Firstly, I don’t know who was more self-indulgent – Michael Joseph for writing Cat’s Company, or me for reading it.
This non-fiction book is essentially an ode to how wonderful cats are – both in general and, more specifically, some of Joseph’s favourites. If you’re thinking that this couldn’t fill a whole book then you clearly aren’t the felinophile that I and Joseph are.
(Before I go further, I must also confess that there is some discrepancy with the date, and qualifications for the 1930 Club. My suspicions were first roused when Joseph mentioned the Munich Crisis… it turns out that Cat’s Company was indeed published in 1930, but was edited and updated in 1946. It isn’t at all clear which bits were added – except when they refer to later events, of course.)
How did Michael Joseph get something so self-indulgent published, you might wonder? Well, the answer comes when you see the name of the publishing house… Michael Joseph. I’m very glad he did, because Cat’s Company is a total delight.
In the first chapter, he basically just talks about how great his cats are. Particularly one called Minna, but he has plenty to say in praise of her offspring and for any number of cats past and present – at the time he was writing, he had fourteen in residence.
Other chapters share many anecdotes told to him by friends and strangers about their cats, examine the cat’s intelligence – he puts in a very fine argument about how it is more intelligent to be independent than to be trainable – and famous cat lovers in history. Most controversially, he devotes a chapter to cat vs dog. Joseph is no dog hater, and his household even had one when the book was published, but he recognises the cat’s natural superiority. And 
adds that not only do cats also know they are superior, dogs seem aware of it too. This cat lover can’t dispute it. This section is from an earlier chapter, because I don’t want to alienate dog fans:
We all like to think our pets exceptionally devoted and intelligent. Every animal lover can tell you, and will tell you if you give him the least encouragement, stories which demonstrate beyond all doubt the sagacity of his animal friends. The innumerable stories told about the loyalty and understanding of the dog have of course overshadowed the claims of puss, who does not parade his qualities for public admiration, and whose wits are generally employed for his private benefit. Only those who have taken the trouble to cultivate and study the cat can realise what an extraordinarily intelligent and responsive creature he is.
In terms of looking at how much this is a portrait of 1930 – well, the cat has not changed. It is amusing when he tries to describe the ‘cat flap’ (a term that didn’t exist until the 50s, according to the OED) and neutering/spaying cats was clearly a lot less common, but otherwise cat behaviour is largely the same, unspoiled by human interaction. And I will always rush towards any writer who is good at writing accurately about cats, in fiction or non-fiction.
Is Joseph biased? Yes, absolutely. He admits basically no faults in cats. Is he right? Absolutely. Am I biased? What do you think… But, yes, any cat lover should get their paws on this one.
I see that Charles: The Story of a Friendship (by the author of…) is about one of his cats. They seem to be popular books, we’ve sold several copies over the years, which means I don’t have one readily to hand to read! But your review makes it sound both charming and erudite.
Written by me, dictated by my cat.
(Could a dog do that? I think not.)
I seldom actually get around to buying recommended books, but I’m tempted with this one. Cats are Angels. That is all.
I was definitely thinking of you as I read this, Diana!
If you can’t be self-indulgent during one of our reading weeks, I don’t know when you can! As for cats vs dogs – well, I love them both but the latter usually win my heart (sorry!) Nevertheless I admit that Hargreaves is adorable and he obviously approves of your choice of books! :D
Oh, I think you may have sold me on this. It sounds an utter delight! :)
Well, of course, my own cat is the absolute best – I was just telling her that this morning! Sounds like a delightful book, and we all need some self-indulgence now and then!
You’re preaching to the converted here too – I adore my cats, even though they’re grumpy old men now who hold me in utter contempt 😀
Simon, this sounds right up my street! Am catching up on reviews, with pot of tea (thus proving I can have tea ‘and’ books), with one of Elder Daughter’s three cats curled up on my lap, which is nice and warm and comforting, but does not make for easy typing!
Oh how marvellous. I can’t think of a more lovely gift for a book loving, cat crazy friend. So I have tracked down a copy.
Aha! This explains a footnote in Casino for Sale (1938), one of the comic ballet thrillers written by Caryl Brahms and S.J. Simon (the “Bullet in the Ballet” series, originally published by Michael Joseph).
A Russian character in Casino for Sale is writing his autobiography, and discussing publishers: “I think I send to my old friend Michael Joseph – it is good he should read something which is not about cats!” And then the footnote: “Special joke to keep publisher in good humour.”
Oh, I love that, Zoe!