Customer Reviews

Abyssinians (Kw Series)

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I needed a book on the care and training of an aby kitten--and this was not the book. What this books offers is information on the breed, what to look for in a show breed, and how to get started as a breeder. It's really a brief primer for breeders, not for the average aby owner who want to learn how to care and train a newly adopted kitten.

What dismays me the most is the mis-marketing of the book. A table of contents along with a short synopis of the book's approach would have directed me elsewhere. The author is not at fault here. My two stars are really directed at the mismarketing of this book.

As a general information book on Abyssinian cats, it is an okay read. Some sections are sadly lacking in content, such as the grooming and feeding sections, and Ms. Cooke-Zimmerman tends to display very strong prejudices against certain colour varieties which have no place in a book like this and are a turn-off to breeders. I usually lend it to people wishing to buy a kitten from me, or who want to learn about the breed. NO technical information at all, and too many pictures of her dog, Chico.

As with the first review, I agree that more technical info is needed. As I am only a "first- time" Aby owner, I would have liked some more "meaty" info about their unique personalities. For instance, Abys are supposedly not "lap cats", however, mine is a "leaner"-she likes to have half of her body on top of me (or the book I'm reading, or the sandwich I'm eating, etc.) while keeping the other half on the sofa, bed, etc. This is quite similar to the Akida (dog) that my parents had owned (although 7 lbs. ccompared to 130 is quite a difference). If you get a moment, I would love to hear again from you-I have been considering getting a Rex and then breeding both as I will be retiring soon. For anyone considering a pure-bred feline, this is the cat to choose!

If you are serious about owning an Aby, and can afford an Aby from a reputable breeder, this book is pretty lame. Buy either "Abyssinian Cats: Everything About Acquisition, Care, Nutrition, Behavior, Health Care, and Breeding (Barron's Compete Pet Owner's Manuals)"
J. Anne Helgren or "This is the Abyssinian Cat" by Kate Faler. These books are way more comprehensive and way more complete. I'm on my 6th Aby, and it would be tough for me to switch to any other breed. The first book I mentioned is out of print, so it's hard to find and expensive. The other book can be had 2nd hand for $3-$4. They are WAY better investments. This book doesn't even get the different colors right and has typos. If you just need a cheap book for your kids report or something like that, it would be OK.