1 comments about The Complete Book of Cat Care (Pet Series: Training).

1. Well written, easy to understand advice on raising a cat. Lots of Color Pictures. Has a glossary to explain cat terminology. Data on different cat breeds.

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No comments about Bathroom Book of Cat Trivia: Humorous, Heartwarming, Weird & Amazing (Bathroom Book).

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2 comments about The 50 Secrets of Highly Successful Cats: or How to Succeed With Humans (Without Really Trying) (Without Really Trying).

1. It's so very true, with tips such as when and when not to make eye contact, being cute, telephone manners, and my personal favorite, escaping from collars. I swear my cat found my copy and read it... she does everything by the book!



2. This book is written by cats, and does a great job of explaining the cat's brain and behavior to mere humans. Read it, share it with friends and new cat owners. DO NOT ALLOW ANY CAT TO SEE THIS BOOK!! Any cat who doesn't know these secrets shouldn't learn them from us. 50 Secrets of Highly Successful Cats is hilarious and right on the mark. After reading it myself, I read it aloud to friends. It is a must for new cat owners, who will need a good laugh while they are getting acquainted with their cat.

5 comments about The Snow Leopard.

1. The Snow Leopard is slow paced and there is little plot. The book is about a long hike and the author's coming or not coming to terms with his divorce from and the death of his ex-wife. That is really it, but the Snow Leopard took me to a new and better place, one that I can not easily explain. This is one of the best books I have ever read.



2. I'm sorry. I tried to enjoy this book because it was recommended to me by my favorite author. I found it great to get me to sleep at night and not so great at inspiring me to seek adventure, spiritual or otherwise. I had no idea what this dope-head was talking about.



3. Matthiessen is a talented writer who consistently manages to capture the essence of what he sees. He insists that he is a fiction writer, first and foremost, but the honesty and vibrance of his words in nonfiction are phenomenal. As an "travel log"-type book, this is one of the best. His interactions with the sherpas and his colleague, GS, are human and believable. There are extremely personal moments throughout the book, concerning his first wife and kids and missed opportunities with them, since he spent so much time traveling. A section about a bowl makes me sad even now. The discussion of the animals of the region ( not just the leopard) are very detailed and accurate. Particularly, sections that are devoted to Schaller's attempt to distinguish between goats and sheep. While the leopard, itself, adds a magical quality, a more intriguing creature is the yeti. I became a full-time fan when he spoke of it.
   Beyond the actual journey is the constant discussion of Zen. The history and facts he gives are deep, at times. There are many footnotes. It is an excellent resource for Zen students and it's interesting to see how it fits into his life. Zazen in his tent, for instance. Zen isn't something to be learned, but this book and Cave of Tigers are two that every aspiring student of zen should read.
   He talks about his wilder days and where he finds himself going at the time (metaphysically speaking, of course.) I picked up this book because I had seen the film At Play in the Fields of the Lord. It is like nothing I have ever read. I still randomly reread passages to experience it again. This is a book that changes how people feel.



4. The SNOW LEOPARD - Interesting descriptions of Tibet back country and customs but author constantly contradicts himself, he seems disoriented like he might have done too many drugs in his life, imagine that, he is a self admitted psychedelic user and he writes like it. Matthiessen demeans his Sherpas while intimating some sense of loss at leaving his 8-year-old son at home one year after his wife died while he treks around Tibet for two months, inexcusable!



5. Matthiessen and George Schaller's 3 month trek into the most remote area (Dolpo) between Nepal and Tibet to study the blue sheep and possibly sight the elusive snow leopard. With lucid and fascinating prose, Matthiessen describes the lives of his Sherpa companions; the rough traveling conditions over snow blocked mountain passes by yak; the monks and hermits in remote monasteries; and of course, his own struggle to attain a spiritual peace triggered by the death of his wife.
   
   The writing has its self-indulgent moments; yet, the author is honest about his searching and why that has brought him to the Himalayas. The quest to glimpse a snow leopard turns out to be a mirror image of Matthiessen's own inner quest for enlightenment. Leaving his young son behind in New England with relatives causes much remorse (and self-pity) on his part; however, the need to go deeper into himself is understandable after the loss he has experienced.
   
   Matthiessen's articulate descriptions of his journey seem to offset the regrets he feels. He is honest enough to admit his deficiencies while he works on his awareness of observing himself in these alien surroundings.
   The descriptions of this process are articulate and compelling.
   
   Peter Matthiessen is a naturalist; he mixes this experience with his spiritual musings so that the blend is a very interesting read. This is a multi-level book: a zoological exploration coupled with a man's search for spiritual meaning through zen practice.
   
   This writing is graceful yet deep with insight. A high recommendation to those with an interest in finding meaning via a man who has been to the mountaintops and back.
   
   Extracts: A Field Guide for Iconoclasts
   
   The Cloud Reckoner
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

5 comments about 202 Pets' Peeves: Cats and Dogs Speak Out on Pesky Human Behavior.

1. Ask not what your pets can do for you; ask what you can do for your pets! If our cats and dogs could talk, you can bet they'd have more than a few complaints about us to get off their chests.

   Veteran magazine writer and "self-proclaimed pet expert" Cal Orey has channeled her dog Dylan's and cat Kerouac's biggest issues into a briskly readable, amusingly useful catalog of all the things they wish we knew. Researched with animal behaviorists, trainers, and veterinarians, 202 Pets' Peeves is a refresher course for knowledgeable pet lovers and a checklist for humans just starting out with their very first "fur child."

   When it comes to pet nutrition, Orey thinks outside the can. Chuck that yucky generic budget kibble and share a little of that raw hamburger you're cooking for dinner with your cat. Give your dog an occasional slice of your whole-wheat crust veggie pizza. Dylan begs, "As a pack animal, I would share my prey with you." You take vitamin supplements. Don't your pets deserve their own?

   Orey's sage warnings might help prevent a world of woe. With vet bills skyrocketing, pet medical insurance is becoming vital to avoid a possible heart-wrenching conflict between an unbearable financial burden and your pet's survival. Cats should be kept indoors during the Fourth of July and Halloween when they're most subject to malicious cruelty. You should have a disaster plan in place in case your pet needs to be evacuated when you aren't home.

   Empathy and communication are two areas where humans need work. Dylan requires "quality hugging time" and gets depressed when he's scolded, suffering "bad dog day afternoons." Kerouac urges humans to respond when he has invited interaction, but to respect his privacy when he's busy doing his own thing.

   Some of Orey's recommendations are debatable. Kerouac craves a hooded litter box for privacy, but some vets warn that enclosed boxes concentrate the dust that cats kick up around their mouths and noses. And it's hard not to raise an eyebrow at: "To experience an after-life dog reunion, contact a pet psychic who specializes in contacting deceased pets."

   But 202 Pets' Peeves' strength lies in its rich diversity of pet-related topics, its provocative get-you-thinking style, and its creative solutions. How bout fitting your dog with a pair of kids' swimming goggles to protect its eyes during head-out-the-window car rides? Or, rather than declawing, fitting your cat with Soft Paws nail caps? Or installing a fish-tank screensaver for kittie's diversion? (Oddly, Kerouac fails to demand the greatest cat toy around: the laser pointer, which allows humans to run their felines all over the house while reclining in a strategically located easy chair.) Copious resource references help you find everything from animal behaviorists to doggie daycare to the Alley Cat Rescue website.

   So listen to Dylan and Kerouac, two of the savviest "spokespets" around, and they'll help you make everybody's life smoother, safer, and more satisfying.




2. The book is great...I am having a hard time getting it away from my 12 year old who insists on reading it first. Last night she stayed up late finishing the cat peeves...and called me into her room to read several to me.

   My 9 year old has claimed second read! They love reading it to me though so I might just get the book read by listening to them read it to me!

   For anyone who owns a pet-our beloved friends-this book is a must have!




3. Cal's book, "Pets' Peeves" is a delight to read, and her love of animals shines through every page! If you really love your cat(s) as I do, buy this book and get a real education from your cat's point of view!



4. What a great book!
   When I first heard about it I thought that the author may have padded the numbers by making up a lot of bogus pet peeves. The fact of the matter is that every one of these peeves is legitimate, and in some cases eye-opening.
   And although much of the book is written in a light and humorous tone, there are also some items in it, (giving them cheap food, neglecting vet visits, dental health, etc.) that are quite serious.
   If you've had pets all your life and you're looking for an insight into their little minds, then you really should not only get this book, but refer to it often.
   If you're thinking about getting your first dog or cat, then you should get this book first, and avoid all the little mistakes first before turning your pet into a neurotic basket case.



5. A delightful and must read book for anyone who is, has, or is considering sharing their lives with an animal companion. Written with humor and intelligence, 202 Pets' Peeves gives you all you need to know to be a respectful and responsible guardian to your animal companions, ensuring a long and happy life for you and your beloved dogs and cats.

   Elliot M. Katz, DVM
   President, In Defense of Animals

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