BOOK REVIEW / Paperbacks

For those who are bats about cats but tired of cat-aerobics and feline thrillers (see 'In The Lists', below), 'Why Cats Paint: A Theory of Feline Aesthetics' by Heather Busch and Burton Silver (Weidenfeld pounds 9.99) offers arty felines alarmingly reminiscent of those embarrassing singing dogs they used to have on 'That's Life'. The answer to the 'Why' of the title isn't given: perhaps cats paint only when their owners decide to produce a cutesy moneyspinner? Look out for 'Why Goldfish Write Hexameters'.

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