Customer Reviews

The Total Cat: Understanding Your Cat's Physical and Emotional Behavior from Kitten to Old Age

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

 

 

Although I am not a veterinarian, I have worked in an animal hospital for two years.

First of all, according to our medical practice, this book gives some bad nurishment advice! Milk (and milk products such as cream and half & half) are NOT a good food for many cats. Their systems are often not equipped to digest the enzymes found in cows' milk.

Having said what was foremost on my mind, I am also very disappointed in the "behavior" advice from this author. I found very little information on kittens.....and almost nothing useful (which is why I purchased this book in the first place!).

In fact, I absolutely disagree with Ms. Wilbourn's suggestions about introducing a new kitten into an adult cat home. From the new kitten arriving via "escort" to you (as the responsible owner) and leaving the new kitten to fend for itself all afternoon, as your adult cat "takes care of himself and his kitten". What dangerous nonsense this is! Stop and think.....what a 10 lb. adult could do to a 2 lb. kitten, if so inclined?

Perhaps the cats in Manhatten are far more anthropomorphisized (as opposed to Ms. Wilbourn's coined word "catsonality") then the felines with which the rest of us are familiar?

For the record, I currently have a terrific 15 year old, as well as a very feisty 4 month old. I should have seen warning signs when this 224 page (LARGE print book) began with a 19 page forward. No doubt this forward is intended to demonstrate Ms. Wilbourn's considerable knowledge. Sorry, it doesn't.

Bottom line? Save your money and try another author....preferably someone with the letters D.V.M after his or her name.

This may be a good book for someone who has a sudden but mild problem with a cat, and has tried everything else, or a fun read if you're in a silly mood. Perhaps some would be entertained by the thought that it's psychologically damaging to call your spayed cat an "it", that cats relax best to New Age music, and to consider a second cat the first one's pet. However, some of the medical advice is scary, like suggesting you drug your cat with Valium, or even giving her chamomile (cats can be allergic to that, too).

I would hope a new cat owner would look elsewhere for advice, especially introducing a new cat to your other cats. The SPCA as well as others will give free advice, and your own vet, preferably one who treats cats only, should know enough about behavior and modern medical techniques to answer any questions.

I was disappointed with this book because I expected more substance on how to cure cat behavioral problems. Most of what was presented in the book was common sense. The book also doesn't offer any in-depth case histories and therapy plans for cats with particular problems.

I feel this book would be useful for someone who knows little about cats. However, if you are familar with cats and their basic needs, this book doesn't offer much more insight than most people would know. I expected more from a well-known behaviorist.

If you are really looking for an in-depth book on pet behavior that is more useful, read Pam Johnson-Bennett's "Psycho Kitty" book. I found it to be absolutely excellent.

I've never loved a cat before. My two dogs and I were bemused when a stray cat started following us around on our walks, eventually darting right ahead of us as we returned home, to be the first one in the door. Fortunately a friend gave me a copy of "The Total Cat" by Carole Wilbourn. My basic questions about feeding, litter box, and vet vists were answered briskly and sensibly. Then it got complicated when a second cat decided to move in. Carole's book walked me so carefully through the psychology of bringing the new cat into our family that it was painless. I turn to this book whenever a new catly situation arises and it hasn't let me down. Carole Wilbourn is either part feline herself, or has been a cat in a past life! Great book.

Ms. Wilbourn knows and loves cats. So do I - I've been a besotted cat person for over three decades. I was interested, therefore, to find that she had some things to teach me. She starts at the beginning with what you should decide before getting a cat. She then takes you through the course of the life you and your cat(s) share. She covers all the basics as well as problems which may seem unlikely but for which you'll be glad to have Ms. Wilbourn's advice. THE TOTAL CAT is clear, affectionate, and diverting without that nasty failing of so many "cat books" - cutesiness. I currently have three cats, all of whom dislike each other but, with Ms. Wilbourn's help, we are steadily working things out.

This book has been an excellent reference manual for me. I refer to it when I have basic animal care questions as well as major animal behavioral concerns.

Carole's guidance was very helpful when I brought a new kitten into my home. Tending to the older cat and letting him bond with the kitten is very valuable information and leads to a more adjusted animal pairing.

I have a very anxious cat who was resistant to any treatment from a few vets or previous animal behaviorist. She suggested that I sequester him so that he can feel safe and protected. I was hesitant to do this as it felt cruel. After trying it, it was obvious that he really needed this type of intensive care. Her suggestions have helped him to feel more secure in his environment.

I am so confident about her intuitive feline gift that I have also hired her as my cat's behaviorist.

I enthusiastically recommend Carol's expertise and guidance.

Because this is basically a common sense book I didn't find it helpful in dealing with my new kitten who is extremely loving and very curious. Her curiosity leads her to places where she should not go;n the author of this book tells me to put things away I don't want the cat to get into. To me this is not exactly the advice of an expert. I expected to learn how to teach a cat. The book does do what the title states; it does not do what I wanted. My mistake.

Dear reader,
After reading The Total Cat, I can tell that Carole Wilbourn is a true cat herself. Her stark and insightful knowledge highlites her gentleness and keen eyeball for cats behavior and intuition. Even if you are not an animal lover you will find this Go Ask Alice type of book a psychological brainsweep. The Total Cat will help cats and people too, so drop your therapist and pick up the total cat-you'll love it.