Customer Reviews

Understanding Cat Behavior

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

I found this book to be very interesting, and I learned a lot from it. I'm a cat lover (not an expert) and I would recommend this book for anybody who is curious about the nature of cats, their behaviors, habits, instincts, etc. as they are found in nature.

I live in a very rural, wooded area, and my cats have complete freedom to be inside or out. Without cats around, the mice would have chewed my entire house to sawdust years ago.

I realize (from past experiences) that their lives are very risky compared to fat, pampered, defenseless, confined cats, but they are in their natural environment, are not overweight, are very active, lean, mean, love to hunt and are very happy. And, of course, they are wonderful companions!

It tells you so much about cats! I love cats so I bought this book it's awesome! I have got three cats so this comes in handy. Very good book.

Book is beautiful and I love it. But shipping was marked at $3.99 but I was charged $12.49. Too expensive won't be using again.

Product came fast, in good shape and excellent book. Good communication with buyer. Would buy from again