Good Owners, Great Cats [Hardcover]

Brian Kilcommons (Author), Sarah Wilson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 14, 1995

In this definitive guide, the authors show owners how to keep their felines happy, healthy and well-behaved. From the basics of cat care to understanding their complex body language and vocalizations, they provide in-depth information on kittenhood and the adult cat, solid advice on feline problems and proven techniques for modifying behavior.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Thinking of getting a cat? Read this book! Brian Kilcommons, an animal trainer for more than 20 years, and Sarah Wilson have written a book addressing all aspects of owning and caring for a cat. They explain the mechanics of cat ownership in a way that encompasses the emotional care necessary for a happy cat/owner relationship. In this lively, easy-to-read book (with a marvelous collection of feline photographs), subjects include taking care of a new kitten, raising a healthy cat, and understanding cat behavior. Scattered throughout are short stories about notable cats and their owners; one such story relates the account of Nermal, whose idea of fun was sliding down the laundry chute. Asides throughout the book relate such information as finding your lost cat, dealing with fleas, and choosing a veterinarian. Also helpful are the "Frequently Asked Questions" at the end of each chapter, which address those questions that one might not feel comfortable asking in a large group ("My kitten likes to chase flies. Is this okay?") Touted as "a guidebook for humans and their feline companions," this book is a must-read for any cat owner.

From Library Journal

The author of Good Owners, Great Dogs (Warner, 1992) has now turned his attention to cats. A behaviorist and protege of Barbara Woodhouse, a noted author of numerous books on training dogs (e.g., No Bad Dogs, Summit, 1994), he and coauthor Wilson outline feline problem behaviors (e.g., litter box problems, separation anxiety, aggression) and their solutions. Their book is compact but covers a lot of ground, from choosing a kitten to "saying good-bye" to a dying pet. There are many concise tips for training and handling, ranging from pilling a cat to domesticating a feral cat. Cute photos and personal accounts of feline friends are attractively interspersed. Two similar books, Bruce Fogle's The Cat's Mind: Understanding Your Cat's Behavior ("Grooming Your Pet Care Collection," LJ 2/1/93, p. 49-53) and Gale Nemec's Living with Cats (Morrow, 1993) offer much of the same information. Buy where readers have an insatiable appetite for cat materials.
Laura Lipton, Miller Horticulture Lib., Seattle
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Grand Central Publishing; First Edition edition (November 14, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446518077
• ISBN-13: 978-0446518079
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 7.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #793,361 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Written By A Cat Lover, For Cat Lovers, July 19, 2000

By 

"drleathers" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Good Owners, Great Cats (Hardcover)

I first saw Brian Kilcommons on the late lamented "Pet News" program on Fox News Channel. He is an obvious lover of animals in general but also has a vast knowledge of pet behavior and understanding of how to raise pets for maximum enjoyment, not only for us, their owners, but for the pets themselves.

Mr. Kilcommons very obviously is owned by several cats! He is an astute observer of their behaviors but does admit to being puzzled by them from time to time. His affection for felines is the overwhelming theme of this book.

You will find everything you need to know about your cat in this book. From choosing a kitten to litter box training to the psychology of cat behavior, it is all here, explained in simple to understand language, and with humor sprinkled throughout. Mr. Kilcommons also includes a section on making your cats' natural behaviors and quirks into "tricks" they can perform!

You will find the answers to many of your questions as to why your cat makes that certain expression, why they wake you at 3am, and why out of 10 people in a room, they will go to the one who likes cats the least. You will also find first aid information, vaccination recommendations, and a wealth of cat health facts.

I am owned by 2 cats and find myself referring to this book again and again. Whenever I need a question answered, I find the answer in this book. It is like having a personal advisor! I recommend this book highly if you are even thinking about getting a cat.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a must have for your home library, March 29, 2001

By 

Steve L "lev96" (Philadelphia, PA USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Good Owners, Great Cats (Hardcover)

This is a fabulous book! I had a good cat to start, but I wanted to understand her better. Brian and Sarah's book helped me understand what my cat was trying to tell me with her body language. Consequesntly, my cat has become more outgoing when people come over. In addition, this book was the main reason I was able to keep the peace when I brought a new dog home.

I read some other animal training books, and this book manages to cover the core of what you really need to know about cats better than the rest. I liked it so much, I also purchased Good Ownners, Great Dogs - which is also the best in its field.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book, March 25, 2004

By 

dm "danmc15" (rochester, ny) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Good Owners, Great Cats (Hardcover)

I am a brand new cat owner and so I checked out 3 books from the local library, this being one of them. In reading each of the books, I realized that "Good Owners, Great Cats," almost always had the best, most common-sense advice written in a very "no holds barred" way. Kilcommons doesn't mince words and he's very opinionated, but his opinions seem to be right on the mark. I've only owned dogs in the past, and without reading this book I think that I would be clueless in how to train/discipline a cat. In the few short weeks that I've had the cat and the book (which I've purchased) I've used its hints and advice innumerable times.