Customer Reviews

The Tiger on Your Couch: What the Big Cats Can Teach You About Living in Harmony With Your House Cat

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

 

 

This book provided me with many insights to the behavior of my cat. Being a first-time cat owner, I had no idea why my cat acted the way he did. After reading this book, I have come to understand and appreciate Sly, my cat, for his in-born character traits, and to understand all cats in general better! The pictures and stories of the big cats are entertaining in and of themselves, as well, whether you own your own cat or not! This is really a worthwhile book!

The authors and others in their family have studied big cats all over the world, and they also observed the behavior of housecats and barn cats on a farm in this country. Many of the stories they tell are fascinating and funny, and some are remarkably moving.

I've read dozens of cat care and feline behavior books. While this one is by no means comprehensive (it never claims to be), I still learned A LOT from it. The writing is fun, interesting, and informative. It helps the reader look at domestic cats' behavior from their wild ancestors' perspective. I also like that the book was a husband-wife collaboration. I would've given this 5 stars except for one single sentence in which the authors recommend spaying domestic female cats after their first heat cycle. This theory of the best time to spay was "correct" at the time the book was written. However, more recent studies show that allowing a female cat to experience even one heat cycle greatly increases her risk of developing all sorts of health problem. When an errata sheet correcting that one lone incorrect sentence is included with this book, I will give it my highest review. It's a fun book that will teach you a lot.

This book is a very interesting and educational read for any current or prospective cat owner. It offers some unique insights, for instance seeing the use or non-use of a scratching post in view of the cat's territorial instincts.

It is in no way comprehensive, and should be read as a back-up to a more complete guide. As an example, the important issue of de-clawing is not covered at all in this book.

For those who do not feel a compulsion to finish a book all the way to the end (I am such a compulsive person, alas), I would suggest the reader skip chapter 10. It has little to do with house cats, being mostly a "call to action" regarding the state of the tiger worldwide, and a call to use "environmental" products. While there is nothing wrong with the desires to protect the tiger and the planet, I think this is a little out of place in a book that is supposed to be mostly about the care of house cats.

Another weak point is the constant nagging about spaying/neutering. Personally, I will definitely spay/neuter my cat, and I have done so with all my previous cats. I think the vast majority of owners should, since there is unquestionably a cat overpopulation problem, and because it makes for a better pet. But to suggest that only professionals should breed only purebreed cats is excessive. Anyone with a sincere concern for the health and long-term wellbeing of both mother and kittens ought to feel free to breed a cat- provided they take full responsibility for professional health care and for the quality placement of any kittens. Those of us who prefer "alley" cats, and who don't want to pay hundereds of dollars for a kitten have reason to be grateful to loving and responsible breeders of all stripes.

Great book to help new cat owners understand their background and why they are how they are. BUT, for indoor only cats, there are some serious pieces of bad advice.