Why Do Cats Purr is a 24-page children’s book with a simple message – teaching kids of to take care of a cat, and take care of the cat in a way that will make kitty happy. If kitty is happy, they will reciprocate with lots of purrs and lots of love.

What do cats want? They want good food, places to nap, and lots of love. They also need their space to they can have time to be cats.

Written by Joy Radle Cutrone, president of Animal Humanity Books and All MarCom, LLC, in Portland, Maine, the book is geared towards children from age three to 10. According to the cover information, Cutrone is the author of many guides for new products and project management solutions, and is a lifelong lover of animals, the parent of two young avid readers.

The book is beautifully illustrated by Sharon Smith Lapham, a multimedia artist who works out of her studio in Billerica, Mass. The watercolor illustrations bring home the story line – what makes cats purr and be happy.

Why Do Cats Purr introduces readers to Ginger, a tabby cat, who invites readers to visit her home and get a glimpse of a year in her life. Ginger says a good home, good food, a nice place to nap and plenty of love makes her purr. The story takes a serious twist including tips for older readers and parents who want additional information about appropriate care for our feline friends. Additionally, it’s printed on sturdy paper, creating durability for young children’s enthusiasm and many reads.

Cutrone is sincere in delivering her message. The book was first published in 2002, and since that first year, and every year since then, a portion of the profits is donated to charities that support humane education — and provide such education specifically to children.

Paws’ mom stumbled across this book while visiting Friends of Feral Feline’s Thifty Kitty Shop at 643 Forest Avenue –  Woodford’s Corner (second floor of the Odd Fellows’ Building) – in Portland. She just couldn’t resist.

Other organizations that the author suggests supporting include:

• The American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) website suggests  finding your local chapter, an animal awaiting adoption, and vital information by visiting their webiste or by calling 212-876-7700.
• The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), and your local humane society, another wonderful place to get a pet – as well as the education you need to properly care for your new friend and introduce him or her to your home. Find out how you can help promote the humane protection of all animals by visiting the HSUS website.
• Heifer International, which provides animals (and training in their care) to hungry families around the world. This gives women, children, and whole villages a way to feed themselves and become self-reliant. Children receive nutritious milk or eggs; families earn income for school, health care and better housing; communities go beyond meeting immediate needs to fulfilling dreams. Farmers learn sustainable, environmentally sound agricultural techniques.  While Heifer International is not about domestic animal care, they are the author’s  favorite charity for addressing the needs of children and animals in the ‘bigger picture’ and on a worldwide scale.

For more information on Why Do Cats Purr? Or Animal Humanity Books and All MarCom, LLC., visit their website at http://www.animalhumanity.org

What do you think about cats and purring? What do you think about the organizations they support? Do you think linking a book with charitable organizations is a good cause? Please leave your comments below. And if you’d like a chance to win a copy of Gwen Cooper’s new awesome book, Love Saves the Day, subscribe to Paws for Reflection before the end of February. Also go over and like our Facebook cats page.