Review: They Had Me at Meow

From ANIMAL PEOPLE, November/December 2010:

They Had Me at Meow by Rosie Sorenson
Self-published c/o <www.theyhadmeatmeow.com>, 2010.
102 pages, paperback. $15.95.

They had Me at Meow author Rosie Sorenson became involved
with homeless cats after a car accident scrapped her working career.
By chance she met a man who cared for a cat colony. Soon hooked,
Sorenson is now high priestess of cats at a place called Buster
Hollow in northern California.

Feral cats fear human contact, and may never become tame
enough to live indoors with humans, but when shown kindness and
respect they form relationships with humans, Sorenson explains. But
not all of the Buster Hollow cats are feral. Some are lonely
discards, abandoned by their former people. Others are just lost.
Sorenson describes 23 cats from the Buster Hollow colony,
including Girly Girl, a sassy colony leader who is “always looking
over her shoulder” to make sure Sorenson follows. Exquisite color
pictures scattered throughout the book often show cats on their
backs, waiting for belly rubs or engaged in play. All of the Buster
Hollow cats have been trapped, altered, and returned to their
habitat, but cat lovers will lament that so many handsome cats live
outside, sometimes in harsh conditions. When possible, Sorenson
places cats into responsible homes. Turtleman, a black cat, lives
comfortably with Sorenson and her partner Steve. Abandoned as
kittens, Thelma and Louise share their good life.
Sorenson spends as much time as possible getting to know her
cats and making them comfortable. Caring for a cat colony requires a
substantial commitment of time, money, and perseverance.
Sorenson recommends research before making the plunge. Cat rescue
isn’t for everyone. She offers personal insight as well as a list of
resources for those interested.
They Had Me at Meow is a superb coffee table book. Keep it in
mind as a holiday gift. –Debra J. White