5 comments about The Perfect Kitten: How to Raise a Problem Free Cat.

1. A wonderfully thoughtful and comprehensive book. This one goes beyond the usual healthcare descriptions and pictures of breeds that fill the pages of most such books. The most compelling part is the research presented into a kitten's early environment and the effects on its future personality. Great insight into cat behavior for breeders and cat lovers alike.



2. I bought this book expecting it to be about kitten care and it told entirely too much about breed and the 'evolution' of cats. It didn't explain how to care for and raise a kitten. I was not impressed with the content.



3. This book is wonderfully written and definitely will give many people a better understanding of their pets. It can teach you the basics of identifying behavior, training, life stages, as well as food and litter information. However, due to the vast topics covered the book is unable to spend a great deal of time on details. Consider this book a great read for someone just starting off with a cat, or who wants to understand them better, then grab something more in depth for whatever section you really wanted more in.



4. This book has helped me to understand the stages of development my new kitten, Princess Elizabeth Talker Mischief Wafer Fritter Gremlin Peekaboo, has just gone through, is going through and has yet to face. The author details everything from the various kinds of cat foods and litters to the minutiae of grooming (a soft toothbrush is helpful for the face and around the eyes) as well as body posture meanings and socialization requirements. There is a lot of good information, and I am sure I will refer to it again. Though I think some of the information, on dental care for example, could have been more in depth.



5. Chapter 1: The Raw Material
   Chapter 2: Cat Breeds
   Chapter 3 Finding the Right Kitten
   Chapter 4 Your Kitten's Development
   Chapter 5 Preparing For Your New Kitten
   Chapter 6: Bringing Your Kitten Home
   Chapter 7: Your Kitten's Lifestyle
   Chapter 8: Feeding and Litter Training
   Chapter 9: Health Care
   Chapter 10: Going on Vacation
   Chapter 11: Cat Behaviotr
   Chapter 12: Learning and Training
   Chapter 13: Preventing Behavioral Problems
   Chapter 14: Growing Up

   This book is easy to read and understand. The book is also packed with infomation on how to care for your new kitten. Some of the many topics covered in this book includes:

   How kittens learn
   Toys and games kittens like to play
   Introducing your kitten to a new baby or pet
   Preventing behavioral problems
   Basic equipment your kitten will need
   Giving your kitten medicine
   Feline communication

5 comments about If Only They Could Speak: Stories about Pets and Their People.

1. I enjoyed "The Dog who Loved too Much" (which might have been better titled "the Dog Owner who Loved too Much") so I picked this book up for more engaging stories of animal behavior and problem resolutions. My interest was further piqued by the chapter heading, "The Pit Bull from Hell". As the owner of a 9 year old pit bull, I have to say that Mr Dodman does not really "get" pit bulls. It's probably because the people who tend to have pit bulls cannot afford fancy schmancy animal behaviorist sessions.
   
   Mr Dodson seems to imply that aggression against people is something normal in pit bulls, just lying beneath the surface of even those "cupcake" pit bulls he mentions in passing. I have lived in a densely populated urban neighborhood where pit bulls are popular for over 30 years, and I have never felt threatened by any of the local pit bulls including those used for dog fighting. I have been menaced by rottweilers, a rott-GSD mutt, and GSD mixed breeds running off leash in a local park.
   
   The author describes a somewhat naive young man who tries to adopt a pit bull at a shelter but is directed to a pit bull breeder (WHY? with so many pit bull puppies ending up in shelters everywhere!) The dog he acquired seemed to be a product of careless dog breeding, but we are told nothing of the breeder. The animal developed a decidedly atypical aggression towards adult humans, probably a genetic error compounded by the ignorant owner's lack of understanding of dominant dog behavior.
   
   I'm surprised that Mr Dodson didn't take this opportunity to point out the extreme importance of training puppies not to exhibit food aggression, as I did with my little pit bull. Food aggression causes so many dangerous problems with dogs and people that every dog, not just pit bulls, should be trained to allow people to take his food, bone, or whatever away from him at any time. This is most easily done when the animal is very young! I think Mr Dodson needs to get out and meet some good pit bulls, those entertaining and loyal companions which will never find their way to an animal behaviorist.



2. As if we don't have enough to worry about in regards to the children of today being overmedicated...now our pets, too?! His solution to almost every problem was prescribing an antidepressant. Also, his writing of his patients' owners came across as very egotistical and condescending. Some of the stuff had merit, but it was the same thing any trainer or behaviorist would tell you to do...establish dominance, ignore bad behaviors and reward good, etc.



3. Dr. Dodman is a world renowned animal psychiatrist and his and all of his books are great sources for information about understanding dogs and correcting bad behavior.



4. This should have been a fine book, but the author's stilted prose and misuse of words on every second page nearly ruined it for me. Dodman swings wildly from overly prim writing to embarrassingly slangy, a sure sign of a bad writer.
   
   Oliver Sacks, please report to the Veterinary School!



5. I picked this book up on a whim, since I own two neurotic miniature Dachshunds. I was captivated from the first paragraph of the preface. Dr. Dodman writes eloquently, with wit, compassion, and common sense about the pitfalls we fallible humans fall into when it comes to interacting with our beloved pets. Most importantly for me was the reassurance it gave that there are millions of dedicated animal-lovers who know that animals are not "just pets." They have feelings and emotional needs, too. Thank you, Dr. Dodman, for a wonderful read, and a confirmation that there lots of cherished doggies out there!!!

No comments about Training Your Cat.

4 comments about The Tao of Meow.

1. Great book for any cat lover
   
   author of "Hobo Finds A Home"



2. This book is, quite simply, a masterpiece. It manages, at one time, to be a book that anyone who has ever owned (or been owned by!) a cat will find laughing-out-loud funny while at the same time being a fascinating look at Lao Tzu's classic 'Tao Te Ching'.

   Each of the poems in Tao of Meow have a lot of similarities to 'Tao Te Ching', which makes the book a fascinating dialogue with Lao Tzu's work. It's an interesting way to gain some new understanding of it. All philosophy should be studied with such a sense of irreverent joy!

   This is a book that you'll want to own and have on hand so that you can thumb through it -- either to learn or to laugh -- again and again.




3. There have been many translations of the Tao Te Ching, but who better to do it than a cat? Cats just naturally understand the wisdom of the Tao. Although this is categorized as a humour book, and is very funny, it in fact a good interpretation of the Tao. Yes, it is meant to be read by humans.

   Besides, this book is worth buying just for the sweet picture on the cover.




4. If you have ever been owned by a cat, you have probably wondered what your pet is thinking at those moments when their smug, aloof feline behavior has you endlessly opening and closing doors, worrying over what cat food will entice their taste buds, or hoping they will come and play with you today. Carl Japikse's cat, Waldo, provides us with many wonderful insights into cat thinking. "The Tao of Meow" is full of anecdotes and cat tales about the simple, common-sense thinking that gives cats access to nine lives, while we, as their faithful nameless ones, have but one life to live in service to them. "Tao of Meow" is a series of 81 short poetry-like pieces reflecting cat thoughts on subjects that range from cats raiding rabbit nests, through a cat's view of human luggage, to insights on what control really means. "Tao" is funny and thought-provoking. Many of Waldo's guideliens for everyday cat living serve as excellent advice for how we humans can live our lives more effectively. This book is a must for anyone who has loved cats and been mystified by their uncanny knack for controlling our human behavior.

No comments about Feline Internal Medicine Secrets.

3 comments about The Body Language and Emotion of Cats.

1. This was a real eye-opener for me. It was amazing to read of the complex range of behaviours and emotions you can spot simply from looking at a cat. Barry, my spaniel, and I often watch Maureen, next door's Persian as she walks across the wall at the end of my garden. We have detected disdain as she walks away from us with her tail in the air and back-eye winking, and smug pity as she eyes Barry's vain yapping from behind the French windows, but I am intrigued to learn that cats can feel pessimistic and have a rudimentary concept of the bourgeoisie and slapstick humour.



2. Being a cat owner myself, when I found this book I was curious enough for an impulse buy. Once I started reading it however, I found it hard to put down. The detail and explanations of daily behaviors that I saw in my own cats cleared up many questions. Forgive the pun, but my curiosity far from killed my cats, if anything it has brought us closer together. I highly recomend this book to any cat owner who wants to better understand their cat!



3. If you're looking for a fun book about cat communication be sure to pass this one by. It's long on physiology - for example, a detailed explanation about how purring is produced - but very short on psychology: There's little discussion of what causes a cat to purr.

   The author takes a completely clinical approach to her subject matter. For her cat ownership is obviously a very serious business, fraught with difficulties. She addresses only "problem" behavior - as if cats' actions and antics couldn't also be curiously delightful and funny. She perceives bonding with cats as an obstacle for humans, worthy of an entire instructional chapter.

   Somehow I thought that a book with this title would have rich insights into all kinds of cat behavior. I expected some humor; maybe a little anthropomorphizing; and the kind of warmth I feel from the three sweet little furballs now dozing on my lap. No such luck. It has all the charm of an autopsy.

5 comments about Himalayan Cats (Complete Pet Owner's Manual).

1. Some important data about vaccination, standards, colors and behavior. Could have more specifical details on neutering (what age) and so on.



2. The book was well written. Chapters are informative for general information on keeping and caring for cats. however, the book was so general that i think they had a word document formated so all they had to do was insert the word Himalayan before the word cat throughout the book.
   
   the only specifics in this book related to Himalayans is the pedigree origination, and only in very simple terms, and grooming long haired cats and is generally applicable to any long hair cat.
   
   
   however, the book is loaded with really pretty color pictures of a diverse assortment of Himalayans.
   
   If you want a picture book with Himalayan cat pics and general cat information this is the book for you.
   
   If you are a breeder or looking to show Himies definitley look elsewhere, or you will be frustated that you spent the time and money on this book.



3. I recently bought a flame point breeder/show quality himalayan kitten and was very interested in what the book had to say.

   The book is very informative and straight forward in telling the origins of how himmies came about, how to care, treat, nurse the cats.

   It covers kittens behaviours, sexual behaviour, guides you in how to choose a breeder and questions to ask, how to breed and show your himmy so all in all, it's a pretty informative manual with glossy pics of some beautiful himmies and regular black/white illustrations.

   You won't be disappointed!




4. I really enjoyed this book -- it's well written and helpful for both new and experienced cat lovers. I've owned Himmies for many years and all of the advice is useful and accurate. Every chapter is packed with good information; I particularly liked the chapters on grooming, nutrition, and understanding cat behavior. And the price is certainly right compared to other breed books!



5. This book is so generic it is hopelessly useless. Save the [amt] orcat food or grooming supplies-you're going to need them. Even the chapter on grooming is useless. Follow the bathing instructions in this book to get a matted cat at the end. A little advise here for free: Do not rub the fur! Oh Boy! The instructions for blow drying! Blow drying a Himalayan is an art in itself and these instructions are worse than useless, might as well air dry the cat (Don't of course). The advise on choosing a cat is even worse. More free advise: Don't choose one without checking out the current breed standards - NW Region Himalayan Show cat exhibitor

4 comments about Natural Remedies for Dogs and Cats.

1. The vast majority of people today believe that commercial pet food provides a safe and healthy diet for their dogs and cats. Veterinarians, who generally receive minimal instruction in nutrition, also recommend feeding only commercial animal food. CJ Puotinen disputes this advice in her latest book, Natural Remedies for Dogs and Cats.
   She's interviewed dozens of holistic pet care experts and studied all the available research on pet care. Time and time again, the evidence points to commercial pet foods as the source of chronic health problems in animals.
   If left to themselves, dogs and cats eat raw prey that they have caught. This gives them a variety of food and nutrients. Even if prepared foods could imitate the variety, which they don't, the processing they undergo destroys the nutrients. Additionally, commercial pet foods contain a host of unhealthy products.
   Puotinen describes the best diets for dogs and cats, and then explains how to achieve that. She even includes some recipes.
   The second section of the book is devoted to natural remedies for ailing animals. She describes the basic nutrients needed by all animals--our pets need vitamins and minerals, just as we do--and how to best include them in a healthy diet. She then explains how various herbs are used in achieving and maintaining pet health. This section also includes recipes, such as one for a natural flea powder.
   Puotinen provides an extensive resource section, including e-mail and web addresses.
   She says her purpose "is to define, explain, and demonstrate herbal and nutritional techniques that many pet owners have used with good results," adding that "an informed owner is a pet's best medical insurance." Readers will find that she has provided all the information and resources they need in Natural Remedies for Dogs and Cats to help them help their pets have long and healthy lives.



2. A 5 star book for sure! CJ Puotinen has provided yet another wonderfully supportive and educational reference book along the same lines as her indispensable "The Encyclopedia of Natural Pet Care". For those of us who want to keep our pets healthy the natural way, this book offers everything from feeding the best diet for our mainly carnivore friends--a raw food diet--to making your own natural flea repellents with oodles of terrific informaiton inbetween. I have saved so much money by making my own tinctures, etc. but more important, have healthier dogs because of what I learned and practiced from these books. That means hardly any visits to a veterinarian! The added bonus is the references in the back of the book. Everything at your fingertips. You can't beat the wealth of information for the price of this book!



3. I have a copy of this book, and of CJ's Encyclopedia of Natural Pet Care. I raise all my dogs (I raise Jack Russells) on an all natural diet. The recipes that I found in these books helped save the lives of a litter of pups that I had who lost thier mother at 3 weeks. At that age, conventional dogfood would not have saved them. And what about the preservatives that are in commercial dog food? I cannot understand how some one can claim to love thier pets, while all the while feeding them food thats full of poison? This book has made me more aware of what the average consumer does not know, and I encourage every one to take the time to do research on BHA and BHT. Those are ingredients that you will find on most of your pet foods as a preservative. Thank You CJ for writing this book, and my pups sure do thank you too. If you start an animal on an all natural diet in the beginning, or a little at a time, it will go more smoothly then trying to change them cold turkey.



4. I didn't find this book so useful. My dogs refuse any otherkind of food except their freshly cooked chicken i prepare for themevery night. Although I tried to follow some advises from this book, I saw that they prefer to starve than eat anything else.I thought they would die since they didn't eat anything for 2-3 days and gave up! The author insists that it's a matter of time that your dog will get used to the new diet, but I see that it is not. I think it has to do with the personality of each and every dog, and that's the reason I will never get a book like this. They don't change their nutricion no matter what I do, so I prefer buying books which deal with their psychological world and ways to communicate with them, instead of books which actually waste my time reading them.

5 comments about When Cats Reigned Like Kings: On the Trail of the Sacred Cats.

1. Considering the august reputation of the author and the number of pages, I expected a much more scholarly discussion on this subject. I was disappointed to wade through so many personal stories of her cats performing typical cat antics. While cute to a degree, less would have been an improvement so that the real topic could shine through. The title promises much more than is delivered. Too many cutsie remarks and exclamation points detract.
   
   Some fascinating information is included, and that did keep me reading, but one has to excavate for the good stuff. The interviews and descriptions of the places traveled are interesting and worth the time. Exploring some additional cultures would also have been appropriate.
   
   However, I commend Geyer for adding to the anecdotal nonfiction shelves about felines.
   
   Whle the book is not a total waste of time, be prepared for a lot of fluff if you're looking for the real story.



2. I very much enjoyed reading this book since I am very much a cat person. I have a special interest in cats since I work at an egyptian museum and have done quite a bit of research on cats especially the Egyptian cat goddess, Bastet. I love the way Georgie Geyer humanized the cat and the research she put into the book. Not to mention the wonderful humor and the warmth in which she portrayed the cats. I loved seeing the cats in a different perspective and traveling with the author to unusual places that I probably will never see.



3. This book is superb and the service from Amazon could not be equalled.



4. I do not know if it was because I am a cat lover, but I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in history. Ms. Geyer is an interesting author and has written a real page-turner. I thank her for making information which could have been dull bright and interesting. I now know more about the origins of my own beloved cats.



5. Back in November, I read an excerpt of this book in Geyer's column and thought: I've got to get this!!
   This book is well-written, and hooked me right from the beginning. Geyer's interest in the human-cat relationship takes her and you the reader to Egypt, Burma, Japan, and Thailand, plus her descriptions of the main cat breeds is helpful and informative. There are two sections of pictures, one section showing her own two cats the late great Pasha and her current cat, Nikko, as well as photos from her various travels. The second set shows the breeds of cats discussed in part two and all have a high 'aawwww' factor. Plus there is an appendix chronicling the evolution of the human-cat relationship throughout the world. All in all a great read!

2 comments about Famous Painted Cats.

1. I love cats, I love painted cats and I love the books by Burton Silver & Heather Busch.
   This is a collection of postcards which I wrote to my friends. They all loved them as well.



2. What a disappointment. When my "book" came I discovered it was actually a bunch of postcards bound together. It might make a good gift for a cat lover, but it was disappointing to me that it wasn't what I was expecting. Nowhere did I find any mention of postcards.