The Lion in the Living Room

How House Cats Tamed Us and Took Over the World

By: Abigail Tucker

Narrated by: Arden Hammersmith

A New York Times bestseller about how cats conquered the world and our hearts in this “deep and illuminating perspective on our favorite household companion” (Huffington Post).

House cats rule bedrooms and back alleys, deserted Antarctic islands, even cyberspace. And unlike dogs, cats offer humans no practical benefit. The truth is they are sadly incompetent mouse-catchers and now pose a threat to many ecosystems. Yet, we love them still.

In the “eminently readable and gently funny” (Library Journal, starred review) The Lion in the Living Room, Abigail Tucker travels through world history, natural science, and pop culture to meet breeders, activists, and scientists who’ve dedicated their lives to cats. She visits the labs where people sort through feline bones unearthed from the first human settlements, treks through the Floridian wilderness in search of house cats-turned-hunters on the loose, and hangs out with Lil Bub, one of the world’s biggest celebrities—who just happens to be a cat.

“Fascinating” (Richmond Times-Dispatch) and “lighthearted” (The Seattle Times), Tucker shows how these tiny felines have used their relationship with humans to become one of the most powerful animals on the planet. A “lively read that pounces back and forth between evolutionary science and popular culture” (The Baltimore Sun), The Lion in the Living Room suggests that we learn that the appropriate reaction to a house cat, it seems, might not be aww but awe.

Good, I guess

I thought the book would talk more about how why cats behave the way they do. Instead it spends too long talking about the politics of TNR. Maybe I had incorrect expectations for the book

Absolutely adorable!!

Covering everything from prehistoric cats and their unique dietary needs to Lil Bub and Grumpy cat, this brief history of how we got from lions and cheetahs to lolcats and cheezburgers is just delightful. A must read (or listen, or whatever) for all aspiring crazy cat people.

A Keen Insight

A keen exploration that will make you cheer for your tiny companion, question if keeping them is cruel, and realize how truly to heel they have you in turn.

Great Catbook!!

A great book about cats, I learned quite a bit, but then I'm prejudiced, I love cats and dogs also!!!!!!!we

Fascinating!

This was a very interesting book that covered many of the topics I was interested in. It was surprising in many instances. The narration was excellent. Highly recommended.