When an Atlanta man started taking pictures of the homeless cats in the alley behind his music studio, he entered a complex world. Unlike many other photographers and scientists who study animals but allow nature to take its course when it comes to their survival, this photographer, known simply as “Knox,” became involved with his subject: Over the years he has trapped, neutered, and cared for many of the felines.

In the book Urban Tails, the brutal and beautiful lives of those cats are captured in Knox’s exquisite photographs and coauthor Sara Neeley’s powerful narrative. The lives of Knox and Neeley were changed by witnessing the cats’ strong family bonds, intriguing personalities, and struggle to survive. The cats’ lives were changed as well.

As the feral cat program manager for The HSUS, I know the thin line between homeless and home free. I’ve often wondered what the fate of my beloved cats—all of whom were scooped up from the street—would have been had I not happened to take them in. I was so impressed with Urban Tails that I asked if I could write the foreword. I hope the book’s images and words will touch people and encourage them to help homeless cats—by providing loving homes if the cats are tame and by finding out about trap-neuter-return programs if the cats are feral.

It seems to have started already: Since news of the book came out, Knox has been contacted by people from around the world who have started photo sites of alley cats. After seeing his project, many were moved to become proactive in helping these forgotten felines. “I hope this book will open people’s eyes who would never even look down an alley or behind a restaurant for beating little hearts,” says Knox.

Urban Tails is available from New World Library, and may be ordered at www.urbantailsbook.com.