The Lion in the Living Room

How House Cats Tamed Us and Took Over the World

By: Abigail Tucker

Narrated by: Arden Hammersmith

A lively adventure through history, natural science, and pop culture in search of how cats conquered the world, the Internet, and our hearts.

House cats rule back alleys, deserted Antarctic islands, and our bedrooms. Clearly they own the Internet, where a viral cat video can easily be viewed upward of 10 million times. But how did cats accomplish global domination? Unlike dogs, they offer humans no practical benefit. The truth is they are sadly incompetent rat catchers and pose a threat to many ecosystems. Yet we love them still.

To better understand these furry strangers in our midst, Abby Tucker travels to meet the breeders, activists, and scientists who've dedicated their lives to cats. She visits the labs where people sort through feline bones unearthed from the first human settlements, treks through the Floridian wilderness in search of house cats on the loose, and hangs out with Lil Bub, one of the world's biggest feline celebrities.

Witty, intelligent, and always curious, Tucker shows how these tiny creatures have used their relationship with humans to become one of the most powerful animals on the planet. The appropriate reaction to a cuddly kitten, it seems, might not be aww but awe.

©2016 Abigail Tucker. All rights reserved. (P)2016 Simon & Schuster

Critic reviews

"A thoughtful look at the illogical human love of felines." ( Publishers Weekly)

"Dig deep into the history, biology, and science of house cats in this charming, highly informative read that explains how cats came to rule." ( B&N Reads)

"[An] intriguing history.... Read this entertaining book and you will be convinced that house cats are 'the most transformative invaders the world has ever seen.'" ( Kirkus Reviews)

Good, I guess

I thought the book would talk more about how why cats behave the way they do. Instead it spends too long talking about the politics of TNR. Maybe I had incorrect expectations for the book

Absolutely adorable!!

Covering everything from prehistoric cats and their unique dietary needs to Lil Bub and Grumpy cat, this brief history of how we got from lions and cheetahs to lolcats and cheezburgers is just delightful. A must read (or listen, or whatever) for all aspiring crazy cat people.

A Keen Insight

A keen exploration that will make you cheer for your tiny companion, question if keeping them is cruel, and realize how truly to heel they have you in turn.

Great Catbook!!

A great book about cats, I learned quite a bit, but then I'm prejudiced, I love cats and dogs also!!!!!!!we

Fascinating!

This was a very interesting book that covered many of the topics I was interested in. It was surprising in many instances. The narration was excellent. Highly recommended.

longer than it needed to be

there's probably a lot here you don't care about but the nuggets of information scattered throughout are worth the effort. With the possible exception of the chapter on toxoplasmosis, which is recommended only if you're into science fiction and horror.

Cats Rule. Literally

We love them to pieces. They overtake and destroy every environment they are introduced to. There is no solution. They will outlast us all. A very interesting book, nicely read, but not exactly the fun read I was expecting, lol

Thought this was

A unique combination of awful and disappointing. What was the point of all the attention devoted to the POSSIBLE impact of the parasite? Then we have a chapter devoted to the cat version of a team show.

Expected more - better

Pessimistic

Such a negative look on cats. The writer suggests she is a cat lover. Really?

Cats are not dogs and their owners are different also

Very biased review if information about cats. The author clearly knows little about animal behavior and evolution