented cat with one hand, and with the other sign death war­rants.” Accompanying the text, which strikes a commendably even balance between Eastern and Western history, are hilarious color photos of Baba in various costumes and wigs, including pharaoh regalia, an anorak, and a sailor suit. Even cat aficionados will learn something new—and have fun doing it.