A funny, fascinating and affectionate journey through our love-hate relationship with cats by Australia's only cat historian

Since the arrival of the First Fleet, cats have been loved, adored and celebrated while at the same time villainised, loathed, and maligned. For cats in Australia, it's complicated.

The Cats of Australia explores our funny, fraught and fur-filled relationship with these enigmatic creatures since they first sailed to our shores. Cats have joined us on farms, shearing sheds, naval and merchant ships, hospitals, train stations, and corner shops. Cats ate ice creams with us on the beach, nursed soldiers back to health in World War I hospices, stood firm with their comrades on the picket lines and endured the savagery of war in the trenches.

Cats also inspired us to paint, write and create. They taught us how to care. And they've also inspired some of the fiercest debates about their impact on our precious native wildlife.

With affection, humour and a keen eye on the big moments in history, this book explores the rich history of Australia's cats - how they've stolen our hearts, stirred our passions, and walked the fine line between beloved cuddler and ecological villain.