Have you ever thought your cat was ‘almost human’? If so, you’d only be partly right, as the remarkable abilities of these creatures make them not so much human as superhuman. Every cat, from the humble tabby to the rare Persian, is capable of mental, physical and even extrasensory feats unique in the animal kingdom. They can predict the weather, anticipate danger and natural disasters, cross vast distances in search of lost owners, save people from death by fire and flood, cure apparently hopeless illness and carry out complex tasks with perfect ease.

During the ten years of worldwide investigation, the author has talked to both pet owners and researchers to discover not only what cats can achieve but how science attempts to explain their powers. He also examines the secret language of cats, suggesting how we might communicate with them more effectively, and looks at the role they play within their own society. The portrait which emerges of this well-loved family pet is far stranger and more intriguing than the fondest owner could ever imagine.