Cat Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook, Fully Revised and Updated [Hardcover]

Debra M. Eldredge DVM (Author), Delbert G. Carlson DVM (Author), Liisa D. Carlson DVM (Author), James M. Giffin MD (Author), Beth Adelman (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 10, 2007 | Series: Cat Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook

The classic bestseller--expanded and updated

For years, many veterinary treatments for cats were based on research conducted with dogs because it was wrongly assumed that cats were very similar. Recently, there have been giant strides in feline veterinary research. This classic reference is fully updated and revised to reflect these advances and gives you the most up-to-date guidance on cat health and cat care. It includes:

• An index of signs and symptoms to help you find information fast
• Clearly written, step-by-step directions for handling common feline ailments and problems
• Hundreds of photos, drawings, and tables that illustrate what to look for and how to provide the best care for your cats
• All new anatomical drawings and diagrams
• New information on genetics, geriatrics, drug sensitivities, raw diets, arthritis medications, dental disease, and more
• Information on supplements, nutraceuticals, and holistic treatments that have proven beneficial
• Interesting findings on cat behavior

Whether you have a kitten or a senior cat, this resource helps you quickly identify potential problems, take proper steps in emergency situations, better understand diagnoses and treatment options, and communicate more effectively with your veterinarian. This is the hands-on reference you'll trust again and again.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

The most comprehensive, essential reference for every cat owner, this easy-to-use, authoritative guide provides the vital information you need to take good care of your cat in all types of situations and in all ages and stages of her life. This fully revised and updated Third Edition covers common feline problems and ailments in language you can understand. It includes current information on:

• Vaccine protocols

• Flea, tick, and heartworm preventives

• Nutrition and understanding cat food labels

• Newly recognized heart, muscle, and dental diseases

• Lower urinary tract disease, hip dysplasia, calicivirus, and many other conditions

• New drugs and surgical techniques

• Therapies using supplements, nutraceuticals, and holistic modalities

From the Back Cover

The classic bestseller—expanded and updated

For years, many veterinary treatments for cats were based on research conducted with dogs because it was wrongly assumed that cats were very similar. Recently, there have been giant strides in feline veterinary research. This classic reference is fully updated and revised to reflect these advances and gives you the most up-to-date guidance on cat health and cat care. It includes:

• An index of signs and symptoms to help you find information fast

• Clearly written, step-by-step directions for handling common feline ailments and problems

• Hundreds of photos, drawings, and tables that illustrate what to look for and how to provide the best care for your cats

• All new anatomical drawings and diagrams

• New information on genetics, geriatrics, drug sensitivities, raw diets, arthritis medications, dental disease, and more

• Information on supplements, nutraceuticals, and holistic treatments that have proven beneficial

• Interesting findings on cat behavior

Whether you have a kitten or a senior cat, this resource helps you quickly identify potential problems, take proper steps in emergency situations, better understand diagnoses and treatment options, and communicate more effectively with your veterinarian. This is the hands-on reference you'll trust again and again.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 656 pages
• Publisher: *Howell Book House; 3 edition (December 10, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 047009530X
• ISBN-13: 978-0470095300
• Product Dimensions: 6.4 x 1.7 x 9.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (79 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #133,799 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

129 of 132 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Have for Cat Owners February 28, 2000

By A Customer

Format:Hardcover

Sometimes it is difficult to buy a book off the internet if you are unfamiliar with it and are not sure if it's really what you want. With a book like this, you really need to browse through it to see if it's worth the money. Well, I'm an owner of an elderly cat and decided it was time to have a book like this handy in case symptoms arose. This is, without a doubt, the best cat care book there is! Trust me, you don't need to look through it first before you buy it ~ it covers every area, illness, ANYTHING you need to help you when you are concerned about your cat's health. It explains everything in easy-to-understand text and gives you information about cats in general. I'm so glad I have this book..it is a great reference.

65 of 65 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Find Any Cat Concern Here! January 16, 2000

By Trevor M.

Format:Hardcover

I was given this book the first Christmas I had my first cat. The person who gave it to me is an owner of about 15-20 homeless dogs(numbers vary) and has found the dog version to be helpful. I have found this book to be a necessary item...better than many "people" guide books. I can actually have an intelligent conversation with my vet before(and if) I have to take my cats in to see him. If my vet mentions a specific malady, I can look it up and find a simple definition. It's truly user-friendly! It's a must for those new to cats AND those cat experts. I would also recommend the dog & small animal version for those to whom it applies. We need an automachanic's book that is this simple & helpful!

75 of 77 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the book to buy! November 6, 1999

By A Customer

Format:Hardcover

As a librarian, I have access to many books on cats and their health problems; as the owner of 14 cats, I find myself consulting those books frequently. This book is the one I go to first and I am never disappointed. The quality and quantity of information is wonderful! If you only buy one book on cat health, it should be this one. If you already have a collection of books on the subject, this book will provide valuable, useful information that you won't find in any of your other books. It is an *excellent* book.

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars This book offers a comprehensive resource for cat owners. January 3, 1999

By A Customer

Format:Hardcover

This is a must-have for any cat owner. While it does help to have a basic understanding of medical terms, the book offers an in-depth resource for ailments of all types as well as information on basic cat-care. Photos throughout the book aid in visual recognition of signs and symptoms of a multitude of illnesses.

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Good basic book for cat owners April 1, 2002

By Gesine - cat rescuer

Format:Hardcover

We do cat rescue and have recommended or given this book to many people. It's a good basic book, helps explain when to go to vet, not too hard to read.

I disagree that the "gross pictures" shouldn't be in there -- You don't have to look at them, and they're there to teach what some things may look like. We've found some of the pictures quite useful.

The argument that "if my cat looked that bad we'd be at the vet" is kind of off the point -- this book is good because it is a great COMPANION to your vet --

Anyhow, very good book. I too wish there was a more recent edition, but much of the most changed stuff since 1995, is at a higher technical level than this book.

For the next level up, Feline Husbandry, and Feline Diseases by Niels Pedersen are great...

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The most comprehensive book on cat care... March 7, 2003

By Anonymous

Format:Hardcover

that even a laymen can understand!
I purchased this book a while ago simply because I had multiple cats in the house that were becoming geriatric and I wanted to make sure I was doing the best for them in their twilight. I am also working on my Pre-Vet Curricula for intrance into Vet School.
Then I became a surrogate mommy for a new born kitten that had been abandoned my its feral mother only hours after it was born. Not wanting this wee one to expire, I took her home to raise myself, and immediately got on the Internet looking for info on the proper measures to care for her (I forgot about this book). I found a few helpful sites, but each one was contradicting the other...which for anyone is confusing. Thinking I needed a professional opinion on the subject, & went to my library of reference books & schoolbooks. Luckfully, I ran across this one & decided to see if it mentioned anything at all. To my surprise, it had the most complete section on orphaned kitten care than any of the other books & the Internet sites. I greatly recommend this book for any cat owner, be their cats young or old, it has information aplenty to assist you in caring for your 4-footed loved one.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Nothing Surpasses This Book April 26, 2000

By A Customer

Format:Hardcover

There is no better book on this subject. This is not a "You and Your Kitten" book, nor is it written with complicated language that only professionals (vets) can understand. It provides the layperson with high-level, helpful information, while always noting when it is important to seek advice from a veterinarian. It's not meant to replace veterinary care. This book is my "cat care bible", and I refer to it constantly. It's the most useful book I've ever purchased.

32 of 37 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful, BUT.... May 6, 2000

By "kakatkats"

Format:Hardcover

Just received the book yesterday, have read most of it and it's Great! Only a few criticsms. The first and foremost is the authors' mistaken insistence on FIP (feline infectious peritonitis) testing for cats/kittens. There is no, repeat NO, NADA test for FIP in a live cat/kitten - it's only conclusive on necropsy. (Further info at [...])

In the section on kidney diseases they totally ignored PKD (polycystic kidney disease), which Persian breeders have realized is a genetic problem and have been breeding away from. (Also more info at the above site) I feel this is a gross oversight on the part of these authors.

Unfortunately, FIV (feline immunodeficiency disease, also known as feline AIDS) isn't mentioned. This IS a condition that's easily tested for by any competent vet.

I really hope these authors address these errors and omissions in a new edition of this wonderful book!