The Bottom Line
- Excellent photography and anatomy diagrams
- Comprehensive charts with easy-to-understand information
- Interesting history and "background" information about cats
- Coverage on some common health topics (i.e. fleas) is sparse
- Coverage on the health and behavior benefits of neutering pets is sparse
- Lack of an author biography in the forward of the book
Description
- Learn about ancestors of the domestic cat
- Feline behaviors - normal and problem behavior
- Health care information: home health care tips and what to do for illness or injury
- Learn about pregnancy and kitten care
- What happens at a cat show and how cats are judged
- Types of food and what is best for your cat
Guide Review - Book review
The first five chapters of the book cover information about cat history, selecting a cat, housing, grooming, feeding and behavior issues (normal and problematic behavior). Learn how to brush a cat's teeth, clip nails, and how to understand basic cat body language, all with the help of excellent photos and beautiful feline models.
Chapter six is the largest chapter of the book, covering feline health. The chapter starts out with a "diagnosis chart" and is a flow chart to help an owner decide if the problem can wait or is an emergency. (When in doubt, it is always best to check directly with your veterinarian.)
Breeding, pregnancy and kitten care are covered extensively in the next two chapters, with many photos explaining the processes. I wished that there was a bit more coverage on spaying and neutering to balance this out, as cat overpopulation is a very serious problem.
The chapter on first aid offers some great tips to help owners triage until a vet can be seen. Drawings are used for this section of the book.
The final chapter discusses cat shows and judging of cats for shows. The book ends with a glossary, cat care record, and a listing of additional resources for cat lovers.
In all, a great book, and a good "jumping off point" for more information, should a pet owner have a question for their veterinarian.
