Love is a battlefield. And who better to give advice on how to win than your favorite four-legged egomaniac. Here, writer Christine Montaquila and photographer Kim Levin tap into the no-nonsense, all-feline perspective on why a little chutzpah goes a long way when it comes to commitment. In Catrimony, Montaquila and Levin again spend some revealing face-time with these domesticated divas, getting them to spill the goods on making romance work. The sequel to their immensely successful Cattitude, their new book of choice quotes and telling photos takes things to the next level. Where that earlier volume focused on snaring a member of the opposite sex, this one concentrates on keeping the upper hand when you do.

Catrimony’s “interviewees” don’t believe in sugarcoating. “Know when to give your unconditional indifference,” counsels one love-scarred veteran. “Don’t be afraid to play the hormonal card,” suggests another. And for those who like to live on the edge, the advice is simple: “Hide the videotape.” “Stay totally devoted to your alibi.” Its 40 duotone photographs, faux jewel– studded cover, and deliciously catty sense of humor make Catrimony the perfect holiday, bridal shower, or Valentine’s Day gift.

KIM LEVIN is a photographer whose company, Bark & Smile® Pet Portraits, combines her passion for photography and her love of animals. Kim is the photographer and author of 14 books, including Why We Love Dogs, Why We Love Cats, Dogma, and STC’s Cattitude. She lives in Little Silver, New Jersey, with her husband, two kids, and a dog named Charlie.

CHRISTINE MONTAQUILA works in advertising as a creative director. She lives in Chicago with her husband, two children, and four-legged boss, Maddie. She has loved cats since childhood and has the scars to prove it.