The Cat Encyclopedia: The Definitive Visual Guide (DK Pet Encyclopedias)

I found this at Barnes & Noble and ended up standing there flipping through it for an hour before realizing it was forty bucks. I nearly cried — then saw it on Amazon for half the price and hit Buy Now so fast my cat flinched. This book is incredible. It’s not one of those overly simplified “so you just got a cat!” guides that assume you’ve never seen one before. The Cat Encyclopedia goes deep — anatomy, evolution, behavior, communication, breeds, even the science behind their senses. The “Biology of Cats” chapter especially blew me away — it’s written with actual respect for the animal and genuine curiosity for how they function. It’s the perfect balance between scientific and visually stunning. The photos are high-quality, the information is solid, and it’s written in a tone that doesn’t insult your intelligence. It feels like a proper reference guide, not a pamphlet for new pet owners. Pros: • In-depth, well-researched, and actually interesting. • Gorgeous layout and photography. • Perfect for anyone who’s serious about understanding cats beyond basic care tips. • Great value. Cons: • You’ll lose hours in it — it’s that engrossing. • Slightly heavy, but that’s the price of quality. Bottom Line: If you’re obsessed with cats and tired of “pet parent” fluff, this is the one. It’s the encyclopedia your cat deserves — and the kind of book that reminds you just how extraordinary these animals really are.

My 12-year-old is absolutely obsessed with cats, and this encyclopedia has become her favorite thing on the bookshelf. She pours over the pages every day—learning about different breeds, quirky cat behaviors, and fun feline facts. The photos are stunning and the layout is super engaging, which makes it easy for her to explore on her own. It’s not just a book—it’s a gateway to her passion. She’s started sketching her favorite breeds, memorizing trivia, and even teaching us things we didn’t know about cats! I love how it fuels her curiosity and gives her something to dive into that’s both educational and joyful. If you have a young cat enthusiast in your life, this book is pure magic.

I got this book for my husband’s birthday and he’s been reading a few pages every night. The book has such a nice quality and the cover design is beautiful as well. The book has so much information to learn. Even family and friends who visit our house enjoy reading it together on the couch and it’s the sweetest thing to see!

absolutely love this visual book!!! worth the money.

I got this book for my 8 year old neuro-divergent nephew who's totally into cats right now. This book is gorgeous. Lots of great pictures and good info on various cat breeds and cat behavior. Winner.

Great coffee table book - love it

I did not come in a plastic film. But the book was in a great state.

Got this for my 9 year-old son who loves cats, and we have both really enjoyed this book. It is a beautiful book suitable for the coffee table, yet has so much information it is a great reference too. We especially love all the color photos and information about every breed you could possibly imagine.