RECOMMENDED BOOKS

(Compiled and reviewed by K.M. Brady)

Rating scale: * to *****, 5 stars being highest

GENERAL
277 Secrets Your Cat Wants You to Know: A Catalog of Unusual and Useful Information; Paulette Cooper & Paul Noble (Ten Speed Press, 1997) 236 pages. (***)

Easy-to-read book that spells out things in simple terms; things you would never think to ask (such as the effects of alcohol on your feline), straightforward answers about kissing and massaging your cat, how to make your cat a celebrity (or not), and a great quiz for cat nuts only . Informative and entertaining.

Cats for Dummies; Gina Spadafori & Paul D. Pion, D.V.M./D.A.C.V.I.M. (Dummies Press, IDG Books Worldwide, Inc.1997) -- 342+ pages. (****)

Idiots Guide to Living with a Cat; Carolyn Janik & Ruth Retnis (Alpha Books, 1996) 316+ pages. (****)

Very similar in nature and design, each book provides a walk through to preparing for and living with a feline, the nature of cats, and all sorts of things you might never think to consider. These two make a great pair, as they do each have a certain amount of individual information not included in the other (for instance, Idiots . . . has more on multicat household living, while. Dummies has more information on travel, myths, and internet links). Excellent for your cat-reference library.

Catsmart; Myra Milani, D.M.V. (Contemporary Books, 1998). 410 pages. (***)

Filled with anecdotes, exercised to use in working with your cat, and lots of practical advice. Heavy reading, but well informed; packed with ideas for providing a healthy, loving environment for your feline friends and improving your relationship with your pet.

Housecat: How to Keep Your Indoor Cat Sane and Sound; Christine Church (Howell Book House, pub. Macmillan Publishing). 188+ pages. (***)

Devoted entirely to the idea that a cat kept indoors is the healthiest, happiest pet, this book helps guide you in creating a thriving, entertaining environment in your home for your pet. Tips on training an outdoor cat to stay indoors, relieving stress, dealing with shedding and scratching, preventing escapes and what to do if one occurs, and aging and death.

The Indoor Cat; Patricia Curtis (Perigee Books, pub. Berkley Publishing Group in arr. w/Doubleday 1982, 1997. 185 pages. (**1/2)

Specifically geared to the discussion of indoor-only cats, this book is helpful in helping provide a lively and safe environment for the modern housebound pet. More discussion of multiple-cat households than most other books: a big plus as it is hard to find written material on the subject. Most of the information included on the individual cat is covered better elsewhere; however, the author's insights from years of living with her own cats make for an enjoyable read.

Understanding and Training Your Cat or Kitten; H. Ellen Whiteley, D.V.M. (Three Rivers Press, pub. Crown Publishers, Inc., 1994). 267+ pages. (***)

Contains information many books don't, such as personality traits of particular breeds of cat, genetic and congenital disorders common to certain breeds, a chart translating feline age into human years, a recommended vaccination schedule, and a definitive chart on kitten growth.

HEALTH & BEHAVIORAL
ASPCA Complete Cat Care Manual; Andrew Edney, B.V.M. (DK Publishing, Inc, 1992) 183 pages. (**)

Lots of photos to demonstrate the marginal text, which makes this book limited on information but helpful in translating feline body language. Good section on dealing with cats of different temperaments charts on signs of various illnesses, injuries and other disorders.

The Body Language & Emotion of Cats; Myrna M. Milani, D.V.M. (Quill Books, pub. William Morrow & Co., Inc. 1987). 287 pages. (****)

Sometimes a difficult read, but extremely rewarding. Provides in-depth history of the cat's domesticity, including the human reactions in different times and places. Also has an extensive physical description of the cat and how that biology affects a cat's behavior. Perhaps most fascinating is the discussion of how a person's emotional state and individual perceptions can skew how we see our pets. The discussion of cats as predators is particularly interesting.

The Cat Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook; Delbert G. Carlson, D.V.M. & James M. Griffin, M. D. (Howell Book House, Macmillan; a Simon & Schuster Macmillan Company, 1995). 410 pages. (**1/2)

More a reference than a reading book, this is a textbook-style medical guide. Includes picture examples of many illnesses and injuries. Does have an easy-to-access "Symptoms Index" to help make initial identification of problems, but you should be cautious to always consult your veterinarian if your cat seems to be having any problems.

The Cat Who Cried for Help; Dr. Nickolas Dodman, Director, Behavior Clinic, Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine (Bantam Books, 1997). 235 pages. (***)

Excellent book about the emotional life of cats and the problems an owner might encounter. The author includes many wonderful stories about pets he has treated for a wide variety of behavioral concerns and gives mountains of insight into the normal characteristics and lifestyle of household pet cats. A fascinating, gripping read, especially if you are wondering what is normal for your cat.

Cornell Book of Cats; the Faculty, staff and associates at Cornell Feline Health Center, Cornell University, edited by Mordecai Siegal (Villard Books, pub. Random House, Inc., 1989). 412 pages. (***)

In essence, this is an encyclopedia of feline biology, behavior and nutrition. Like any encyclopedia, it makes for very dry reading. Highly recommended by numerous authors as a core book for your feline reference library, but again, you should be cautious to always consult your veterinarian regarding any changes in your cat's health.

Is Your Cat Crazy? Solutions from the Casebook of a Cat Therapist; John C. Wright, Ph.D. w/Judi Wright Lashnits (Simon & Schuster Macmillan Co., 1994) . 217+ pages. (***)

Invaluable for the descriptions of errors people have made in attempting to correct behavior problems; has a good section on the hard-to-find topic of multiple cat households and their unique problems, as well as a section on dealing with cats who have had traumatic experiences.

The (New) Complete Book Of Dogs and Cats: Dr. Richard Pitcairn. (***)

The bible on natural and holistic pet care.

The New Natural Cat: Anitra Frazier w/ Norma Eckroate (Penguin Books USE Inc., 1990). (*** 1/2)

Natural and Holistic Pet Care.

ENTERTAINMENT
(Note: Most of these books are really just for enjoyment, but some are also very informative.)

All My Patients are Under the Bed: Memoirs of a Cat Doctor; Dr. Louis J. Camuti, w/Marilyn & Haskel Frankel (Fireside Books, pub. Simon & Schuster 1985). 222 pages. (*****)

Although Dr. Camuti died in 1981, and many of his comments on his 60 years as a house-call vet are a bit out of date as far as current veterinary practices, this book is a delightful read. Camuti treated numerous other animals besides cats, but most of his tales are about the felines he loved and cared for (despite being allergic to cats!). Some stories are heart-breaking, many are hysterical, but most of all, they provide a wide range of views on cats and their human caretakers. After reading this book, you will be comfortable in the knowledge that there always have been, and always will be, stranger cat owners than you!

Best-Loved Cat Stories; Various authors, ed. Lesley O'Mara (Michael O'Mara Books, pub. Readers Digest Association, 1997). 286 pages. (***1/2)

Short stories and excerpts about the feline. From Lewis Carrol's grinning Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland, to the story of how a beloved housecat survived a long cold winter trapped at her family's summer cottage, these stories (some true, some fiction) are grand bedtime readings.

The Blessing of the Animals; Philip Gonzalez & Leonore Fleischer (HarperPerennial, pub. HarperCollins, 1996). 177 pages. (**)

Follow-up to The Dog Who Rescues Cats, more stories of Ginny, the miracle dog whose life mission seems to be saving the lives or cats and others (including her owner's). Charming.

Cat Caught My Heart: Stories of Wisdom, Hope and Purrfect Love; Michael Capuzzo & Teresa Banik Capuzzo (Bantam Books, 1998). 268 pages (*****)

The most charming collection of cat stories ever. Guaranteed to have you reading each page over and over again. Stories both heart-warming and heart breaking, funny and amazing, this book should be in every cat-lover's collection.

The Cat IQ Test; Melissa Miller (Penguin Books, pub. Penguin Books, Ltd. 1992, 1996). 198 pages. (**)

The first 35 pages of this book are full of interesting historical, the last pages discuss personality and behavior, and contain personal notes from cat owners. Otherwise, this is just for fun. Hardly terribly scientific, as the author mentions, since you can unknowingly cheat (after all, most cat owners are slightly biased about their pets!) Still, a fun way to study your feline friend.

Lost and Found; Dogs, cats and everyday heroes at a Country Animal Shelter. Elizabeth Hess (Harvest Book, Pub. Harcourt, Inc.) 1998, 219 pages.

Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul; Various authors (Health Communications, Inc., 1998).(unrated). Heart warming and heart wrenching.

The Dog Who Rescues Cats; Philip Gonzalez. (unrated)

The stories of Ginny, a dog rescued from a shelter by Gonzalez, a disabled vet. Ginny has apparently been designated to rescue cats in peril from the streets of Long Island, and also helped bring her owner a renewed sense of purpose in life. Highly recommended by numerous other publications, I have yet to get my paws on this one.

Hero Cats: True Stories of Daring Feline Deeds; Eric Swanson (Andrews McMeel Publishing, 1998). 144 pages. (***1/2)

Inspiring stories of brave cats, from World War I, the Great Depression, and more. Wonderful photographs. An emotionally stirring book.

Out of Harm's Way; Terri Crisp & Samantha Glen (Pocket Books, 1996). 394 pages. (****)

Emotionally charged look at the life of Terri Crisp, one of America's premiere animal rescuers. She has helped animals in the aftermath of the Exxon Valdez tragedy, the California floods and fires, Hurricane Andrew and other situations. Her stories are both heartbreaking and heartwarming, and inspirational. extremely informative for people who want to do everything possible to avoid losing their own pets during an emergency. Includes lists for putting together your own rescue package and information on how to become an animal rescuer.

Pet Loss: A Thoughtful Guide for Adults and Children; Herbert A. Nieburg, Ph.D. & Arlene Fischer (Harper & Row, Publishers, 1982). (***)

In our society, there are few widely accepted or established practices for dealing with the death of a beloved pet. This highly recommended book (listed as additional reading in just about every other book on this list) is designed to help owners of all ages in coping with the loss of a companion animal. Numerous poems, a Q-&-A section, and sections geared to specific types of loss (illness, runaway, accident, etc.).