Lewis, Val. Ship’s cats in war and peace, Nauticalia, G2 Entertainment, 2010.

Author Val Lewis has provided a thoroughly researched account of seagoing cats from ancient times to the present.  The book covers cats whose job is to control vermin on cargo and naval ship’s, such as Able Seaman Simon of HMS Amethyst, who was awarded the Dickin Medal (the animals’ VC) for killing vermin in the ship’s stores, to feline companions who accompany long distance sailing adventurers.  This book features the stories of 91 seagoing felines from history and legend, some who are purebred whilst others are just moggies, all of whom show great self-reliance and adaptability to life on board.

 

Flinders, Matthew. A biographical tribute to the memory of Trim, Pymble, N.S.W. : Angus & Robertson, 1997.

This little book was written by Matthew Flinders during his imprisonment and parole period on the island of Mauritius. It was during this time that Trim went AWOL, never to be seen again. The book is a tribute to the brave little cat who accompanied Flinders from London to Botany Bay and around Australia, and during this time Trim learnt to swim, catch a rope and rule over the dogs on board with an iron paw. Trim was also intently interested in watching the officers at their navigation, leading Flinders to believe that he was interested in astronomy. This book is an easy read and would be suitable for both adults and children.