Our Cats and All About Them: Their Varieties, Habits, and Management

In Short

This book serves as both a practical manual and a cultural record of the domestic cat during the late nineteenth century. It moves from detailed advice on feeding and health to specific criteria for judging different breeds at competitive shows. Its enduring value lies in its blend of technical animal husbandry and the author’s genuine affection for the species. By chronicling the transition of the cat from a mere house-mouser to a prized exhibition animal, it captures a pivotal moment in the human-feline relationship that remains relevant to enthusiasts today.

The Story

The book begins by tracing the author’s evolution from a childhood bias against cats to a lifelong appreciation of their intelligence and utility. This transformation provides the emotional framework for the entire text. The author argues that because cats have been subject to centuries of neglect and cruelty, they have developed a self-reliant, cautious nature. He maintains that while the dog is often merely a pet, the cat is a functional partner in the household, providing essential protection against vermin.

The narrative shifts to the author’s role as an early promoter of cat shows, specifically those held at the Crystal Palace. He recounts the logistical challenges of organizing the first exhibitions—from designing the schedules and judging criteria to creating the promotional materials. By formalizing these standards, he aimed to elevate the status of the cat, encouraging owners to recognize beauty in the diverse markings and forms of their pets. He moves through the various breeds—the long-haired Persians and Angoras, the elusive tortoiseshells, and the striped tabbies—explaining the complexities of breeding for specific colors and patterns.

Beyond the showroom, the book explores the practicalities of feline management. The author shares personal insights on housing, diet, and the dangers of unnecessary medical interventions, advocating instead for fresh air, simple food, and gentle care. He includes observations on feline diseases, drawing from veterinary knowledge to provide actionable advice on identifying and treating common ailments.

As the work nears its conclusion, the scope broadens to include the cat’s role in folklore, literature, and human history. He compiles proverbs, myths, and accounts of "fishing cats" to illustrate the varied ways humans have perceived their feline companions across time. The book ends by reinforcing the author’s central thesis: the cat is a highly intelligent, adaptable, and essential creature. By bridging the gap between the show ring and the fireside, the author presents a final, compassionate appeal for the fair treatment and deeper understanding of these "veritable parts of our household."

How It Unfolds

A personal awakening The author explains how fifty years of observation turned his childhood prejudice into a deep fascination. He makes the case that the cat’s survival instincts are a direct result of human mistreatment.

The birth of the exhibition He details the creation of the Crystal Palace cat shows, describing the process of setting standards for color, form, and temperament. This section serves as an instruction manual for those wishing to understand what judges look for in a "perfect" cat.

Breeds and varieties The narrative moves through distinct chapters on long-haired, short-haired, tortoiseshell, and tabby cats. He offers specific breeding advice, suggesting which color combinations produce the most desirable kittens.

Practical husbandry The focus shifts to the daily needs of the cat, including the superiority of straw-filled baskets over boxes and the importance of allowing cats free access to sunlight. He strongly advises against the use of "coat tonics" or unnecessary medications.

Veterinary guidance The author incorporates professional medical advice on managing catarrhal fevers and other common illnesses. He stresses that early isolation and simple, natural remedies are the most effective strategies for maintaining health.

Cultural and historical lore The final portion gathers stories, proverbs, and maritime uses of the cat. It concludes with a collection of anecdotes that celebrate the cat’s place in human society and literature.

The People

The central figure is the author, Harrison Weir, who acts as a guide and bridge between two worlds: the practical, rustic life of the mouser and the refined, competitive world of the fancy. He is an observer who values the animal's autonomy as much as its companionship. His friend Mr. Wilkinson, the manager of the Crystal Palace, serves as the pragmatic facilitator who gives Weir the platform to turn his vision into a public institution.

The cats themselves are treated as characters with distinct personalities. "The Old Lady," a blue tabby, emerges as the representative of the show-quality cat, appearing as an early champion and setting the standard for her breed. We also meet the "Fishing Cat" belonging to the poacher Donald, whose companionship with her master serves as a poignant example of the mutual intelligence Weir admires. Finally, the various breeders and naturalists like Dr. George Fleming provide the technical expertise, while the "cat-fanciers" who write to Weir with questions represent the growing public interest that drives the book's argument for more humane treatment.

In Its Own Voice

"It is a veritable part of our household, and is both useful, quiet, affectionate, and ornamental."

The author defends the value of the domestic cat as both a functional and aesthetic companion in the home.

"If you use a padlock for the fastening, do not forget to send the key to the manager of the show, as is sometimes the case."

Reflecting his practical experience as a show organizer, he offers this humorous but essential reminder to exhibitors.

"The small or large dog may be regarded and petted, but is generally useless; the Cat, a pet or not, is of service."

He argues that the cat’s role as a protector against vermin gives it a unique status compared to the dog.

What It's Really About

The book is a sustained argument for the dignity of the cat. Beneath the instructions on breeding and the lists of show points lies a deeper concern: the correction of humanity’s historical neglect toward the species. The author suggests that if we treat cats with kindness and study their habits rather than viewing them as mere tools, we find them to be some of the most intelligent and loyal animals. It is a work of advocacy disguised as a guide, asking the reader to move beyond superstition and cruelty toward an informed, respectful stewardship.

Why Read It Today

Readers who enjoy the history of animal fancy, Victoriana, or the evolution of domestic pets will find this book deeply rewarding. It provides a rare window into how we began to codify the "perfection" of animals, showing both the progress and the limitations of 19th-century attitudes. It feels remarkably modern in its emphasis on nutrition and the avoidance of harsh, unnecessary chemicals, yet it is undeniably a product of its time in its occasionally stiff, formal prose and anecdotal structure.

One of the most charming aspects is the author’s voice—he is a man who clearly prefers the company of animals to the pomp of society. He is candid about the failures of his peers, such as the neglectful owners who send cats to shows in undersized boxes. Readers should be aware that the book contains some period-appropriate, blunt descriptions of animal health and mortality that may be jarring. However, those who value the history of human-animal relationships will find much to admire in the author’s lifelong pursuit of a kinder, more observant way of living with the cats we keep. It is a warm, idiosyncratic book that stays with you, serving as a reminder that the cats we love today are the beneficiaries of a long, often difficult journey into our homes.