BOOK REVIEW | 'Cats of The World': Shaw and Marttila Take Readers on Global Exploration of Cat Culture

Cats of the World

by Hannah Shaw / Andrew Martilla

Brief Summary

Hannah ‘The Kitten Lady’ Shaw and Andrew ‘The Cat Photographer’ Marttila journey to thirty countries to bring you hundreds of photos and stories of cats from every corner of the world.

Rating

5.0 out of 5.0 paws Exceptional

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Recommendation

Cats of the World is a captivating journey that will leave cat lovers purring with delight. This visual feast and cultural exploration is more than just a book—it’s an enchanting voyage across continents, appealing to both passionate feline enthusiasts and advocates of cat welfare and rescue. With its stunning photography and heartwarming stories, this volume is destined to become a cherished centerpiece on the coffee tables of cat aficionados, photography fans, and cultural explorers alike. Shaw and Marttila’s global expedition offers a unique lens into the universal bond between humans and felines, making it an irresistible addition to any cat lover’s library.

Basic Information

Title: Cats of the World
Author(s): Hannah Shaw and Andrew Marttila
Publisher: Plume
Publication Date: October 15, 2024
Genre: Non-fiction, Travelogues. Photography, Animals, Pets
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 320 pages
Dimensions: 8 x 0.59 x 10 inches
Language: English
ISBN-13: 978-0593183113
ISBN-10: 0593183118
List Price: $32.00
(Note: Actual prices may vary. Check with retailers for current pricing.)
Website: https://www.catsofthe.world/

Pet-Related Themes/Content

Cats
Feline welfare
Cat Culture
Cat Photography

Detailed Review

Cats of the World invites readers on an extraordinary global expedition alongside feline enthusiasts Hannah ‘The Kitten Lady’ Shaw and Andrew ‘The Cat Photographer’ Marttila. This captivating travelogue transports you to a hundred cities in thirty diverse nations to explore the lives of cats and the people that care for them. You’ll join the wife and husband authors in their quest to uncover the rich tapestry of the human-feline relationship across cultures. As you turn each page, you’ll feel as though you’re traversing five continents alongside Shaw and Marttila, experiencing encounters with cats in locations from Agra to Zanzibar and everywhere in between.

This ambitious years-long project marries Shaw’s expertise in kitten rescue and welfare with Marttila’s keen photographic eye, resulting in a immersive exploration of cat culture on an international scale. The duo, known for their dedication to rescuing and rehabilitating kittens, as well as educating the public on feline care, expand their mission to a global stage, taking you along for every step of their journey.

Your adventure with Shaw and Marttila will lead you through the cozy corners of English pubs, the vibrant markets of Chile, the ancient ruins of Türkiye, the beaches of Malaysia, and the bustling streets of South Africa. Through hundreds of stunning photographs and engaging stories, you’ll gain a unique perspective on the universal language of compassion, witnessing not only the diverse environments these cats inhabit but also the deep connections between humans and felines across cultures.

Marttila’s photography strikes a delicate balance between artistic beauty and authentic spontaneity. The images are visually stunning, showcasing vibrant colors and exquisite compositions, yet they maintain an unmistakable air of candid realism. This approach captures the cats in their most natural and unguarded moments, resulting in photographs that are both beautiful and genuinely emotive. As a reader, you’ll feel as if you’re right there with the authors, discovering these cats in real-time.

Cats of the World is more than just a collection of beautiful images; it’s a heartwarming exploration that allows you to experience how these small creatures bridge cultural divides and inspire kindness on a global scale. As you accompany Shaw and Marttila on their journey, you’ll gain insights into feline welfare and the shared love for cats that spans continents, making this book an enchanting voyage for cat enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike.

About the Authors

HANNAH SHAW

Hanna Shaw, also known as Kitten Lady, is an award-winning kitten rescuer, humane educator, and unwavering animal advocate who has dedicated her life to innovating kitten care and protecting the most vulnerable felines. She is the New York Times bestselling author of Tiny But Mighty, Kitten Lady’s Big Book of Little Kittens, Kitten Lady’s CATivity Book, and the Adventures in Fosterland series. She is also the founder of Orphan Kitten Club, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization saving the lives of neonatal kittens throughout the nation. She lives in California with her husband, Andrew Marttila, their cats, and an endless rotation of foster kittens. Hannah can be found on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and her website at www.kittenlady.org

ANDREW MARTTILA

Andrew Marttila, also known as The Cat Photographer, is a professional animal photographer specializing in cats. Over the years, he has taken millions of photos of our feline overlords, which have been used in worldwide media, both digital and print, from the cover of National Geographic to Good Morning America. He is the creator of several books, including Shop Cats of New York, Cats on Catnip, and How to Take Awesome Photos of Cats. He is also a board member of Orphan Kitten Club and has hand-raised hundreds of rescued kittens along with his wife, Hannah Shaw. Andrew can be found on Instagram, Facebook, and his website at www.iamthecatphotographer.com

Key Points/Takeaways

The human-cat bond is a global phenomenon that knows no borders
Compassion truly is a universal language
The passion of the authors who have made cats their lives’ work shines throughout

Pros and Cons

Pros

Outstanding Photography
Engaging, charming, and informative prose
Globe spanning perspectives
Realistic candid photography

Cons

Some descriptions leave you wanting more
Some photos sacrifice aesthetics for realism and spontaneity, which may not appeal to some people, although I personally find it a plus