5 comments about The Cat Who Went To Paris.

1. If you have ever loved a cat, this is the book for you! Norton was definitely one of a kind, and you will be charmed by his adventures. I gave away my first copy of this book and had to buy another so I could reread it! Norton definitely stole my heart!



2. Gethers is no Cleveland Amory, and readers who have savored Amory's wonderful CAT WHO CAME FOR CHRISTMAS will be a little disappointed with this book. The chief problem, for me, is Gethers as a person, not as a writer. He doesn't come off as someone I would like to know. That said, you who travel with your animal companions will be amused and impressed by the way Gethers and the feline Norton gad about. I used to travel around this continent in a van with my cats, and camp or visit cat loving friends - challenge enough! For the seven or so years reported in this book Norton has joined his dad on planes, trains, automobiles, ferries, subways, cross country skis and hikes. He is a seasoned and recognized traveller aboard the Concorde, a pampered favorite in Parisian hotels, a local celebrity on Fire Island, and an office cat in Manhattan. Jet setters take note: 1. always include two folding cardboard cat boxes and two five pound bags of litter in your carry-ons. (One box for the rental car and one for the hotel room.) 2.Paris restaurants not only permit, but encourage the inclusion of well-mannered pets in your dinner group. 3. The rich are not different, they are only annoyingly more so.



3. I found this book at the library yesterday - I'm halfway thru the book. It is hysterical!!! I'm laughing every other page!! This author has a great sense of humor and an excellent writer :) His cat Norton must have been a real sweetie - a Scottish Fold. I've decided to buy myself a copy AND will be buying a copy for 2 of my cat loving friends for Christmas. A great upbeat read! :)



4. Norton is just the sweetest little Scottish Fold kitten one could ever hope to meet. His folded ears, gentle disposition and loyalty to his owner, Peter Gethers, will astound you. Norton has a puss-in-ality extraordinaire. He trots obediently five steps behind his owner to the market, on the beach, and to visit friends. In a car, he sits perched atop Gethers shoulder and watches life go by. On a ferry ride, he puts his paws on the rail and follows the waves. Even Norton's father who is a confirmed "dog-lover, cat-hater" mellows up to the adorable little fellow and they become best friends. Norton even has the ability to help Gethers choose his girlfriends; some Norton likes, others he does not - and emphatically lets Gethers know which ones do not win his approval. Norton is a jet-setter. He accompanies Gethers on trans-continental flights to Paris and many other countries around the world. He dines in luxury at five-star dining establishments, sits in his own chair as if he had just graduated from the most exquisite Swiss finishing school, and enjoys his own fare specially prepared by the chef. However, according to Norton's palate, nothing tops a good can of Pounce!
   
   No one could write a book about a cat in quite the same style and wit as Gethers. Norton is not a work of fiction; he is Gethers feline companion, soul mate and best friend. You will relish Norton's antics and adventures from start to finish. This book is an oldie but one of my all time favourites. If there were a hundred starts in the rating scale, this would shine at one hundred.



5. Norton, is a credit to Scotish Folds. And Mr. Gethers know excatly how fortunate he is in having the most Purr-fect of friends. This a joyful read of a cat who just can't help be lovable, and who loves the people he meets. Apparently some cats do on some level know exactly what's going on.

1 comments about Feline Behavior.

1. As a volunteer at our local Humane Society, I've wanted so bad to help with the cats that are unadoptable. Behavior is the greatest challenge and obstical that cats must prove themselves capable of to reach the goal of somebody to love them. I really want to move into this department to do all I can to ensure all the cats possible get the chance to go home. This book is one great start!! It's very technical however. And I find alot of words (usually anatomical) that I must reference to fully understand. But hey, that's called learning!!!!!!!!!

2 comments about Small Animal Dentistry, A manual of techniques.

1. I bought this book for a friend who is just starting her own library. Excellent book for any one starting in dentistry or just wanting a book which covers all the bases. Covers instruments, equipment, techniques and drugs. It is loaded with great picutres and models.



2. SMALL ANIMAL DENTISTRY: A MANUAL OF TECHNIQUES is a 'must' reference for any college-level holding strong in small animal veterinary science. It's designed as a 'how to' manual which uses color photos to provide a step-by-step walk-through coverage of common techniques, and will serve as an excellent classroom manual as well as a vet's reference. From proper tools and techniques to close-ups of common conditions and discussions of challenges in small animal dentistry, this reference is packed with insights and perfect for both vet classes and practicing vets alike.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch

1 comments about Small Animal Toxicology.

1. An excellent ready reference for common ( and not so common ) poisonings in small animal patients. One of my most used texts in an emergency/ ICU setting. invaluable.

1 comments about 50 Simple Ways to Pamper Your Cat.

1. "50 Simple Ways to Pamper Your Cat" offers loads of ways to provide practical care and pampering for your cat companion. Moore writes in a humorous and easy-to-read style that makes the book fun to read as well as informative. She even offers recipes to make any finicky kitty's mouth water. Anyone who is owned by a cat will enjoy this book.

5 comments about The Cat Who Came for Christmas.

1. "The Cat Who Came for Christmas" is an utter joy to read. If one obtains pleasure from cats as I do, Amory's memoir will allow them to purr and feel the feline's silky fur against their skin.
   
   As an animal activist, Amory did not own his own cat, but suddenly, out of nowhere; he is (owned) by a stray that he calls Polar Bear. If anybody has ever had a cat, they know that she will take over the entire house as Amory's cat does. Didn't you know that cats are the center of the universe?
   
   Amory talks to Polar Bear as if he's his best friend, and the reader enters into a dialogue of sweet ecstasy. Amory takes the cat's personality and characteristics and makes him human. It's almost as if Polar Bear should be sitting at the kitchen table with a knife and fork eating his Fancy Feast!
   
   The writing is beautiful.... long flowing sentences.... charming insight about the cat's world, life, beauty, grace, and breathtaking nine lives. I loved it!



2. I received "The Cat Who Came for Christmas" as a Christmas gift, and I could not put down this biography of Polar Bear and his human. Some aspects of the true story made me sad, but Cleveland Amory's love for animals was inspiring. I love cats, but I am unemployed now due to multiple sclerosis (MS), so I cannot afford the responsibly of adopting a kitty. I have a lot of time and love to devote to a shelter cat, but I have no money. Caring for a cat or kitten would make my life so much better.
   
   Christine Powers
   Waltham, MA



3. Amory's tale of his rescued cat in their first year together is a classic. Any cat lover can tell you, saying that a cat is strange, peculiar, or particular is simply redundant. Yet, they are as individual as finger prints. And in spite of their circumstances, many of them are very loving and generous with their time and attention (except when they're sleeping of course). Amory's Polar Bear, white cat, green eyes, is a perfect example of feline gratitude.
   
   Rescuing an animal is often as traumatic for the rescuer as it is for the rescued. They do not understand what the person is trying to do or why. Often they've been abused, verbally or physically, by nearly every person they've ever met. The ability to bounce back, as Polar Bear shows, is indicative of the capacity and need for love that cats have. When their person demonstrates such love, they will put up with shots, vet visits, even cat psychiatrist visits; although not without letting everyone know what they they think of it.
   
   Amory has given the world a story that all people owned by cats can appreciate. I'm sure that most cats who know the story approve as well. This could be a cautionary tale for unwary people who have no experience with cats. It certainly is a wonderful recounting of a cat and person relationship, one that we who are owned by cats applaud.



4. I am a cat lover and once, I had a Christmas cat too. She was a stray and she visited me on the eve of Christmas. From then on, we're friends. As much as I would like to give this book a 5-star rating, I couldn't do it. It started all right and after all, it's 5 more days to Christmas -- a great time to read something like this. I even like it's first sentence: "To anyone who has ever been owned by a cat, it will come as no surprise that there are all sorts of things about your cat you will never, as long as you live, forget."
   
   Sadly, further down the reading, it got tired. Too much historical details and whatever else. I had to force myself to continue reading and there came a point I just can't do it anymore. I waved the white flag. Don't get me wrong, I love cats but I wished the book could've been more reader-friendly.



5. I love this book and have read it three times over the years. From the first page I found myself fascinated by the relationships, the personalities, the emerging love between this strong-willed kitty and the people who were trying to save him from a brutal life on the streets of New York.
   
   If you love cats, or if you would just like to understand "cat people" better, this is a light, quick read that will make you smile.
   
   It's not great literature (hence, the four stars) but it is a memorable and charming tale that I will probably read for a fourth time someday. I'm glad I bought it and I highly recommend it.

5 comments about Praying With Katie God, My Cat, And Me.

1. I was given this book several years ago by the pastor of my church. It gave me a brand new outlook on the unconditional love of God. I have read it several times, as it is very inspirational and is an "easy" read. I have purchased copies for friends and highly recommend it to EVERYONE...



2. I actually loved this book and read it 3 times before passing it along to another cat-loving Christian friend.

   The book is great except . . . When the author is referencing God as a pronoun, he uses His/Her; what is up with that????? As a minister, the author should know better than this!! It is just silly.

   Also, the cursing near the end of the book was unacceptable; grief can be expressed without using the Lord's name in vain. But of course, this is just my opinion.




3. The book makes clever analogies to the life of the author's cat, Katie, and his relationship with God. You may find yourself seeing your relationship with God in a new, more intimate way. You may find comfort and enjoy the litte parables. I found some aspects of Katie's life upsetting and couldn't get pass those to embrace the book.



4. When this book was given to me my initial reaction was that I wasn't impressed. That was before I started reading beyond the introduction. By assessing his relationship with a kitten, the author looks at his relationship with his God in a new light.

   It would seem presumptuous to compare oneself to God, but sometimes I think it is our nature to try to see things from God's perspective.

   This book gave me a lot to think about in terms of my relatonship with my creator - quite a feat in such a small and unscholarly work.




5. What a cool book! I've never read anything like this. I was afraid it was going to be sappy and silly, but I was COMPLETELY wrong, so if you're thinking the same thing, read on.

   One of my pet peeves (no pun intended) is people who anthropomorphize their pets, assigning specifically human motivations to their behavior, and that's what I expected from this book. But the author doesn't do that at all. In fact, at first he's annoyed by his cat Katie and her feline ways when she gets in his way as he's trying to meditate and pray. But she ends up becoming an inspiration to him, at times a metaphor, a reminder of his humanity, or a grounding influence in his soul-searching. By observing Katie's behavior and his own reactions to it, the author has come up with some very original spiritual insights. Katie's unwitting role in all of this is really fascinating, not to mention amusing.

   This is not just a book for "cat people." I think anyone who cares about spiritual growth would get something out of it. I know I did, and I don't even have a cat... yet.

5 comments about Your Magickal Cat: Feline Magick, Lore, and Worship.

1. From ancient beginnings to modern day pets, cats are breed all their own. No other animal has such an amazing history as the cat. Gerina Dunwich does a wonderful job telling you all about the history of this magickal creature and how you can share the magick in your life with your cat. Highly recommended for those insterested in familiar magick work, or anyone who just wants to learn more about cats.



2. I was planning on buying this book, but decided not to after reading a few reviews which revealed that the author had given away at least ten cats of her own, using the old "moving away" excuse. Anyone who can do that is obviously not a person who has a true affinity, care, or respect for cats - or any animal. True witches have a bond with animals - our brethren - and Dunwich obviously fails the test. I won't be reading this or any other of her books.



3. I question the fact that the author calls herself a lifelong cat lover, since, in the introduction, she readily admits to having given away more than ten felines in her household because she was moving across the country. This made me seriously doubt the integrity of the author, as any true cat lover would NEVER do such a thing. It made me wonder whether she saw them as living beings and members of the family, as my cats are to me, or just ornaments that can be cast aside if they become inconvenient. Perhaps I'm cynical, but the book just smacked of a means to make money for an author whose work is fairly pedestrian. In regards to the content, it covered such mundane matters as history, naming your cat and the like. If you want books written by apparently genuine cat lovers, I would suggest Patricia Telesco's book Cat Magic and Daisy Pepper's Spells For Cats. They cover pretty much the same content and seem to come from a place of genuine care and concern for our feline friends.



4. I have read a good number of books written by prolific author Gerina Dunwich and I can honestly say that "Your Magickal Cat" is definitely my favorite one out of the bunch! Like the author, I too am a Witch and a cat-lover, and I found this book to be truly inspiring, educational, and quite interesting. The chapter dedicated to the goddess Bast discusses how the cat was worshipped and protected as a sacred animal in ancient Egypt, and the astrological chapter on feline sun-signs is quite a fun read. There are also sections containing valuable information on metaphysical healing techniques for cats, interpreting cat symbols in dreams, cats as Witches' familiars, and so much more. This well-written and beautifully-illustrated book tastefully mixes history with folklore and spells, and even sprinkles in some charming cat poetry to tickle the fancy of any cat-lover. I highly recommend this book to all Pagans and non-Pagans alike who hold a special place in their hearts for the wondrous feline. I personally rate it 10 stars. Blessed be!



5. Being Pagan and a cat lover, I thought this would be a great little book when I received it for my birthday. Maybe it's that I'm not a neophyte - I've been studying for nine years - but this reads like someone who just discovered Paganism and thinks everything is shiny flowers and pretty little butterflies. It was "sacred this" and "magickal that", the writing didn't flow and transitions were nonexistent, and the editor should be ashamed at the grammatical errors and typos that abound.

   That said, there *are* some interesting tidbits of information. It was researched fairly thoroughly, but not exactly exhaustively. There's a fair amount about Bastet and other cat worship. There's also some pretty disturbing facts about the cruelty and torture cats have suffered throughout history - but even more disturbing is that she does not emphasize enough that the spells and potions that require cat parts amount to nothing more than sadistic animal abuse, and it scares me to think of what some of the less benevolent people in our society might do to a cat if they think it'll get them whatever they want. Not to mention that I wonder at how much of a cat lover the author really is if she doesn't see the potential cruelty - and if she could leave her brood of cats behind when she moved across the country. I could *never* abandon my precious cats like that.

   Overall, this book would most likely be fun for a newbie, but anyone who's seriously studied for two years will probably find this an eye-roller.

2 comments about The Cats of Venice.

1. If you like cats, or if you like Venice, you are sure to like this little gem of a book. Course, if you're like me and like em both...well, this book is a must! Highly recommended.



2. This is a sweet little book with wonderful pictures. Makes a great gift for a cat person or someone who likes to travel to Italy. The pictures really are great!

2 comments about Fred in Love.

1. Picano, Felice. "Fred in Love". The University of Wisconsin Press. 2005.
   
   How We Love
   
   Amos Lassen and Literary Pride
   
   Felice Picano is one of the great gay men of letters. He is the award winning author of many books that tell of the way we live. The University of Wisconsin has published "Fred in Love" a revealing tale of the author's relationship with a nine day old kitten that was scheduled for euthanasia yet refused to die. Picano rescued the kitten and named him Fred and trained him. And as Picano began his literary career in the 1970's, he had his companion Fred who showed extraordinary intelligence and wonder. As Picano got to know Greenwich Village, Fred was there helping him to maintain himself during the lean years before Picano became a household name among gays.
   When a friend brought over his female cat for Fred to have a little fun with, things began to change. The female cat's owner was the perfect man in Picano's eyes and it was the two cats that brought the two men together. What happens is a wonderful comedy of manners and as the cats begin to know ach other so do the men.
   Picano's glimpse of the Village in the 1970's is a look at an era no longer with us and still fondly remembered. Just a few years after the Stonewall riots, a new gay community was beginning to form and the idea that we, gays, would have our own literature was a dream. That dream became reality with Picano at the helm of a new literature written by us and for us and about us.
   The picture painted by Picano in his short little book is just amazing and enlightening as it shows how we grew and how we learned from our past. Consisting of only 100 pages, Picano gives us a picture that we are not likely to forget. He does with nostalgia and charm and with gossip and wit. It also shows how we love--no matter the object of our affection--a human or a pet.
   The gay subculture of Greenwich Village will always be a major part of our history and it is so good to have another look at it. The relationship between man and cat is also a story of man's relationship with man and his relationship to where he lives and the circumstances he lives in. This is such a beautifully written book that you cannot help but smile as you read it. My only problem was that it was over too soon.



2. Just one look at the cute cover of Fred in Love will probably melt most reader's hearts. Encompassing everything that is charming and delightful about these extraordinary animals, author, Felice Picano has written a pleasantly entertaining and rather wistful tale of a young and energetic man who over the years had many different cats and many different experiences living with them.
   
   In the late 60's and early 70's, Picano lived a bohemian, arty, and somewhat poverty-stricken life as a struggling writer in Manhattan. During this time, the author was blessed with a kitten that he managed to rescue from euthanasia. He named him Fred. Fred turned out to be truly remarkable animal; big and handsome, and masculine, "he even looked like a Fred," and he possessed an astute intelligence and a fierce independence.
   
   This short story covers Picano's life with Fred as he tells a rather quixotic tale of how humans and cats, while learning to respect each other's space, take their time to build bonds and tolerate flaws in each other's characters. The author paints Fred as a type of "benevolent dictator," the indubitable boss in the relationship.
   
   Fred came into the author's life at a time when he was depressed about his career, and worse, could perceive no future worth making any effort for. Picano even admits that he did have several boyfriends, which lets face it, "is hardly equal to having a good cat in one's life!"
   
   Felice immediately trained Fred as a kitten, but Fred was also trained him. For Felice and Fred, learning to live together was a two-way street, and while other animals in the home eventually acquiesce to human bullying, Fred immutably proved that cats could be far smarter and slier. Fred slept inside, but he would also drink out of the toilet, would eat sporadically, and often disappear for days on end!
   
   While the author's world became filled with dance, music, men, drugs, parties, and fun, Fred's life was full of scampering around the neighborhood and befriending the odd assortment of cat ladies scattered about the West Village. Fred obviously had a penchant for freedom, which was obviously reflective of Picano's own need to be freewheeling and heady. But of course, freedom ultimately comes with a cost.
   
   Fred in Love is a more a chatty personal essay than a reflective, revealing memoir. It's also a funny, fresh and rather clever account of an era in New York where Picano lived amongst musicians, actors, curious characters, and even a famous British actress who moved in right next-door. (And if you take notice of the clues it was probably Vanessa Redgrave).
   
   Fred isn't the only cat on the block in this book. There's also Miss Cat, a Persian who was full of quiet dignity, with a bulbous shape, flat leonine face, and long wild mane of hair. And Max, a big, neutered, yet not at all overweight cat with Siamese features suggesting he was a cross between that breed and a tabby.
   
   But Fred is undoubtedly the star of the story; he's easily the one that had the greatest affect on the author and it was the relationship that was the most deeply connected. At times almost baffling and full of misunderstandings, the relationship between Picano and Fred was mostly about profound love and intense and powerful trust. Mike Leonard August 05.