The Colloquial Cat: How Cats Got Our Tongue in 55 Fabulous Phrases

From grinning like a Cheshire cat to raining cats and dogs, 55 popular phrases capture the charm, quirk, and history of the incomparable cat—and the English language

Cats have a curious way of sneaking into our lives—and our lexicon. It all started 11,000 years ago: Early farmers had a mouse problem, and local wildcats were happy to oblige. They got the cream, and the rest was history!

Philippa Sandall explores all in The Colloquial Cat: Why do we say the cat’s pajamas, and who was the first cat burglar? She finds purring in Shakespeare, caterwauling in Chaucer, and scaredy-cat in Dorothy Parker. Amid these etymological gems, we meet cat lovers throughout the ages: Emperor Uda of Japan, poet Christopher Smart, and an unknown ninth-century monk—all inspired to immortalize their beloved cat companions in writing.

“The Factual Cat” adds scientific insight throughout, from the source of cats’ amazing nighttime vision to their unrivaled prowess as hunters. Rich in feline fable and lore, The Colloquial Cat is sure to delight “cat people” and word lovers alike!