The Well Cat Book: The Classic Comprehensive Handbook of Cat Care (Paperback)

by Terri McGinnis D.V.M. (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Featuring sections on daily care, preventive medicine, and training, The Well Cat Book teaches cat owners how to detect signs of illness, diagnose problems, and begin home treatment--thereby avoiding expensive and often unnecessary trips to the vet. Includes over 100 illustrations and step-by-step instructions.

From the Inside Flap
Featuring sections on daily care, preventive medicine, and training, The Well Cat Book teaches cat owners how to detect signs of illness, diagnose problems, and begin home treatment--thereby avoiding expensive and often unnecessary trips to the vet. Includes over 100 illustrations and step-by-step instructions.

Product Details

• Paperback: 348 pages
• Publisher: Random House (February 20, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0679770003
• ISBN-13: 978-0679770008
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #923,914 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Real Substance, September 7, 2002

By A Customer

Looking for a reliable and helpful reference in caring for my pets, I have looked at and rejected many, many books published for the general public on dog and cat care. Most of them are so general in approach as to be next to useless.

Dr. McGinnis' "Well Dog Book" and "Well Cat Book" are just fabulous. Every line contains meaty, solid, specific information that lets us do our best for our loving, trusting animals. Dr. McGinnis demonstrates respect not only for animals but for their guardians, too.

I have bought many copies of both books and given them to friends, family, and animal shelters. These books went out of print but now apparently they are in a new printing! I'm not surprised -- they are really worthwhile. If you can find a copy anywhere at almost any price, it's worth it!!

This book has been helpful so many times... I'd like to share the most dramatic. Our diabetic cat stopped eating (he usually has a great appetite), began vomiting, and stopped using the litter box. Of course, especially with a diabetic, these symptoms can mean serious problems.

I looked in the "Well Cat Book," and found several very helpful listings in the index (when was the last time you actually found something in an index, and easily?), one of which was that it might be a hair ball.

I took the cat immediately to the veterinarian, who mentioned several diabetes-related possible causes, such as kidney or liver problem, etc. When, thanks to what I'd read in the "Well Cat Book," I wondered aloud whether it might be a hairball, he immediately asked his assistant to x-ray the cat, and sure enough! -- that's what it was. It had entered the intestines and caused a blockage. They expelled the hair ball and the cat was fine.

If it hadn't been for Dr. McGinnis' "Well Cat Book," the poor cat would have gone through many unnecessary procedures, and would have been given unnecessary medications, with unnecessary effects on his body and doubtless getting his diabetes out of control (and the stress on his body of that).

Thank you so much, Dr. McGinnis!

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a *must have* book if you care about your cats, February 19, 2001

By A Customer

still use my original 1975 edition that was bought that year, but have seen this re-issue and am glad it is back in print... it is a *must have*. over 21 years, 'the well cat book' has been the saving grace for more cats than i can remember; housepets who needed general care on up to rescuing farm cats that were involved in serious accidents (if you're not the squeamish sort)... most people don't end up in such situations, but the needed information is there.

for the average housecat owner, you will be pleasantly suprised about how much time and $$$ will be saved at the vet on tests/ diagnostics because of the clear, common-sense and descriptive information dr. mcginnis provides.

the really *big* bonus is a *healthy and long life* for your purry companion thanks to all the information about diet and general daily home care!

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best cat care book I've ever used., February 17, 1999

By A Customer

I have used this book for 21 years, having had the same number of cats over those years. I was able to determine if I could do at-home treatment or they needed a vet. Excellent reference, information is easily found and very clear. Highly recommended by "Phisty", et al.