A beautifully illustrated history of our relationship with feline companions, from the sacred animals of Ancient Egypt to famous pets of the mid-twentieth century. Also, includes the story of Gertrude of Nivelles (their patron saint), the pampered pets of Samuel Johnson and Anna Pavlova, the early modern associations between cats and outcast women (witches and prostitutes), their veneration as gods in Egyptian mythology, their ancient rivalry with dogs and their prominence in folklore.