Parisian Cats

Francophile Snaije (The Ethnic Paris Cookbook) with photographer Benchallal produce a charming, well-designed feline-filled photo tour of the City of Light. Since the French health code permits cats to patrol businesses, they have become mascots at a variety of shops including top eating establishments such as Le Select in Montparnasse where the late majestic Mickey ruled, and Le Cafe Zephyr on Boulevard Montmartre, which is Swiffer's current beat. Each of the 19 profiles opens with a full-page candid shot of these natural beauties opposite a business card that provides the cat's address and a brief bio. Unlike famously svelte French women, the reader may be surprised to find that some French cats are not averse to carrying some extra avoirdupois on their waistlines. While a map would be useful for travelers wishing to follow the book as a guide, armchair ailurophiles will be amply satisfied with many double-page spreads of the subjects. Color photos. (Sept.)