Customer Reviews

Cats for Dummies

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Hardly for dummies, this well-written book is ideal for the intelligent and discriminating reader who just happens to know nothing about cats. The text is never condescending or self-consciously witty. The authors respect the reader's time and attention, keeping the presentation simple and to the point, but never dry; clear organization and structure make it easy to skip past sections that don't apply.

This book's greatest virtue is that it neither overwhelms with detail nor speaks in vague generalities. For example, instead of detailing 50+ breeds, the authors explain the chief differences between them and proper criteria for choosing among them. Likewise, you won't find a list of breeders, but you'll find out what makes a good breeder and how to recognize one. From choosing a kitten to understanding body language, "Cats for Dummies" gives you well-reasoned and well-justified principles--knowledge you'll be able to remember and apply.

I recommend "Cats for Dummies" to the first-time cat owner; it will definitely help make the experience smoother and happier, for both you and your cat.

"Cats for Dummies" is an honest, light-hearted, and informative guidebook.

Though authors Gina Spadafori and Paul D. Pion, DVM, focus on "the fun and easy way to find the kitten or cat who's right for you," they cover a variety of basic and enlightening feline information.

The chapters range from "Choosing Your Feline Companion" and "Feeding Your Cat" to "Solving Behavior Problems" and "Ten Common Household Dangers to Your Cat."

Two particularly eye-opening chapters are "Ten Cat Myths--Debunked" (e.g., All Callicos are Females) and "Understanding Your Cat" (cats, it turns out, aren't color blind).

Many of the illustrations and b&w photos could have been clearer. Otherwise, this primer and reference work is highly-recommended.

This book is easy to read, has tons of information, and has humor mixed in. There is good preventive medicine tips and good ideas on how to discipline cats. This is the best book on cats I have seen in a while. Definatly not dry or boring.

This kitty reference book really hits the spot. Explains the basics of how to choose a kitty, how to get it home, what to do with it what you've got it home. How to introduce it to family members, small and large, and other pets, also small and large. Well-versed in the pitfalls of kitty care. How to avoid fleas, how to get rid of them. How to spot them. Why never to touch a tick. What foods and litters to choose. Where to put them. Why some cats can't drink water out of plastic bowls!!! (Who knew?) Where to get ID tags for your little Gremlin. (Very helpful.) The minutiae of bathing kitty. Which kitties need more grooming and bathing. But there's also more interesting stuff, like how many fur coats different cats have. (Most have four, but some only have two or three.) What the different fur coats are for. The Latin name of those cute little whiskers. What they're for. How many they have. And why your overweight baby might get stuck in a hole. (Hint: vibrissae don't grow with added poundage.) This book was obviously written by feline lovers for those who are infatuated and smitten with cats and kittens. It's fun reading in itself, and will obviously be extremely useful for answering yet unthought of questions.

Don't let the title fool you. Even those of us who have lived with cats all our lives have a lot to learn from this thorough book. The sections on treating litterbox problems, and chosing the right cat for your home and lifestyle are the most complete I've ever seen. The book is filled with beautiful pictures of "real" cats--not just posed professional animal models--doing real cat things. They are endearing and descriptive. This book covers everything any cat lover would want, from how to prepare for your new kitty to the no-kill vs. traditional shelter debate. I give it my highest recommendation.

I had the huge pleasure of living with two wonderful cats. With them, I mainly figured things out by trial and error. One of them lived to be 17, so things went pretty well all told.

After he passed away and I spent time mourning him, I decided it was time to adopt two new cats. This time, I did the wise thing and tried to educate myself better about cats and cat care before adopting. In fact, since my last two cats came to me as strays, I'd never actually formally adopted a cat from a shelter, breeder, or the like and was looking for guidance on the process itself.

Having found other "for Dummies" books to be very useful, this was the first book I turned to, and so far it's been extremely helpful, both as a guide and as a convenient reference. One of my cats is three months old (my first kitten), and one is a year old, so they both have different needs, and this book covers those needs in a fun, intelligent way. The tone is light, but the information is serious and detailed, with tons of useful advice on adopting, training, feeding, grooming, playing with, and otherwise caring for you cat. Many cat books are written by self-proclaimed experts, so it's nice to see that this one was co-written by a licensed veterinarian with very impressive credentials. My only complaint about the book so far is really a minor one: it would have been nice to have more full-color photos.

As with any topic, this shouldn't be your only reference book, but it should certainly be one of your first cat references.

This book is one I'd recommend to all cat owners, especially if it's your first kitty. It covers virtually all aspects of owning a cat, from health to behavior to training and more. Like most "dummies" books, it is written so that anyone can understand the information and laid out in such a way that it is easy to simply pick it up and immediately be able to find the information that you are looking for. In addition, the back section is filled with valuable addresses and email listings for cat-related companies. It's a wonderful resource for any cat owner- I pick up my copy over and over again!

This book is recommended to anyone who is already a cat owner or is thinking about adopting a cat. The book is easy to read and follow. In this book, some of the things discussed about cats includes: deciding between a kitten and a cat, considering sources where you can adopt a cat such as at a shelter, looking for signs of good health in kittens and adult cats, making your house safe for your cat, introducing a new cat to other pets, understanding your cat's five senses, choosing and using grooming tools, discovering your cat's nutritional requirememnts, choosing and working with the right veterinarian, visiting your vet for an annual exam and vaccinations, giving pills & medication and caring for your cat's teeth. A chapter is devoted is to solving behavior problems, getting your cat to have good litter box behavior. Find out if your cat needs a companion or easing your cat if you need to move to a different location. A chapter is devoted to 10 cat related attractions on the infomation superhighway, 10 common household dangers to your cat(gives a list of toxic plants), 10 ways to make your indoor cat happier and 10 of the best things ever said about cats. In the appendix, it includes addresses and websites of breed registeries & show governing, organizations, veterinary groups, magazines & newsletters, pet supply sources and animal charaties.

If you don't have a cat and are thinking of entering the joys of feline ownership, read this book first. Gives an excellent overview of the breeds, how to buy or adopt, equipment needed, how to care for a sick cat and find a vet, how to breed (or not), and how to try to translate your beloved's bizarre behavior (cats are anything but "normal" - much like their owners). Also fun for the experienced cat owner

I just received this book yesturday and i've already read half of it. Cats for dummies, 2nd ed., has helped me in choosing a cat companion and has many tips on health care, litter box problems, breeding, and more. If you have a cat or are considering a cat this is the book for you.