Customer Reviews

Siamese Cats (Complete Pet Owner's Manual)

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Siamese cats have a certain mystique--one might even call it a certain snob appeal. Like many Siamese lovers, Marjorie McCann Collier regards the breed as distinctly unique, and the first third of her manual consists of pointing out this supposed uniqueness through a host of personal antidotes. There is a certain truth Collier's comments: like all purebred animals, Siamese have a very distinct look, vocal quality, and even a tendency toward certain temperaments. But with all due respect to both Collier and those who promote the mystique of the breed, Siamese are much more like other cats than they are different from them.

All cats share a basic set of needs, and Siamese do not really place any unique demands upon their human caretakers. If you are looking for a cat-care manual, virtually any well-researched and well written-text will provide you with all you need to know. On the other hand, if you are interested in showing or breeding Siamese, this text offers only very basic information on show standards, genetics, mating, birthing, and the like; if you have progressed beyond the beginner level in these areas you would do well to select a different text.

Throughout the manual Collier writes in a casual, rather chatty style that is always easy to read and often amusing, but which can become a bit cloying at times--and I regretted that she did not include at least a brief survey of the breed's history, which is quite interesting. Still, the color photography is very nice, both the practical advice and illustrations are straightforward and quite sound, and if you know nothing about cats in general you could do much worse than this particular book. Recommended by three solid Siamese-like "Yowls."

GFT, Amazon Reviewer
writing with the assistance of five cats (including two flame-point Siamese) and one very anxious dog!

...but not a lot of depth. This was the only book on Siamese cats I could find at my local Borders, and it seems like it's one of very few titles in print on the breed at all. It's a good intro. but focuses a lot on basics of cat care that don't really have anything to do with the breed. I'd like to see more meezer details!

This is a well written book and is very good if you want the basics of "Siamese" ownership. It is written with a touch of personal experiences which I enjoyed.

A very good book, concise and easy to read. It was a delight to learn so much about my traditional siamese . But the most important is, this book saved the life of my turkish van mix : he was visibly unwell, and I found the symptoms description in this book - rhinotracheitis ! A timely run to the vet, the confirmation of the diagnosis and the right treatment made the rest. This book had paid itself right away !

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The author is a lifelong owner of Siamese cats and her personal anectdotes really put my mind at ease. It gives a priceless and sensitive insight to the intelligence and mannerisms of a Siamese cat that also explains the reasons and breeding history behind their perceived "quirks" that makes it all make sense, and opens you up to the joy of being owned by a Siamese...

I had bought this book a year ago. Since then I have purchased 2 siamese cats. The book helped me to find a breeder. The book gave me knowlegde as in what to look for, and what questions to ask of the breeder. Also gave me an idea of what type of care the siamese breed requires.

This book is a good introduction to Siamese cats. My version is somewhat dated as it still recommends FIP and FeLV vaccinations. It also doesn't describe the risks of rabies vaccines. I've yet to find a really good reference book for comprehensive feline health information. Cats often exhibit much more subtle symptoms than dogs. I also would like to find better information on issues relative to purebreds. The Cornell Book of Cats is a good next book, but I'm still searching for an advanced layperson's book.

The material presented is well-presented for the average lay reader. It's a general over-view of Siamese cats, with a fairly extensive section on breeding.

I would have preferred for Collier's book to have dealt more with behavior and training. The two subjects receive some attention, just not enough.

Talked about different types of siamese the shape of their heads, colors. Also how their personalities are different from other types of cats. They are quite chatty. The book had some good information on Siamese and regular cat care.

A MODERN KNOWLEDGIBLE CONCISE RESOURCE FOR HUMANS OWNED BY SIAMESE CATS. BEAUTIFULLY DONE PHOTOS MAKE LEARNING ABOUT YOUR CAT AN ESTHETIC EXPERIENCE.

THE "COVER CAT" IS A HIT, AS WE ARE OWNED BY A LILAC POINT MALE. FROM OUR EXPERIENCE, IT IS TRUE THAT THE LILACS ARE THE MOST QUIET AND AFFECTIONATE OF THE SIAMESE BREED.