Why Paint Cats HOT LINE What people think about painting cats...
	CONTACT US to have your say... Editor's note: Some emails have been edited in the interests of comprehension.

	LITTLE PICTURES TO SHARE
	I hope you don't mind but my friend scanned these pictures from your lovely book and sent them to me by email. He had to show me what he was talking about to help explain the idea of painting on cats. When I saw them I was so delighted I rushed out and bought the book. I love it so much I thought perhaps you could put these pictures up on your site for others to see. Is there going to be book 2 please! Mel Andersen L.A.
	PEOPLE JUST LOVE SOMETHING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT!
	I absolutely loved your book! When I initially came across it while browsing through my local bookstore, I assumed that the pictures were 'painted' until I read further. I was astounded at the intricate details that these artists were able to apply on fur! I am an avid animal lover and have been since I was old enough to cuddle up with something furry. I find that different animals even different specimens within a given species all tend to have their own personalities. I could see some cats loving this ritual and others loathing it. I think the ethics of feline aesthetics is plainly obvious, "Don't paint the cat if (s)he doesn't want you to". While many cats tend to feign injury, I've never known one to be polite enough to not tell you when they've had enough of whatever it might be. I read some of the responses on this page and finally just had to stop. I found myself calling my computer screen a moron and or an idiot on several occasions. I simply could not believe what some of the people had to say, they often wound up contradicting their own 'points' before they were finished ranting. I know one person went on and on about toxic substances and liver failure. That seemed, well, just flat out stupid. Considering the fact that throughout the book it tells you what was used to paint/dye each cat. If (non-toxic) was not specified it was because vegitable dye was being used. So... when I (or my cats) pass away from liver failure do to lightening my hair or dabbing some food coloring on their heads... I'll make sure that my executor lets you know! The angry responses on this page serve as proof that people usually stop using rational sense once they become offended. It appeared to me that most of those people hadn't actually read the book, but instead saw a picture and immediatley decided to go P.E.T.A. on everyone involved. Granted, I truly feel that animals deserve respect and kind treatment... but just as the cat can't look up at you and say, "Hey, buddy you're ticking me off!", it also can't tell you how stupid you sound when you're saying, "Oozie BooBoo Kitty Kitty Froo Froo!" But a cat can and will make it's anger or aggrivation known by it's tone and meow, posture, and if neccessary it's claws and teeth long before it starts rolling around holding it's sides and laughing at us. CassieCAT
	HIDEOUS
	I thought the pictures were hideous.This has to be a spoof! If not,who in their right minds would do such a thing? Cats with their natural colours are beautiful in themselves. C Brandie, UK
	ANGRY CRITICS
	It does seem to be much ado about nothing. I read all the email on the site and was truly amazed at the angry responses. Anybody who has a cat knows that each animal is definitely able to respond to it's likes and dislikes. I have one cat who would probably not mind at all being painted and one who would not tolerate being still for that long. I did notice that some of the pictured cats were painted in many different sessions. I assume this was to allow the artist to rest and allow the cat it's personal freedom and not let the job become a 'chore' for it. In fact the Tartan Cat was painted in thirty, half hour sessions. This hardly seems to be the work of torturers. Rather the work of loving owners who do not want to discomfit the cat at their whimsy. From my own experience I know that my cats have responded to personal decoration favorably. A new collar sends our Spooky running around vigorously and joyfully in that amazing cat race that makes you laugh as you watch them take advantage of furniture placement you could never have imagined when you put it there. A simple bandanna scarf will send her strutting. A bell on Spooky's collar lets our 13 year old matriarch be prepared to defend her favorite pillow. I read each and every page in the book and was not concerned at all that any of the animals were being abused. Not only were they the picture of health but the book clearly states that natural dye and non-toxic peroxide was used. I think these animals are obviously well loved. A waste of money? Probably. But the artists who created these paintings are just that, artists. Nobody seems to protest the money spent on art painted on plain canvas or even more transient ice sculptures or elaborate cakes. And works of art they are. I do think this is the kind of work that brings an appreciation of how incredible our relationship with our feline friends is. That they will tolerate our silliness and we will spend so much time and effort to decorate them. I know my cats would simply love that kind of attention. I am sure the benefits of the added touches and admiring strokes are tenfold. Putting such human emotions such as shame or embarrassment in the minds of these cats is just as silly as saying that someone who would spend so much time with their pet is abusive. I don't think many people who are likely to torture animals are out shopping in Barnes and Nobles for ideas either. There will always be animal abusers this is not going to create any more. I also don't see anyone protesting the dressing up of innocent children in costumes or ridiculous clothing. After all babies are unable to keep their parents from putting them in whatever clothing they see fit. I hardly think any of the synthetic or highly decorative clothes we 'force' children to wear are very 'natural'. Think of all those poor suffering babies unable to defend themselves against enforced decoration! The single person of the many that I shared my book with who felt the very idea was a 'horrible thing to put a cat through', has several cats who live outside, have no vaccinations and probably only get human contact on the odd day when the owner is outside in the sun gardening. She thinks nothing of replacing a cat who 'disappeared' due to 'natural causes'. Who is abusive? I would like to thank everyone involved for bringing this book to our shelf. It is amazing, beautiful and inspiring. Cleo Dabruski, Ohio
	ENTHRALLED AND DELIGHTED
	I NEVER buy hardback books. But I picked up your book and could not leave the store without it! Being a cat owner myself, I adored the idea of making those svelte, gorgeous creatures even MORE beautiful....with those artistic designs. Needless to say, everyone I've shown the book to, has been enthralled and delighted. Please, do not let those 'nay-sayers' stop you from showing us more beautiful painted cats! They want to take ALL the joy out of life! This....from someone who just does not EVER pay more than 25 cents for paperbacks at garage sales ....but who could not stop from buying this beautiful book of beautiful cats! Joalaska A cat lover from Alaska!
	SPECIAL NOTE FROM A READER, ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT PAINTED CATS Please be advised that only professional Cat Painters should be left to this artistic expression, as this difficult task, if administered incorrectly, could cause damage. (This message is endorsed by the authors, publisher and A.E.T.A. (Artists for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), and A. Schaffer)
	ONLY FOR PROFFESSIONALS PLEASE
	I'm very interested in posters or prints as well. I think the photos are whimsical and may work very well in my home. I picture them in a fun craft room, the basement entertainment room or a hallway. They're very fun. I would like to request that you also include a notice on your website that only professionals should be left to this artistic expression and task of painting cats. Reason being, I hope that no one gets the idea to try this at home and use harmful chemicals that are meant for humans on cats. That wouldn't be entertaining if these beautiful creatures are harmed in the process. Thank you kindly. Annette Schaffer, New Jersey
	LEAVE IT TO THE PROFFESSIONALS!
	Give me a break! Do people think professional cat painters are born into the world? When you paint your very first cat you are an amateur, so if these artists had left it to the professionals, as you suggest, they never would have painted a cat. Only with practice does a person become a professional. I think any cat lover and artist, with patience and research, should do this if they desire (without having to obtain their "Professional Cat Painters Degree"). What a moving art form, I want to see more of it Michelle B. Minnesota
	WHY PAINT CAT'S INDEED?
	I first saw a picture from your book circulating in company e-mail. A friend and I thought it was a photo of a cat digitally enhanced with photo software. We were both appalled when we recently learned that people are truly painting these animals. Having been an art history major in college, I understand the need for creative people to break new ground and continually expand the scope of what they do and, therefore, the minds of their audience. However, I don't believe animals are meant to become canvas for humans. They are not tools to be used for human self-expression with visual arts. They deserve to be respected and treasured and valued just as they are. And it is my personal belief that we cannot improve on the beauty of nature. We can't make a cat more beautiful any more than we can make a 100 year old tree, a beach or a sunset more beautiful. They are perfect as they are and should be appreciated, revered, and preserved in their natural state. Why do humans need to alter something to their own design in order to appreciate it? Would we paint a forest to try to make it more beautiful? Would we color the ocean to please some human eye? I suppose we could, but what would we lose in the process? A miraculous and never-ending source of wonder and beauty - creation by a force larger and more powerful than ourselves.. Robin Roemer
	JOLENE, LEAF GREEN AND HAPPY
	Just want to say, that we found your book, and painted our pure white cat " Leaf Green" as an experiment. This is the outcome: We have never seen her so happy to be painted like a tree. For the first time our male Tabby cat did not try to beat her up. Normally the only time we saw her tuly frolick and the most playful ( boiuncingly so ) was in snow (weird until now), and she used to be found curled up on "anything" she could find pure white. When "Jolene" was painted like a leaf , she got the last laugh on "2 dollar man" and sproinged out from bushes as often as she could to suprise him. Much like humans, the outcome seems to be "dress for success! " It is worthy of significant investigation in regard to the behavior of animals, and potentially the protection of them as well. Friendly yours, Kaley Hansen, CEO-Noahs Archives and the Envirovision Projects NZ. www.noahsarchives.co.nz (In construction) PS, I will be happy if we can help sell your book. We tell people about it when we must. Painting Cats is makes more sense than trying to get them to paint. We tried that too.
	CALM DOWN PEOPLE
	Brace yourselves for a minor rant: I have to say I am a bit confused...I READ the book, not just looked at the pictures, but read every word of it, (found it interesting) and it did not appear to me to be a spoof or a joke. Could you put some 100% confirmation on your site as to whether or not this IS a spoof or joke etc.? NOW, as to the myriad of people who have complained about how 'cruel' and 'unhealthy' and unnatural’ this is for the cats involved...I wonder, did they even read the book? It states very clearly (assuming that it is NOT a joke) that only NON-TOXIC vegetable dyes were used. Further, LOOK at the photos, none of those cats look ill or upset in any way do they? (In quite a few of the pictures they are in fact cuddling up with the very artists who supposedly abused’ them...hhmmm...interesting...) Cats are incredibly intelligent and malleable animals, they can be gently taught all manner of behaviors that are counter-intuitive to their natures as cats, but are nonetheless harmless or even beneficial to them. (i.e. keeping them inside, housebreaking them, teaching them not to bite when their feet or teeth are examined, or to stop or lie still on command.) Calm down people! Relax and enjoy the pretty pictures! If you think your cat wouldn't like being painted...DON'T PAINT YOUR CAT! It's as simple as that. Let's not assume that because you don't accept or understand something that it's harmful, hurtful, abusive or wrong. There are lots and lots of abuses against animals going on, why don't you save your outrage for some of those, okay? Sami, Los Angeles
	HMMM....
	Are the extra toes on the clown kitty part of the hoax too? What a fabulous book. I was inspired to use diluted food coloring to pint my pure white kitty. She enjoyed the painting experience, though she managed to paint me me more than I painted her. She adored all the extra attention she gets now. No problems on licking though, she's to obese and lazy to reach most of herself. She has a lovely patchy quality that's quite lovely. If only there were pastels... Jessie Kelleher and her cat Faticus (or NIkki)
	SHAMEFUL ACT!
	I must say that I came across this book and this site while searching for more pictures of "Cats Painting". I thought it was amazing that cats paint pictures. But this book about people painting their cats is cruel. For one how do they know they want to be painted, and does it wash off? Is their any effects on the skin? Why in Gods name would you put paint on a living thing, that is not creative, you think painting a bathing suit on a cat is creative, no it's not. But if your cat painted a bathing suit on your wall that would be creative. I don't think the humane society would be too happy with this either. You know something like this only encourages people who don't know what the hell they are doing (not professional) to try this on their pet, and possibly, no most likely, cause damage to the animal, because they thought it was a cute idea. I truly believe animals were here first, and they should be respected, just because they don't talk and walk on to legs doesn't mean they are not intelligent, or don't have feeling or experience emotion. This book and practice should be banned. Shame on you people for collecting a cent on your torture. Remember what goes around comes back around, especially when you tamper with gods creatures. So when it comes back around and you're sitting there wondering why, it's because Tinker bell is sitting over there with two cotes of pain on. Shame, Shame, Shame Very disappointed, Cat Lover
	STUPID PEOPLE! GET A LIFE
	If the materials used on an animal are NON TOXIC, it means NOT FREAKING TOXIC. It is not cruel at all to make an animal you dearly love into a work of art. Yes they already ARE, by nature, but why not enjoy them a little more if it makes you and them happy. If they aren't happy with it, they will let you know. Cats are VERY VERY intelligent and would never let themselves be anything less than heard and understood by their owners. If you can't tell whether or not your cat would like to be painted, then you are an unimaginative cad with no connection whatsoever to your animal and are therefore not worthy to own it. THAT my friends is true abuse; to not be in touch with a creature like that. You people say that you want to treat animals like humans and not harm them, well if a human friend of yours didn't want her hair dyed, they would let you know. So will your cat. As long as you aren't using anything harmful on your cat, then it isn't harmful. The humane society deals with ABUSE and physical torture they wouldn't waste their time with acts of love and kindness and creativity. Cat painting is an act of complete love and entails trust and respect, both given and recieved on the side of both parties. You communists out there who would like to ban the practice of cat painting should be taken out and beaten for being so imbecillic. Truth be told, you couldn't care less about all the cats in the world, you just want to make a big stink and let everyone know that you think you are speaking for these animals who are too dumb to let themselves be known, well you're basically contradicting yourselves. Anyone who would paint their cat, would do it carefully so as not to harm them in anyway, people who want to harm their cats, don't go out and find books on how to paint them creatively, they just isn't the type. If, god forbid, anyone were to harm their cat by doing a bonehead thing; then that is sad, but not everyone is an idiot, why should smart artistic people be punished and made to be felt like evil people because of the POSSIBILITY of some other idiot making a stupid mistake? GET A LIFE. Nikki
	ART SNOBS!
	Why not give out information? Youre concern for the pets is touching. However, wouldn't it be more likely that people would use "harmful chemicals" on their pets if resources aren't available to obtain "acceptable" pet dyes and instruction. The consensus within my own household is that it isn't concern for the welfare of the animals that keeps you from issuing the instruction manuals and vendor lists, but the desire to have a "unique" artform that is un-imitated. And you accomplish this by simply repressing all available information on the topic. You're not being eithical, you're being Art Snobs. Let the rest of us have a go at it. We want to paint our pets with the right kind of materials. Inhibiting our resources will only cause pets to be painted with the wrong kind of materials by inexperienced, misinformed, or well-intentioned-but-foolish owners. And if all this is a farce, then tell the rest of the world. We'll still love your book, but then people won't be harming their pets accidentally. Sincerely, Frank GrayBangor, ME USA
	PAINTING CATS AT WHAT COST!
	I found the photos in your book engaging and the text amusing. There was a lot of talk about the ethical treatment of the cats and reference made to humans as " guardians " to these animals. I do have to wonder what the hundreds and thousands of dollars spent on these "creations" would have done to help the many unwanted and abused cats in our world if the money had been donated to shelters. There is a no-kill, non-profit, shelter in my city devoted to the care and rescue of stray and feral cats. They are currently in debt to a vet for over $10,000 and stuggling to keep afloat. Their adoption fees do little to help with the costs of running this shelter and they are desperatly in need of benefactors. I have taken in as many cats as I can afford to keep and reasonably care for. One of the treasures of my life is my black cat. Black cats are among the most beautiful of creatures...and the last ones to be adopted. I can't see how his beauty and mystery could be enhanced by his being painted. Elizabeth
	CALENDARS
	Do you have calendars available ? I would love to have one !! I absolutely love "Why Paint Cats?" What a great book ! Thanks so much for sharing such art ! Kim Ramsey Drumright, Oklahoma
	WALLPAPERS TOO?!
	I came across your book at a recent trip to Barnes & Nobel. This art form is absolutely stunning! The cats are beautiful and I'm looking forward to your calendar. How about offering computer wallpapers too? Cheri Hill
	CATS LOVE ATTENTION
	I got given the book "Why paint cats"? for xmas from my employers. I work at a vet clinic. I love painting and on various occasions have given my cats stripes of blue, yellow, white or what every colour happens to be on my brush. Also many envelopes have been stamped by my cats paws. After reading your book I was greatly inspired and excited to find out there are natural dyes to use. Now all I need to know is where to find the dyes and brushes. We have six cats all different personalities and colours. I look forward to seeing how they react to my masterpieces. If I had any doubts at all as to whether the cats liked it, I would not do it. I believe they love the attention!!!!!!! Joe
	HELP!
	We have read with much interest your new book on Painting Cats, and admired the work of the various artists presented. After reading it we felt quite inspired to have a go on our two ex-strays Velcro and Fido. Velcro is a rather sleek tortoiseshell with very strong colouring, while Fido is a large male ginger cat that looks like he has had a scrap with a combine harvester. We have had some previous experience with attempting to paint cats when we applied gentian violet to the ears and nose of our old white cat, Frisky. This was to provide some sun protection. However it was always quite a fight and generally ended up with more purple on us than on the cat. So it was with some trepidation that we attempted this more artistic endeavor on Velcro and Fido. We had envisaged using a modification to Velcro's colouring to give her a subtle wood grain appearance. Some debate went into the best pattern for Fido, but given his fiery temperament we decided on a pattern of flames running along his length. Unfortunately trying to carefully control and paint two very willful and in the end very angry cats was an experience akin to swimming freestyle through a very large and thick tangle of blackberry while having buckets of dye thrown at you. Velcro just ended up with patches and splashes of black or peroxide, Fido had quite a few red and orange smears all over him, while we were multihued splatter effect with some really good claw effects over most of our bodies. At this point we felt that it would be really helpful to find a book on technique. We have looked for "Bridget's Do's and Don'ts of Cat Painting", noted in your bibliography but have been unable to locate a copy. Do you have any recommendations? We have searched the web for more information but searching for anything like "painting your pussy" takes us to all the wrong kinds of sites. Incidentally have you any recommendations for cat psychotherapy as Fido has since taken to peeing in difficult to get to places around the house, and Velcro now brings in dead mice and dismembers them all over our best furniture? We look forward to any advice you may have. Kind regards Hamish Trolove and Eleanor Howick
	IMAGINE
	Imagine two artists sitting in their Studio thinking about originality.....is there ANYthing NEW. Behold...the acient art of Painting Cats. No...NOT harming a creature of God but Embelishing a living soul. We are truly enlightened by such craft in the name of Kindness. Kudos.....cat lovers..... Bonnie Young - Roanoke, Virginia
	MY FAMILY HADN'T SEEN ME LAUGH LIKE THIS IN OVER SEVEN MONTHS
	Just wanted to say thank you for your book. My daughter gave it to me for Christmas. I just knew that since my mother had passed away in June and that since I was not dealing with this very well that I would spend all Christmas day crying, but upon opening this gift, the majority of my morning was spent laughing and oohing and aahing and then laughing again until I was crying, but that kind of crying I can handle. Some of them were beautiful and some were so funny that I still laugh every time I look at them. Everyone at work loved it, even the non-cat people. They are even teasing me about taking up money to get one of mine painted. I have at least 50 different cat books, this has to be the best one yet. Thankyou again, for getting me through this Christmas Day. My family hadn't seen me laugh like this in over seven months, so I know they also want to say Thank you. Bonnie Young - Roanoke, Virginia
	BRONSKY'S CREATIVE DRIVE!
	I really enjoyed both of your books. However, I made a major mistake in letting our 20lb. orange tabby Bronsky, go through your first book "Why Cats Paint". He was inspired! Since then on two occaisions, we've had to put the acrylic paints out of his reach as he was attempting to redecorate the house. Now, with his exposure to your second book, "Why Paint Cats", he has been found cornering our smaller cat and attempting to use him as a canvas. We seek your advice as to how to channel Bronsky's creative drive more productively, without inhibiting his artistic inspiration. We anxiously await your response. Sincerely, Judy Gans, Toronto, Canada
	SICK MIND!
	I think before anyone considers painting a cat, s/he should agree to be plucked unexpectedly from what he's doing, wherever and whenever without notice, be held down and painted from head to toe and then forced to parade around with his body completely covered in paint. I think the words "I am a god" painted across his face would be appropriate. What kind of sick mind could possibly think this is okay?
	TATS, RATS AND CATS.....
	I recieved a copy of your book for Christmas and I've been showing it around at work and everyone loves it! I've been a huge fan of body modification (for humans) for years and am currently working on my own canvas quite extensively, however, my cats have felt left out of the process since, as as a strict vegan, I simply cannot have them tattooed or pierced as I can't be sure of their consent. They are thrilled to know that there is an alternative for kitty cats requiring only minimal consent, since it does wear off eventually :) Now if I could just get a job where I could afford to have them painted! My rats, however, are less than thrilled to see no painted rats in your book and would love to be the subject of your next book. A prior rat of mine, Noah, nearly got painted with polka dots for Halloween one year, but, sadly, he passed away from cancer before he could be painted. PEW rats (pink-eyed white - the most common type) would make perfect canvases for painting and would surely enjoy the process as rats love to be petted and cuddled more than any other species. You can see pictures of my kids (and even a few of me) on my web site at http://communities.msn.com/mylifeinrhome - Midian and Eli are particularly cute . . . Thanks for the book! Fleur, Rhome, TX
	"YOU CAN JUDGE SOCIETY BY HOW IT TREATS IT'S ANIMALS"
	My husband & I loved your book! We were amazed at the artistic beauty & vision of the artists. We also laughed at the hilariously painted cats! I'd love to have our chubby white Scottish Fold cat painted like a pig...if it weren't so expensive to have done! What an amazing sight she would be! One of your public commented that she was sad to "find out your book was a spoof." Is this so? It wouldn't bother me a bit....I still think it's terrific, and we agree that if you would produce a calendar, it would be a huge hit! (ps: spoof or not, we were glad that you included an explanation of the animals being treated gently by "artists for the ethical treatment of animals." We believe very strongly in animal rights, and were glad to see you mention this important aspect. After all, wasn't it Albert Schweitzer who said that "you can always judge society by how it treats it's animals." Caroline and Mike in Saint Paul, MN
	CRAZY ENOUGH
	I came across your book today and I was floored. I used to paint my cat for each season of the year and for each holiday that was coming. I thought I was the only person crazy enough to do this to my beautiful pet. You really should have a web site up about this. I've got the itch again. I have one question. What type of dye is best for this? Shawn Hinton
	BEETROOT JUICE AS A DYE
	A friend clipped an article about the book and sent it on to me. The few photos that I saw were spectacular. Having dipped my cat in beet juice on more than one occasion, I was instantly smitten. Thanks for the examples of wonderful living art. The beet juice however was not the best effect. It looked like he had killed a chicken and rolled in it. I was afraid the Humane Society would be knocking on my door if I got out the manic panic. I have often painted him up in photoshop but my skills are not up to snuff. He does make a great canvas. Tell me, could you live with a face like this and not want to paint it up every once in a while. Kristi Smart
	PRINTS FOR FRAMING?
	I received your book as a Christmas present this year and just fell in love with the pictures. I would love to have some of them framed and hang them on my family room wall. Do you have any prints available for framing? I would hate to have to cut them out of my book!! Kim Weisskopf, California
	BUDGIE "PERKY" EXOTIC SPAGHETTI-ORANGE
	I have a real-life variation on the painted cat. When I was growing up, my grandparents' blue-and-white budgie bird "Perky" loved to land on the dinner table and nibble off of everybody's plates. He would occasionally wade through a serving of spaghetti marinara, and we'd have a very exotic-looking orange bird until he went through his next molt.I know of someone whose kitty loves to sit on the bathroom counter and have mascara applied to its eyebrow whiskers -- a precarious exercise in my opinion. And I remember a client at a veterinary hospital where I worked many years ago who would bring her two white poodles in every Christmas -- one dyed red, the other green. So, the notion of colorized cats really isn't entirely out of the question, though perhaps questionable. I would be very interested to know if there really IS a non-fictional artist doing this type of thing on non-fictional cats, and where you got the idea for your gorgeous and extremely amusing book. Erin in Seattle
	CAN ANYONE IMPROVE ON NATURE'S PAINTBRUSH?
	My daughter gave me your book for Christmas and I love it! I am a cat lover and an artist. I love the colour and imagination in your book. Keep the beautiful books coming you have hooked me. On the other hand, how can anyone improve on natures paintbrush? Nicky Clayton
	FAN MAIL
	We should encourage people to paint or touch-up pictures of cats, not the cats themselves. Your book is a lovely hoax. Cats are beautiful! Kathy Lindsay, Centerville, Utah
	NOVELTY AT ANY PRICE!
	I was led to it by a post on a forum I participate in. I have NOT seen this book in person. I can not tell if the cats are actually painted and if so with what. If these animals are actually painted, I find this just another example of how much disrespect we have for the other life forms on our planet. I am an artist. I have two beloved cats that I do not try to personify. They are who they are and I enjoy their company and I believe they enjoy mine. If a person wishes to adorn their body with art...that is their choice. For an animal to be decorated for the pleasure of a person, I find this to be a sign of our sense of absolute domain over all of the earth. Too bad that man is so egocentric that (s)he can not see that (s)he is not the ruler of the earth, just co-inhabitants. I am sure that some time in my life I have been guilty of something similar ...more than once... but now I will be able to think twice or possibly only once to recognize the implications of my actions. I just keep thinking ...how bored we must be to think of things like this. Novelty at any price. Ingrid H. Hein
	PICTURES IN MY MIND
	I thought your book was amazing. I could not put it down and I showed it to all my friends. I looked at the reference section and I am interested in seeing the other books. A calendar would be great showing some of the cats. I want to see more cats. Postcards maybe? Anyway I can't stop thinking about the book. I want to see your first one, I will be looking for it. Thank you for putting those pictures in my mind. John Zimmerman, Virginia Beach
	IS BURTON SILVER HEATHER'S CAT
	I have a copy of "Why Cats Paint" and when my best girlfriend gave me this for Christmas, I thought I'd ruin the upholstery laughing! Just a few questions though... Is Burton Silver Heather's cat? (I figure everyone is a fan of the late great Kliban, and his major model for a lot of the drawings was his cat Burton Rustle.) Has anyone else picked up on the "experiment in morphic resonance" thing? Have people actually started painting their cats yet? Thanks for all the fun!, Lisa King
	STUPIDITY?
	I would like to know how the cats are kept "still and quiet" during the procedure? Are people not aware that cats are routinely used to carry out toxic experimentation because they are most likely to react? Felines have a very low tolerance for toxic substances, and even some foods can have a toxic effect on cats. Just because they do not have immediate or life threatening reactions, it does not mean that they are not reacting. I would suspect these cats are likely to develop premature kidney failure. Can you imagine, filtering unnatural chemicals from the body, 24 hours a day? The kidneys are forced to work too hard, there will be a price to pay, only it will be paid by the cat and not their "useless, pathetic, got nothing better to do" owners! And to those who only "paint" or "perm" the back where the cat can not lick itself... why not spend some of your abundant leisure time in school, where you might learn that the skin absorbs everything! Speaking up for those who can not speak for themselves!
	CALENDAR PLEASE?
	I love this book. Please, please, please tell me you are going to do a calendar before I cut the pages out of my book to hang on the wall. These cats are truly the "Cat's meow" Thank you! Diann
	VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY
	I saw this book in a bookstore and just couldn't leave without buying it. I shared it with with the veterinarians I work with and my teachers and classmates at school and they all loved it! I am a student of veterinary technology so when I had to decide on a paper topic, I instantly thought of using painting cats as my topic. Of course I have nothing but wonderful things to say about it! My teahcer and I are fascinated with this new art form, espeically since none of us have ever heard of it until now. Thanks so much for your wonderful book, I've enjoyed researching the topic and I hope you come out with tons more material soon! Amy Bullach, Northern Virginia
	FANTASY OF THE PERFECT ANIMAL
	I bought your book as soon as I saw it. I brought it to work and everyone got a kick out of it. We have a Flame Pointe Siamese cat that it all white, and I asked my mother what she would want him painted as, of all things she said a skunk. I guess everybody has their own fantasy of the perfect animal!! I loved your book, hope there will be another one soon. Jessi Morrow, Modesto California
	POSTCARDS?
	I loved your why paint cats book. Are there postcards available so I can mail to my out of state friends and let them see/know some of the images? If so, where can I purchase? Thanks. Gina busby
	DISGUSTED!
	Where on earth are you people coming from? "Painting" your cat is just another form of animal cruelty! If you want to paint yourselves with make-up and tattoos that's one thing, but to dye, perm, and abuse your cat just because you want it to look like Santa Clause or an owl, or whatever else, you are seriously demented. Paint your ceramics, paint a picture, don't paint your cat! I'm disgusted by this book and its influence on those ignorant people who will attempt to paint their own cats! Carolyn Palladino
	WONDERFUL LIVING CANVAS
	We are completely enamoured with the photographs of "painted cats" in this book. We were truly awestruck by the beauty of the art and the feline canvas. All of the pets in this book look as if they know how great they look. What a wonderful living canvas. How can we learn the process used by these artists? We would like to paint our two inspiring cats. They are a never ending source of joy to us. We anxiously look forward to your response. Thank you.
	BEAUTIFUL AND CAPTIVATING
	This is an amazing, beautiful book. The information is ingrossing and the pictures beautiful!! I hope you make another one soon! Samantha
	BUMMER
	Oh bummer - I wanted real info on painting our dog's fur so she'd be more loveable as she's in trouble with the neighbour's and doggy patrol persons. Thought a hot pink high five daisy on her black fur might do the trick. Decided to try painting cat to stop her hauling in the birds too after buying your book. My 6 year old loves the book - we got one for his arty auntie too. So sad to find out your wonderful book is a spoof. You really ought to put something warning us overly optomistic types that this is a spoof or you'll break a child's heart. We never lied to the kids about Santa or the easter bunny either, Carolyn
	COMPLETELY ENGROSSED
	I bought your book "Why Paint Cats" for my 9 year old daughter as she loves cats, writes about them, draws pictures, etc. When she saw this book, she became completely engrossed in learning the process of "cat painting." bcwohlf
	SHE LOVED IT TO DEATH !!
	After reading a review of "Why Paint Cats" in the Los Angeles Times. The subject intrigued me, to say the least. After purchasing this gem of a book, I immediately gave a copy to my grandmother. She loved it too death!! You have really outdone yourselves with this book. Chris Lebrun, Los Angeles
	IN A JAPANESE BOOKSTORE
	I was browsing through a Japanese book store when this wonderful book caught my attention. I was so facinated with the beautiful colors and designs, not to mention that I love and own three cats, that I couldn't stop thinking about the book. I was rushed at the time and later went to a Barnes and Noble when I got home. I asked the lady at the information desk for the book and she led me to the HUMOR section. There was a large number of WHY PAINT CATS and the employee was so taken with the book that she bought one for her neighbor. My bet is that she got one for herself, too! I hope another edition will follow with more photographs of this beautiful art form. Ann Curtis, New Jersey
	MORE PLEASE!
	I was so touched by your beautiful, artistic book. The story about Santa Paws, painted for a child with cancer, and the therapy center for young women recovering from traumatic experiences was so unique, so remarkable, and so successful too, I just had to say that I felt like the gentleman in the forward, Federico Raggio. He thought he had seen all the beauty and wonder this world had to offer, until he saw Cymbeline, one of the stunning participants in this art. There are no words to explain this beauty, except, more please! Sis Hoskins, Texas
	GREAT FOR MEETING STRANGERS
	Why Paint Cats is lovely and thought provoking all at once and a great book to share...and boy, do i share....people i don't even know come to my desk to see it due to word of mouth here at my Alaska Airlines office. Cheryl Pilcher
	KITTY KINETICS
	Your cat paintings are certainly interesting although I've always considered the unadorned feline to be the perfect kinetic soft sculpture. Elizabeth Ann Scarborough, USA
	I JUST LAUGHED HYSTERICALLY
	I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed your book. It is on the coffee table now for all to look at. When I picked it up at the book store I took one look at the cats and knew I had to take this home to my cat-loving daughter. Then I saw the cat painted like a pig and I just laughed hysterically. I think the other customers thought I was nuts. Good thing my friend was there, she was laughing too so I wasn't alone! That cat is absolutely my favorite. Are you going to put up a web site that is dedicated to pictures of painted cats? I would submit one of our 'Cozmo', but we just can't decide what to do to him. We do have a picture of him wearing his australian sheep skin toupe' though. Thank You, Christa Merritt, Anahim, California
	I KEPT TELLING PEOPLE....
	I think the book is wonderful. It was a book that I stopped and looked at while in the book store, but didn't purchase. Well the next few days I kept telling people about the cats in the book and decided that if I thought that much of the book then it should be part of my personal library. Currently it is sitting prominently on my coffee table and has been the center of much discussion. Now my cat and I want to know more about being painted. I'm already "painted", as I have about 23 tattoos, but Beau is very jealous and we want to know were we can get formal instruction on the painting process. Thanks for a beautiful book! Mike Scivally, Hayward, California
	MORE BEAUTIFUL THAN NATURAL
	The cats look even more beautiful than natural and that is amazing. Thank you for a new way to enjoy those fabulous felines. Nancy Trier Shevitz, Atlanta, Georgia Three cats at home: Little, Andy and Katie Belle
	COOL CATS!!!
	Our art teacher showed us this book, Why Paint Cats, and the class loved it. My class wants to say, "Thanks for making this wonderful book to share to the world." Helen Knight, Intermediate School, Utah
	HUMANS DON'T LICK THEIR HAIR
	OK I understand how you didn't want to go into detail about using hair dyes and food coloring in your book because there's so much confusion about how toxic they are to humans. But with cats there's a real problem because they can injest chemicals when they wash themselves. I asked my vet about painting our Birman and she said that if there was any doubt at all about checking the chemical contents list on the dye bottle, we should do a patch test by putting a little bit on the cats ear and leaving it for 24 hours to see if there is any adverse reation. It's hard to predict what ingredients will cause an allergic reaction so I recommend a patch test even though its not going to tell you if there might be a more long-term reaction. My vet thinks that food coloring should be safe. Maria Lara, Ohio
	CATS ARE FROM MARS
	We had both our cats done by Eric Gonzalez of Urban Pets in Greenwich Village, New York in 1998. He did them in three matching shades of green for St Patrick's day and they were a real hit. We lost one of them, Snow, about a week later and it felt a bit weird putting up a notice asking if anyone had seen a green cat. Well it didn't take long to find him -- everybody had seen him. he'd been appropriated by some kids in the next apartment block who by the way had their five-year old sister convinced that it was a martian cat. And God was he fat when we got him back. Barry Cook, New York
	IF IT'S ON THEIR FUR THEY'RE EATING IT
	It doesn't matter whether cats lick their fur or not. Anything you put on their skin or hair will be absorbed into their bodies so what you put on to their fur they are "eating. " Just be sure you use only pure, non-toxic products. Sally Munning, Texas
	A PAISLEY PUSS
	I've always wanted a paisley cat. But how do I know whether my cat wants to be paisley too? Sharlene Sherlman, California
	PAWS FOR THOUGHT
	Thanks you so much for your new book, Why Paint Cats - the Ethics of Feline Aesthetics, it is a beautiful and thought provoking work. I had your book on my desk at work yesterday - I teach biology to 15 - 17 year-old students - and one of my students picked it up and was excited and started showing it to the rest of the class. We ended up devoting an entire lesson to the various discussions the photographs and text instigated. The whole class was really involved and animated - they initially thought the images were really 'cool' - they each had their favorite - and were tempted to have their cat painted or to buy a painted cat. Then they started really thinking about the issues - whether we have the right to do this to the cats in our care? What does it mean for the cat to be painted - both positively and negatively? How much is this just a "fashion" and an example of our designer way of life? They were also very interested in the idea that it could stop cats from catching birds and other prey as they were aware of the terrible environmental impact cats can have on other species. The discussion then moved on to genetic engineering and whether it would be possible to breed cats with new and unusual fur patterns and textures and what this could mean to the future of the cat. We also talked about existing breeding requirements for purebred cats (and dogs) and how cats that don't measure up to the strict and fashion dependent criteria are often destroyed. It was a fascinating and valuable lesson which I intend to repeat with my other classes. I hope your book is successful in engaging many people with its wonderful images and thought-provoking and challenging text - it deserves to be. Susan Ryan, Florida
	PERMS FOR CATS?
	I have a friend who Permed her cat's fur as well as dying it yellow and blue. It looked awesome and got so much attention. Could only do its back where it can't wash. What about a follow up book on perms for cats? Dale Perkins, UK
	KITTY CROSSWORDS
	My dear wife died 5 years ago. She absolutely adored crosswords and on the second anniversary of her passing my daughters painted up our cat to look like one -- black and white squares all over -- complete with a list of clues to words which described her personality such as, "loving" and "tender" or things she was good at such as, "lasagne" and "tripe." Garry Bowering, California
	DYES TESTED ON CATS
	We never paint our cats (three Siamese - Bella, Jasper & Stinkle) with anything but henna or other vegetable based dyes. Synthetic hair colors have been associated with cancers and very few have ever been tested for human toxicity. In fact they've probably been tested on cats in laboratories but of course we'll never get to see these results because they don't like to admit they test on animals. Anne Warwick, Arizona