Published in 1869, Champfleury's Les Chats is a book that defies simple categories. It's part natural history, part cultural commentary, and a full-throated celebration of the feline species. Champfleury, a novelist and critic, wrote this at a time when dogs were considered man's best friend, but cats were often treated with indifference or superstition. His mission was to change that, to give the cat its rightful place in the cultural and domestic world.

The Story

There's no traditional plot. Instead, think of it as a grand tour guided by a passionate expert. Champfleury structures his book like a series of investigations. He starts with the cat's history, tracing its journey from sacred animal in ancient Egypt to a misunderstood wanderer in medieval Europe. He then moves to their 'moeurs' or manners, observing their behavior with a writer's eye for detail—how they play, hunt, and interact with humans. The book is packed with 'observations' from his own life and stories from friends, and delightful 'anecdotes' about famous cats in literature and history. He even dedicates a large section to how cats have been portrayed in art, from medieval manuscripts to the paintings of his contemporaries.

Why You Should Read It

What makes this book special isn't just the information, it's the voice. Champfleury writes with a mix of genuine curiosity and warm humor. You can feel his frustration with people who don't appreciate cats, and his joy when he describes a perfect cat nap in a sunbeam. Reading it, you realize how many of our modern cat obsessions—the funny videos, the memes, the awe at their grace—were felt just as strongly 150 years ago. It connects you to a long chain of cat lovers throughout history. The book is a reminder that the mysterious, charming, and sometimes aloof creature on your sofa has captivated humans for millennia.

Final Verdict

This is a perfect read for true cat enthusiasts who enjoy history and quirky, old books. It's for the person who doesn't just want a cute cat picture book, but wants to dive deep into the 'why' behind our fascination. Literature and art buffs will love the deep dive into cultural references. Be warned, it's a 19th-century French text, so the language can be dense in places, but the charm shines through. If you've ever looked at your cat and thought, 'What is your story?' Champfleury spent over 400 pages trying to answer that, and his exploration is still wonderfully relevant today.