Understanding Cat Behavior [Paperback]

Roger Tabor (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 30, 2003

Cats enigmatic behaviour has fascinated us for thousands of generations. Yet just what is it that forms the attraction between us and them, and why do our cats behave the way that they do? World renowned cat authority Roger Tabor addresses this question in detail in this close look at the current state of understanding cat behaviour. Feline behaviour is quite distinctive, and there is such closeness that our tabbies really are small tigers. Despite most changes brought about by modern breeding, a cat is still a cat, and the author shows how this is revealed through all kinds of behavioural features, from hunting and mating, to play and learning. He also looks at behavioural problems, which will help cat owners to come to terms with and hopefully cure their cats' unsociable tendencies. This is a real insight into what makes a cat 'tick'; every owner will benefit from the consequent closer relationship with their feline companion.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Roger Tabor has written many books on cats, presented television series and produced videos on them. He also has been seen on many other television programmes, including Country File, and has also been a past editor of Countryside magazine. He lives in Cressing, Essex.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: David & Charles (April 30, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0715315897
• ISBN-13: 978-0715315897
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 7.6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #495,142 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

66 of 67 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive overview of feline behavior from UK biologist, June 27, 2004

By 

J. Levinson (Media, PA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Understanding Cat Behavior (Paperback)

U.K. biologist Roger Tabor's book is a cleverly illustrated and fairly comprehensive overview of feline behavior. Beautiful full-color photos are used very effectively throughout the text. However, his biologist's focus favors cats in their natural state. He sees the increasing trend towards confining cats in the U.S. and U.K. as a major contributor to behavior problems (p.120). While this may be true, many U.S. bird-lovers might dispute the British study he refers to that found outdoor cats were not threatening bird populations (p.135).

This book is not a primary cat care manual, or a collection of detailed case studies, but it is an excellent supplemental text for any cat owner who wants (and needs!) to understand their pet better. Though much of it is not of any immediate use to owners of neutered/spayed indoor cats, the entire text is full of fascinating detail and illustration of all aspects of feline behavior throughout the life-cycle. Tabor starts from biological descriptions of the feline class and works towards the behavorial specifics. The problem-solving section is only the last 20 pp. of the book, but it seems thorough enough to cover most common situations.

I gave this book the full 5 stars because it's very well done for what it offers. However, if you're primarily interested in spayed/neutered indoor cat behavioral issues, there are better books to advise you.

29 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Not What It Says It Is, October 18, 2007

By 

Vivian Davis "Vivian" (Pacifica, CA United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Understanding Cat Behavior (Paperback)

This book was promoted as a cat behavior book. It has some interesting information about cat physiology, but the information on behavioral issues, such as scratching, not using the litter box, and so on, is really sketchy. I sent it back because the author is strongly in favor of outdoor access for cats but he never once mentions the potential dangers of life outdoors. He suggests that indoor-only cats are neurotic and unhealthy. But he says nothing at all about FIV or Feline Leukemia, nothing about dogs, mean people, cars, antifreeze, or any of the other dangers that you should consider before making the decision on whether to keep your cat indoors or not. My husband and I each lost great cats to FIV because we didn't know that we were putting them at risk by letting them out. I think it's irresponsible of Roger Tabor not to acknowledge the possible dangers of outdoor life.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good primer on cat behavior, December 13, 2007

By 

Jennine L. Wardle (Kenmore, WA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Understanding Cat Behavior (Paperback)

Understanding Cat Behavior is an excellent first resource to learn about the evolutionary heredity of the domestic cat and how that heritage influences the behaviors of our modern animals. Roger Tabor gives much detail on common behaviors of all cats, large and small, as well as outlining the differences of feral and pet domestic cats from their larger and wilder cousins. Several common "behavioral problems" in our house cats are discussed and why those behaviors occur from an evolutionary stand point. His overview of feline lifestages and physical signals are a great starting point to learning more about the tiny predator in our homes.

If you're looking for more in depth information about cat behavior, cat nutrition, or cat welfare this is probably not the book for you (I would suggest "Your Cat - Simple New Secrets to a Longer, Stronger Life" by Elizabeth M. Hodgkins, DVM Esq). However, if you're new to cat parenting, or never researched cat behavior, this book provides an easy start to understanding why your cat companions behave as they do.