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The Lion in the Living Room

How House Cats Tamed Us and Took Over the World

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The Lion in the Living Room

By: Abigail Tucker
Narrated by: Arden Hammersmith
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About this listen

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
Animals Anthropology Cats Social Sciences Witty Polar Region Internet Ecosystem

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)

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