5 comments about The Healthy Pet Manual: A Guide to the Prevention and Treatment of Cancer.

1. Alright, I'll confess: I haven't read the book. However, I HAVE taken an english composition class taught by Deborah Straw, and let me tell you, she's a wonderful educator and very passionate about animals. I still go to her for literary advice.
   
   Just a little piece of info about the author that might make you feel good about buying the book...



2. The Healthy Pet Manual is a revised and expanded edition of Straw's already excellent earlier
   book, Why Is Cancer Killing Our Pets? Cancer is the number one killer of most domestic
   animals, dogs being the most vulnerable to this disease. A thorough researcher who was highly
   motivated by the loss of four of her own dogs to cancer, Straw has made a careful study of the
   environmental, dietary, and iatrogenic (vaccine-related) causes of this modern scourge. In this
   well organized and beautifully written book she covers the bases with a sensible blend of
   conventional and alternative approaches to the prevention and treatment of the disease.
   
   As a person whose life has been immeasurably enriched by a series of remarkable dogs and who
   finds it difficult to deal with their mortality, I found The Healthy Pet Manual to be full of
   practical information that helps me to face my dog's future with greater confidence. This book is
   an invaluable resource for anyone who loves and lives with animals. Two paws up!



3. When author Deborah Straw lost four animals to cancer, she became frustrated enough about the lack of information about the disease to investigate - and The Healthy Pet Manual: A Guide To The Prevention And Treatment Of Cancer is the result. Pet owners may not realize cancer is the number one killer of most domestic animals: this revised, expanded edition of Why Is Cancer Killing Our Pets includes the latest research and preventative measures owners can take, from watching food to understanding how vaccines may influence cancer developments in pets. A 'must' for any pet owner.



4. It is a sad fact that many pets will succumb to some kind of cancer in their lifetime. It is also a fact that some veterinarians may lack the time, knowledge, and/or communication skills to answer owners' questions about this disease, its treatment, and prevention. This well-written and well-researched book helps fill that gap by providing two valuable kinds of information. First, it reviews some of the latest information about cancer in animals. Second, the extensive notes at the end of the book provide numerous references for those who would like to explore certain subjects in more detail. This combination results in a quality guide to the complex world of animal cancer.



5. Highly recommended for anyone concerned about their dog's health. Information that is user friendly and not easily available from any other source. There is a particularly good chapter on pain management - which is a field vets are only now beginning to understand. Deborah Straws writes with compassion from a pet owner's point of view - making the latest scientific and pet-related environmental issues easily accessible. An essential reference book for concerned pet owners.

5 comments about Lights, Camera, Hairballs!: Garfield at the Movies (Garfield (Unnumbered)).

1. Its too bad we don't use Garfield for movie reviews because it would make choosing the right one easier.



2. I teach second grade that there is no bigger movitater to reading than Garfield books. So I spent a fortune of my classroom funds buying new ones only to have them fall apart and be useless.Not just one Garfield book, but all of the ones I had bought...maybe 4 or 5 of them. When I complained to Amazon they said they had no control over workmanship and it was "too bad" that that had occurred, but there was nothing they could do. Anyone who reads this needs to buy only library bound copies, as the customer has no way of knowing of this malady until it's too late and you have a pile of pages in your classroom library.
   Kathy Carbone



3. I bought this book for my 9-year-old son, and he loves it! He loves recognizing many of the movies mentioned in the book, and we talk about the other movies he doesn't know. This book has given him hours of laughs, and he loves sharing it with his friends.



4. My 8 year old son wanted this book because he loves Garfield. This is a very good book and it helps him to read different types of letters. My older son (11) read the book and liked it as well. I think it is a very funny book. It does help that we all like Garfield.



5. This is great! Garfield gives his review of "Garfield Style" movies. I love all the puns and inside jokes. You have to love movies to enjoy this book.

1 comments about Catalog.

1. If you have a cat, know a cat, or are thinking of getting a cat, I suggest Catolog. This colourful reference, containing over 340 photographs and provides information on over 70 different breeds. This material is subdivided by long and short haired cats. Each breed in these subsections is then detailed with a description of the physical and psychological traits, the history, possible colours, and important qualities for showing that particular breed. Each of these entries also includes a quick reference box with symbols that tell the reader how much grooming is required, how vocal the animal will be, the activity level, and how much attention that animal will need.
   
   Catalog is quite addictive. Every single person in my house picked up this book and started to look though it. First, they all searched for our cats and when they wholeheartedly agreed with the descriptions of these breeds they all started looking for our next cat(s).

1 comments about Abyssinian Cats: Everything About Acquisition, Care, Nutrition, Behavior, Health Care, and Breeding (Barron's Compete Pet Owner's Manuals).

1. I recommend that anyone considering being owned by an Abyssinian read this book (the info is enlightening for already owned people as well). It covers in easily understood language everything one should know about Abyssinian Cats and how to care for them. It is simply enough written to be understood by children though not boring to adults. It could be used as a teaching tool for children in the home where kitty will live. The author starts at the beginning: How to buy the cat, acclimation, caring for it "Forever After," etc. She discusses controversial issues such as declawing (I'm personally opposed), grooming, showing, etc. The general care information would apply to most cats. But Abyssinians are very intelligent, loyal, inquisitive and active. If you want a cat that will NOT sit on the refrigerator, then perhaps this book would give the reader some understanding of the personality of the Abyssinian and guide the propsective cat owner toward making a good decision about whether or not to select this particular breed or another, less active, breed. Plenty of good photos.

2 comments about Guide to Owning a Himalayan Cat: Feeding, Grooming Exhibition, Temperament, Health (Guide to Owning).

1. everything you need to know is here.
   a lot of love for your cats, and this book, and you're all set.



2. Though this book proved to be helpful when we first bought our new crean point, what struck me is that it doesn't discuss most of the details of cat owning nor does it really give detailed descriptions of illness. We had never had a cat before. How would we know if the darned thing is sick when we bring it home? This book was supposed to help with that, but it only skims illnesses in kittens and cats and spends most of the time discussing showing your new Himalayan. Anyone reading this would be reading it for help on training, diet suggestions and just basic "Cats for Dummies" sort of stuff. While it does offer excellent photos of rare cats and features extra glossy pages making it fun to flip through, it needs more of a point. So Himalayans throw up when they eat grass, any cat will. tell me something I wouldn't know that is unique to long haired or Himalayan cats and kittens, like the watery eyes and constant infections. How to deal with fleas and ticks and how to tell worms would have been nice if they were just doing a a generalized book, but in most aspects you know nothing more on completing this than you did before. It will probably confuse you and make you wonder "Why did they even bother?"

No comments about Pocket Companion to Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Pocket Companion).

5 comments about The Character of Cats: The Origins, Intelligence, Behavior, and Stratagems of Felis silvestris catus.

1. It is my impression that Stephen Budiansky has approached this book from more of a scientific view than anything else. His history of cats and their origins is very interesting, and apparently well-researched. But his thoughts regarding cats' sociability toward humans seem to be negating or downplaying the actual personalities of cats -- giving what I think is too much emphasis on their seemingly back-to-the-wild-which-they-never-really-left traits.
   
   What I have experienced with my (and other) cats downplays and/or negates some of his theories. Sometimes I think it's our pets who have civilized us -- not the other way around.. But that's another story.
   
   That being said -- I think a few things should be revised -- after all, this book is 5 years old -- that is 36 years old, in Cat Years.
   
   First of all -- the issue of "Trap Neuter and Return" of Feral Cats (cats who are the product of abandoned pets) SHOULD be addressed. Has Mr. Budiansky ever experienced or witnessed what Feral Caretakers go thru to ensure that their colony will not only stop reproducing, but will remain a healthy and well-cared for part of the community in which they live? More people need to know about this-- maybe it will even help educate those who would otherwise discard their pets (an irresponsible and sad practice).
   
   I also feel that his remark on Animal Communicators was not well researched -- dismissing them by saying that as a cat owner, you do not want to "know what your cat really thinks of you" is disrespectful and is doing a disservice to those people who CAN genuinely communicate with non-human beings. Animal Communicators, such as Penelope Smith, and others-- have helped solve behavioral and health issues that plague so many animals and bewilder so many of these animals' caretakers - by communicating with the animals and creating a bridge of understanding between the animal and its "owner" (caretaker). Perhaps Animal Communication is not scientific enough to warrant a positive comment in his book, but there is something to it and it should not be the subject of (very unscientific) ridicule.



2. Truly enjoyable book. Having had dogs all my life and coming recently to an appreciation (and embarrassingly vocal and story-laden devotion to these little animals) it was nice to read a book that didn't become sloppily ga-ga about the critters - there are enough of us out here already quick to share the "oh-let-me-tell-you-about-the-cutest-thing-my-little-pookie-did-today"cocktail stories. Honestly! A lot of us are as bad as the new parents who simply MUST share their delight in the details about the bodily functions and cute sounds that their first baby made this week! (Yes, I'm guilty of that sin as well.)
   
   Delightfully droll and informative, this book's opening chapter is titled "Cats Plot to Take Over the World -- And Succeed" (which we ALL know is an accurate description of their TRUE intentions!) and winds up with helpful and understanding suggestions for addressing persistently annoying behaviors which owners somehow manage to overlook - at least in the first blush of ownership. Compassionate and wise, the author carefully explains the instinctual nature of cat behavior and its expression in some of the less attractive, but ultimately natural, behavior that cats so graciously share with us.
   
   Quite recommended!



3. Really interesting discussion of why cats behave the way they do and why they are different from other domesticated animals. Even if you can't buy into all of it, it does make you think!



4. This book is chock full of amazing and insightful cat lore. While I'm sure that I may have been able to read much of what was in this book elsewhere, it provides an excellent summary and review of what man knows about those amazing cats that have followed us through the ages. The author provides all of this info through very conversational and often humorous text that was very easy to read. I found myself laughing out loud as well as nodding in agreement as I suddenly understood more of why my cat's are the way they are.
   
   Speaking as a scientist myself I think it is also a robust and well-researched piece. In the back you'll find a very long list of citations to scientific work. While it may not be perfect and may not have all the answers it's clear that the author took a lot of time to try to get things right and to present as clear and accurate of a picture as possible.



5. I picked up this book under the impression that some of the quirky things my cats do might be explained and substantiated. I wanted to learn more about their thought processes and evolutionary background. Overall, this book did not live up to my expectations.
   
   Stephen Budiansky starts off the book with an interesting historical perspective on cats. He also briefly describes some evolutionary background as well as close relatives to Felis silvestris catus, body color patterns, and similarities and differences between feral and domesticated cats. From there, Budiansky delves into the behavior patterns of cats and their various personalities. He discusses things such as low-light vision in cats, the odd reactions some cats have to cat nip, the tendency to mark territory, the tendency to eat plants, and learning capabilities. He also gives some descriptions of what might be done to discourage unwanted behavior in your pets, which is probably the most beneficial aspect of the book (except for the fact that one of his suggestions is prescribed drugs).
   
   Budiansky covers a vast plethora of information within this book, however, none if it is really described in very much depth. Furthermore, I found it extremely discouraging that much of the behavior described in this book seems to be mere observations made by Budiansky without much (or, at times, any) explanation, and is only rarely backed by scientific studies. Much of the knowledge presented in this book is general information that anyone who has owned cats for any length of time, and paid any attention to their behavior, should already be aware of. Frequently Budiansky writes off various cat behaviors by merely stating "it's hard-wired in their brain." As a biology major, I found these explanations to be extremely elementary and quite lacking.
   
   In addition, this book was just a bland read. Though I was determined to get through it, it has taken me a couple of months of picking it up and reading a couple of pages at a time before I had to put it down and save it for another day. If anything, this book might be used as a jumping off point from which to determine what aspects of cats you might want to research in more depth, since Budiansky barely glosses over the surface of everything he discusses (how much detail can he really get into in only 201 pages?).
   
   As someone who has been a cat owner for about seventeen years now, I didn't feel that this book added much to my knowledge of cats, and would thus not recommend this book to those who own cats and are already familiar with their behavior. If you aren't a cat owner and are interested in the quirky cuteness that is Felis silvestris, then this might be more worthwhile.

5 comments about Blue Cats, Cats of the Greek Islands.

1. You don't have to be a feline fancier to enjoy the 28 gorgeous photos by Ron Nelson. The cats are, of course, irresistible - a jet black adventurer leaping from a white wall, a covey of the gentle creatures gathered around a blue fence or a black and white watchman perched high atop a pillar looking out to sea.
   
   While the cats are irresistible so are the settings - Santorini and Antiparos. For me, Santorini is one of the most beautiful islands in the world. The result of an enormous volcanic explosion thousands of years ago Santorini is now blessed with astounding natural beauty. Three huge cliffs define the island as it slopes down to the gorgeous Mediterranean, and in the island's center is a magnificent lagoon. Needless to say the view from Santorini is spectacular.
   
   I've not had the pleasure of visiting Antiparos however, if Ron Nelson's photos are any indication, it would be an estimable destination. It boasts a picture postcard harbor, wide sandy beaches, and clear sparkling water.
   
   Cats of the Greek Islands is a delight for armchair travelers, animal lovers, and those who enjoy beautiful scenes.
   
   - Gail Cooke



2. If you love cats, you got to love the photos in this book.



3. "Blue Cats" is a new offering from renowned photographer Ron Nelson. Nelson specializes in both human and animal imagery, mostly in Europe, and is one of the best photographers working today. Cats are both photogenic but notoriously difficult to photograph due to their individuality and unpredictability, but here Nelson makes it look easy.
   
   Greece has some of the most stunning architecture, landscapes, and waterscapes in the world, and is also known for a large and gregarious cat population. In this book Nelson captures the natural beauty of Greece and the graceful four-footed inhabitants of the coastal areas. The composition of these photographs is delicate and artistic, yet playful and relaxing. I am especially fond of the photographs depicting cats in motion, especially the two photos (numbers 26 and 27) "Jump Across" and "Shadow of a Jump" taken in Oia, Santorini which are exquisitely composed: the study of lighting and shadow is excellent throughout the book, but peaks with "Shadow of a Jump" in my opinion.
   
   This book is excellent for anyone who loves excellent photography, cats, or travel (especially with pristine water backdrops); it is beautifully conceived and printed, and would look great on any coffee table or in any library. I highly recommend this book, and hope to see more from Ron Nelson in the future.



4. Ron Nelson's camera captures the soft details of some amazing cats living in the Greek Isles. Their fur seems to be especially healthy and their bright eyes seem to speak of happy days laying out in the sun, a life lived outdoors in the fresh air and a content spirit.
   
   Each picture is framed on a white page to bring out the contrast of the white stone walls and sapphire waters glistening in the distance. Some kittens are found sleeping on windowsills outside windows with lace curtains while others find their home in a café or wandering along sun-drenched stone walls with foliage set against a background of mountains and cooling blue waters.
   
   The photography in this book goes beyond capturing moments and has additional elements of artistic excellence.
   
   My husband has always wanted a pure black cat and the one in this book really captured his interest in a variety of pictures including the one where the cat jumps off the wall and where it looks like it is meditating or observing the view. The tiny black-and-white cat will make you laugh as it seems to have found itself atop a large white stone pillar and is quite happy to sleep the day away far from the crowd.
   
   All of the cats look especially well groomed, very pampered and happy to be living in Greece. Blue Cats is one of the most beautiful books on cats I've ever seen due to the additional artistic flair of the photography and the beyond gorgeous settings.
   
   ~The Rebecca Review



5. Gorgeous photographs! He catches cats doing fairly ordinary cat things against a breath-takingly beautiful backdrop of Greek scenery.

No comments about Feline Internal Medicine Secrets.

5 comments about Cats 24/7: Extraordinary Photographs Of Wonderful Cats.

1. I really enjoyed seeing the various pictures.
   (...)



2. Great job..super photos, and I really like the idea of owners personalizing the book with a cover photo of their own pet!
   
   
   Shawn Messonnier DVM
   author, the Allergy Solution for Dogs, 8 Weeks to a Healthy Dog, and the award-winning The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats
   
   www.petcarenaturally.com
   (...)



3. A wonderful book for the cat lover and a special tribute to our beautiful Garfield, I wish he were here 24/7



4. I received this book as a gift, from my pets.. I loved it so much I had to buy one and have it sent to a close friend.. she too loves it! The perfect book for the cat lover in your life...



5. A colorful and entertaining photo book of cats of all ages, and some of their people suitable for your coffee table enjoyment or especially nice for gift giving, if you have a digital of the recipient's cat and order the custom dust jacket. Cat owners are easily amused and may also enjoy Bad Cat by Jim Edgar.