Chapter 1: The Art of Assertive Snuggling
* Summary: Cats use cuddling as a strategic technique to demand attention, comfort, and sustenance.
* Real Example: Mittens, a feline master manipulator, purrs incessantly when approaching her human, gently nudging her head against the human's leg. When her human hesitates, Mittens escalates to headbutting and kneading her human's lap.
Chapter 2: The Importance of Strategic Napping
* Summary: Cats understand the power of timing and use naps to maximize their humans' attention and affection.
* Real Example: Morris, a cunning tabby, seemingly sleeps through the night, only to awaken at precisely 6:02 AM, just as his human is getting ready for work. He then stretches, meows loudly, and rubs against his human's legs, demanding breakfast and love before his human can escape.
Chapter 3: The Subliminal Meow
* Summary: Cats have mastered the use of subtle meows to convey a wide range of messages, from hunger to affection to annoyance.
* Real Example: Luna, a Siamese, has developed a soft, high-pitched meow that she uses exclusively for when she wants her favorite tuna treat. Whenever Luna meows in this particular voice, her human immediately rushes to the kitchen to oblige.
Chapter 4: The Allure of Pouncing
* Summary: Cats use pouncing as a playful way to engage with their humans and stimulate their hunting instincts.
* Real Example: Shadow, a playful black cat, loves to wait until his human is engrossed in a book or movie. He then pounces on his unsuspecting human, batting at their hands or feet, demanding attention and a chase.
Chapter 5: The Power of Purring
* Summary: Cats' purrs have a calming and therapeutic effect on humans, which cats have learned to exploit for their benefit.
* Real Example: Tiger, a gentle giant, purrs loudly whenever his human is feeling stressed or anxious. By placing himself on his human's chest or lap, Tiger's purring reduces his human's heart rate and provides comfort.
Chapter 6: The Art of Selective Vomiting
* Summary: Cats may occasionally vomit as a way to express dissatisfaction or elicit sympathy from their humans.
* Real Example: Chloe, a finicky eater, vomits whenever her human attempts to give her a new type of food. By repeatedly vomiting on the carpet, Chloe ensures that her human never tries to change her diet again.
Chapter 7: The Importance of Catitude
* Summary: Cats possess an innate sense of self-importance and entitlement that they use to their advantage in training their humans.
* Real Example: Max, a regal Siamese, has trained his human to bring him his dinner on a silver platter and to address him by his full name, "Sir Maximilian III."
Chapter 8: The Value of Vertical Dominance
* Summary: Cats enjoy climbing and perching on high places to gain a sense of control and superiority.
* Real Example: Garfield, a lazy orange tabby, spends his days lounging on the highest bookshelf in the house. From his lofty perch, Garfield can survey his domain and demand food or attention whenever he desires.
Chapter 9: The Power of the Litter Box
* Summary: Cats are meticulous about their litter boxes and use them as a strategic tool to manipulate their humans.
* Real Example: Whiskers, an obsessive cat, refuses to use a dirty litter box. By holding his bladder until the box is cleaned, Whiskers ensures that his human prioritizes his bathroom needs.
Chapter 10: The Art of Grooming
* Summary: Cats spend significant time grooming themselves, not only for hygiene but also to bond with their humans.
* Real Example: Molly, a loving calico, insists on grooming her human every morning. By licking and purring, Molly strengthens her bond with her human and ensures that her human realizes her importance.
