The author of Straw Dogs, famous for his provocative critiques of scientific hubris and the delusions of progress and humanism, turns his attention to cats—and what they reveal about humans' torturous relationship to the world and to themselves. The history of philosophy has been a predictably tragic or comical succession of palliatives for human disquiet. Thinkers from Spinoza to Berdyaev have pursued the perennial questions of how to be happy, how to be good, how to be loved, and how to live in a world of change and loss. But perhaps we can learn more from cats--the animal that has most captured our imagination--than from the great thinkers of the world. In Feline Philosophy, the philosopher John Gray discovers in cats a way of living that is unburdened by anxiety and self-consciousness, showing how they embody answers to the big questions of love and attachment, mortality, morality, and the Self: Montaigne's house cat, whose un-examined life may have been the one worth living; Meo, the Vietnam War survivor with an unshakable capacity for "fearless joy"; and Colette's Saha, the feline heroine of her subversive short story "The Cat", a parable about the pitfalls of human jealousy. Exploring the nature of cats, and what we can learn from it, Gray offers a profound, thought-provoking meditation on the follies of human exceptionalism and our fundamentally vulnerable and lonely condition. He charts a path toward a life without illusions and delusions, revealing how we can endure both crisis and transformation, and adapt to a changed scene, as cats have always done.

Stories and reflections on the many lessons we learn from cats—about life, love, and our spiritual nature “The Karma of Cats is yet more proof that cats teach us to be better humans, and sometimes even save our lives. Read this book with a cat on your lap, then hand it to another biped in need of inspiration.” —Caroline Paul, author of Lost Cat and The Gutsy Girl “What I find most enticing about The Karma of Cats are the golden filaments of respect, delight, and appreciation that weave through the unique voice of each storyteller, these kindred spirits who—like ourselves—treasure the remarkable gifts bestowed upon us by our feline family members.” —Susan Chernak McElroy, author of Why Buffalo Dance There is nothing quite like the love of a cat. Both revered and feared throughout history, cats are unique in the mystical truths and practical lessons they share with us. In The Karma of Cats, spiritual teachers and writers reflect on the wisdom and gifts they’ve received from their feline friends—exploring themes of radical respect, unconditional love, our spiritual nature, and more. Loving companions and wild spirits, our feline friends have much to teach all who welcome them into their homes and hearts. With an introduction by Seane Corn and contributions by Alice Walker, Andrew Harvey, Biet Simkin, Brother David Steindl-Rast, Damien Echols, Geneen Roth, Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson, Kelly McGonigal, Rachel Naomi Remen, Sterling “TrapKing” Davis, and many more.

Seduction is just the practice of artful stretching. Never let people know how fast you are. Appear slow in all things, and less is expected of you. When someone is on the computer too long, help them by distracting them, or walk lightly on their keyboard. So advises Stanley, a remarkably astute cat with a keen eye for the important things in life. Perhaps you don't have time for yoga, can't afford therapy, or wouldn't dare cry to mother. If so, let Stanley be your guide. Lessons from Stanley the Cat offers wise and witty maxims from Stanley himself, translated by his doting psychotherapist (human) parent, Jennifer Freed. Whether you're a cat lover or prefer companions of the canine variety, Stanley's warmth and insight are sure to brighten even the grayest days.

Packed full of quotes as well as snippets of information, this little book is the perfect gift for any cat lover.

Ingrid King explores our relationships with cats by combining her professional expertise with compassionate insights into how cats can inspire, soothe and even help heal us. In Purrs of Wisdom, King artfully delivers pearls of wisdom celebrating all our relationships, feline, human or otherwise. You’ll want to savor each chapter and purr-haps revisit those that strike a personal chord.

Many a domestic cat leads a good life. Pampered, well-fed and often the centre of much attention, the cat is skilful in getting its own way.

Celebrate your love of cats and their eternal wisdom in this little book of famous quotes and poetry about our favourite feline friends.