Why Paint Cats: The Ethics of Feline Aesthetics

What a beautiful, imaginative book. After carefully examining the photos, my partner and I are 95% sure that the cats are only "painted" in Photoshop ... nonetheless, the imagery is startling and highly original. The faux highbrow art-world approach is a bonus, in my opinion, adding to the gentle humor. If you give this book as a gift (which I also recommend), you may want to mention to the recipient that it is probably a spoof.

Warning: This book is not for people who take themselves (or anything else) too seriously.I love "Why Paint Cats." The photography and concepts are incredibly well executed and clever. The commentary and 'interviews' are the best part of the work, poking fun at everyone involved, especially art critics (fortunately). The authors have the stuffy self-importance of the critical world down perfectly, right down to the 'references', for example: "The artist's depiction of a green-eyed purple cat as a metaphor for monster...draws a clear parallel between the socially noxious effects of television and the environmentally destructive consequences of feline-avian conflict in the urban context," - D. Koplos, The Green-Eyed One-Tailed Spying Purple Parrot Eater. L.A. Art Times, 2001.The work is startlingly original and can be read on several levels. I heartily recommend it in every way.

I think the PICTURES of the cats have been painted (or whatever word you want to use for it.) Why I think so - first of all, this is obviously a spoof, like the authors' other books. Secondly, I don't think cats would willingly submit to such elaborate art jobs - my cats wouldn't, I'm sure.I gave a copy of this for Christmas to my sister-in-law's mother, and she liked it very much.

I really enjoyed Why Paint Cats- the photography and visual presentation is amazing. All the cats look beautiful! I have bought it for several friends and it really does make a wonderful gift- the perfect coffee table book!

Occasionally we are lucky enough to experience moments in life when we are given the opportunity to challenge our thinking and review the assumptions we make about the world in which we live in a truly magical way. This book gave me just such an opportunity, making me laugh, reminding me of the magic contained in the everyday world in which I live and leaving me extremely grateful for the extraordinary talents of people such as Heather Busch and Burton Silver. Cats have for me always been mysterious creatures who give the impression that they know so much more about the unseen world than I do and who seem to view me with with a indulgent tolerance as I make my way through life alongside them. To be taken further into the magical and mythical world cats occupy via this book was both a joy and a delight. The beauty of the painted cats is compelling and the cleverness of the text undeniable. Well done the authors of a truly wonderful book that gives me ongoing pleasure!