You might not be able to train EVERY cat...but this book gives you a good shot at it!
925023
Good book for cat owners. While I am not an expert cat trainer, I know a little about the subject, and the author has done a very good job in giving cat owners some methods of the "how, why and when" of cat training. Not every cat can be trained..at least not in the way YOU want the cat to behave, but you can try. Being patient is key: trust me, it's not happening in one day.

Again, I'm not sure if Patricia's methods count as "Secrets" but they are certainly worthwhile to learn if you want to change your cat's behavior. If you are looking to train your cat to play dead or recite Shakespear, this isn't the best book for you. It is directed more towards getting your cat to do what you want, such as stay off the table, don't climb the curtains, etc. Worthwhile reading.
2836940
Cat 911, by Pamela Merritt, is one darn useful book for diagnosing and fixing cat behavior issues - or, as you realize once you read the book, YOUR behavior issues. As in, perhaps you don't understand why the cat is doing what it's doing. Perhaps you're unintentionally creating a situation where the cat, driven by instinct and physical needs, is making both of you miserable.

This book gives you insight into what motivates that charming little predator that you've brought into your home and life. Understand the need, and accept that the animal just isn't going to quit trying to fulfill that need, and you're usually half way to solving a behavior problem. But, thank goodness, this book isn't just a treatise on why cats do what they do - it's chock full of clearly explained examples of what to do.

Have a cat that used to use the litter box, but stopped? Is your cat still using the box, but driving you nuts with annoying tendencies like throwing lots of litter all over the floor? A large section of the book deals with all kinds of litter box problems, which the author says is the "Number one cat problem ever!"

Do the legs on your furniture look like you fed the dining room suite through an industrial chipper-shredder? Consult the "Scratching Problems" section and learn how to tell what kind of scratching post your cat needs (yes, NEEDS.) Solve the cat's problem, fulfill its need, and get not only the kind of behavior you want, but the  unstressed loving companionship that you both crave.

The author has lots of experience raising cats, rescuing cats, observing cats and writing about cats. She runs the Way of Cats blog and website. There's plenty of great cat advice there too, in a more expanded form. The Cat 911 book is condensed, specific and targeted toward the big problems that many people have with their cats. If you've never owned a cat, but are thinking of getting one, I recommend buying Cat 911 and reading it BEFORE bringing the cat home. You'll have a much better understanding of basic cat care and may head off many potential problems before they start. This may not be the only cat behavior book you'll want, but it's an excellent start.
1950195
I stumbled upon this book after becoming a huge fan of Jon Klassen. At the time, he only had authored two books so I took what I could get with this one having just been illustrated by him. I am very, very happy I did.

First off, I see many people complaining that the book was "dull." From a story arc standpoint, I can sympathize because there is not really an established setting/problem/character development/conclusion. But otherwise... I would really love to live in a world where cats dressed to thematically match their chosen style of dance is "dull." The book is a lyrical exercise in counting by 2s all the way to 20, during which time cats are dressed in Old West style clothing, evening gowns, etc., respectively.

Age-wise, I'd say 4-8 years old is a bit off in terms of target audiences. My eldest kiddo is 4 and enjoys the book quite a bit, but that is likely because he grew up listening to it ever since being a newborn. I would recommend Cats' Night Out for the 0-3 age range - older kids will enjoy IF they particularly love cats and/or odd, whimsical situations in stories. We primarily read it as a bedtime story because it is excellent to wind down kiddos if read slowly/softly. When he's not quite tired enough, my kiddos count the cats on each page by 1s and 2s, so it has a bit of educational utility.

On my end, I have never tired of this book. The cats, while dancing very enthusiastically, all maintain neutral, close-eyed expressions that give them a curiously methodical look. It's bizarre and amazingly enjoyable.
3526406
Even if you're not a seamstress this book is impressive.  I was delightfully surprised by the wonderful collages that hid cats in them.  Any cat lover would like this book I believe.  When I showed a friend one of the collages of a cat they said "that's the only reason you bought the book."  I didn't know there would be cats in the book.
This book was inspirational.  I've taken a tiny step I discovered I can sew my name with my sewing machine!!! I suppose that's a not such a tiny step.  Although the technique are laid out I'm a bit skeptical that I can make designes as beautiful as those in the book.  I suppose it's just a matter of time and practice.
If you're tired of conventional sewing this is a great book to give you a new take on sewing and creativity.
1250974
This is probably the most useful cat guidebook I've found so far.
It's filled with many great cat pictures and illustrations, along with easy-to-read text. It is divided in six chapters.
1. The cat through history. This is probably the most detailed text I've found in feline history. It starts from the prehistoric feline ancestors and takes us to a journey through Egypt, Greece and Rome, up to the cruel Middle ages to the modern era. We can see how the once semi-divine cats of the Pharaohs fell from grace and were hunted down by thousands in the Dark Ages. There's plenty of info on cat lore and legends along with several stories of famous catlovers.
2. The cat's anatomy. The basics. Filled with charts that can help you have a better understanding of your cat's features, and very important or identifying different breeds and several illnesses.
3. Album of Cats. A collection of several breeds and their different features. Not all breeds are included here, but it provides adequate information for the average cat owner/guardian.
4. Your cat's physiology. How the feline body functions and information of most disorders. This text can not replace a vet in any way, but it can help you identify a possible illness and rush to your vet ASAP. It is very useful to a cat owner/guardian like myself who has found his/her cat in distress in the middle of the night and couldn't understand what was going on...
5. The cat and its owner. No book can ever prepare you for living with a cat. However, this book makes a decent effort to provide you with the basic information of what to expect. Information on food, grooming, hygiene, distress signs and a very detailed first aid text can help you start this enchanting adventure that's called "Life with a Cat".
6. Understanding Cats. Yeah, right... When you think you've had your kitty all figured out, then it puts up an act to puzzle you all over again... Anyway, this last chapter puts up a good effort to map the feline behavior. It deals with territorial habits, social behavior, feline senses, and several behavioral disorders. There's also a chapter that deals with feline social life, from cats and children to toilet train your cat.
A final note: This is an excellent book on cats, however, if you have just started with a cat, here's a tip that few books offer: In ancient Egypt, cats were considered almost Divine. They've never forgot that, and any cat owner/guardian should always remember this. Because THEY have never forgotten...
1196032
I bought this book for someone turning 7 who had just got a cat. This little gem of a book helped explain all of the quirky behaviors that cats possess. While the text may be just a bit advanced for someone that age, reading it with a grownup would help to explain some of the more difficult words or concepts. The illustrations, which are pencil sketches, are charming and so very cat like. This is just a neat little book that can actually explain why cats do what they do. A must for any cat lover. And not just for children. Adults will find it fascinating too.
4933870
Anita Kelsey is a British cat behaviourist and holistic groomer who obviously has a huge number of stories to tell about the many cats she's come into contact with through her job. In this book she shares 20 of those stories and relates some hilarious tales of unhelpful kitties who REALLY don't want to sit still for a hair cut. It's obvious that Anita approaches all of her clients sensitively and she gives lots of tips on how to make grooming less stressful for our beloved pets.

The stories cover all kinds of difficult cat behaviours from aggressiveness (one encounter actually landed the author in hospital!), to helping animals recover from abuse or neglect. She suggests lots of different methods owners can try at home along with different toys or products that she's found useful in her work and she also mentions numerous websites where you can go for further advice. Lets face it, every cat owner knows how difficult it is to make a cat do something that it doesn't want to but Anita Kelsey shows that calmness and a lot of patience can go a long way. Oh and you might want to invest in some good quality leather gloves if your cat is particularly anti-grooming!

There are definitely stories in here that will make any cat lover smile and I loved the addition of pictures of some of her favourite or most challenging clients.
3114602
This cat care guide is filled with practical, helpful suggestions for new and wannabe cat owners. What sets it apart from many other pet care guides is the personable, friendly style of writing throughout. I really appreciated that.

It is obvious that the author has a real passion for all things feline. It is also evident that a lot of time and research went into this eBook too.

The fabulous Mr. Cheddar read along with me and gave this book the two paws up!

A few more feline photos would have added to the enjoyment of this book but overall, well done to the author.

You can read my additional review of this eBook at Amazon Canada.

Geraldine Helen Hartman, author and Top 500 Amazon Canada reviewer Helpful votes most appreciated!
3698609
If you are a kitty fanatic, (like me) it's worth getting. I only have one cat, but they are so hilarious, and the pictures in the book prove it. The text gets stale in some areas, but it would be hard to come up with a good line for that many funny pictures, especially the ones[pics] that speak for themselves.) The fact it was titled "BAD CAT" made me buy it...that is my cat's evil twin's name... :D  Buy it if you are a sucker for cute cats and your coffee table needs something new!
4375032
Ha!
I loved this book as someone interested in individual cat behavior. I found myself skipping the chapters about the species but read with interest the controversial 'future of the species' chapters.  Its not that I don't adore the species, I just don't really need to read the growth and spread as if I were a biologist. Glad someone knows though and I liked the bit about cats in ancient Egypt.

As the adopter of a rescued kitty, I read with great interest regarding the future of cats, and how the lack of selective breeding has lead to the lovely, friendly cats never giving birth (my own female cat was neutered before she could bear a litter) and strays breeding constantly, then some of their offspring being rescued, but does that result in the best personality breeding? It is an interesting concept.

Enjoyed learning the part about the female cats raising litters together and the emphasis on the train-ability of cats. I clicker trained my 3 year-old rescue girl to sit on command, jump up on a surface, give her paw, give her other paw, and stand in place. It takes loads of patience and quality treats but it can be done! I liked that he really honed that point!
2037384
A short, perfect little book for people who believe cats teach us wonderful life lessons
805314
Mr. Cheddar and I read this eBook yesterday in one session. He was OK with it, I thought it was (for the most part) great!

Plan to take many of the ideas in this book for teaching cats to do tricks etc...and try them out with the Chedster, very soon.
He is already a talented "roll over" guy but there is much more to be taught and learned, after reading this book.

I am taking off one star as I didn't like the author's idea of rapping her kitty's head when he did something wrong. That is a BAD idea.
Cats are delicate creatures, especially their heads, I was offended by this. Much better to say a loud and meaningful "NO" when kitty does something wrong or perhaps a tap on the bottom to enforce the command, Never by hitting a cat on the head. This could also lead them to be skittish and afraid when anyone just wants to pat them on the head.

Other than that, some good and rather original catty suggestions and definitely not just tricks to create funny feline photos. This sounds like the makings of a good feline workout! >^^< :-)

Geraldine Helen Hartman, author
and
Mr. Cheddar: author of the new eBook: Mr. Cheddar's Meowsings! Kibbles of Wisdom from a Wise and Witty Feline
1605021
Only Cat types would like or love this book.  If a Cat wrote a book then this might be a good read for us humans.  General Cat observation about, ".. Comprehensive Guide to Cats...  not in one of my 9 lives...".  Read at your own risk - cat type.
3528589
It is said that a cat has 9 lives, and Ambrose the orange cat has already used up 8 of them!

Rescued from the possibility of a mongrel dog taking his 9th life, Ambrose promises that he will be a good cat and help others.. starting with the man that saved his 9th life.

Zach takes in Ambrose until `he finds a good home for him'.  While collecting supplies for his temporary guest, Zach meets Merilee at Pet Palace. Elflike in appearance, red headed Merilee loves animals but struggles to talk to men. Despite her unique qualities, Zach keeps thinking about her.

Zach's girlfriend Blair schemes to get rid of Ambrose, a hater of cats and anything else that takes attention away from herself. Ambrose has the same feelings about Blair, wanting to get rid of her, and why can't Zach like a nice girl like Merilee?

The author cleverly told the story from both Ambrose the cat, and Zach's perspective. It was a fun story of how Ambrose sought to keep his 9th life full and relaxing, and in the meantime played matchmaker for Zach.

There was some swearing the book, but not an overwhelming amount. The cat antics were perfect for a cat lover and they will laugh out loud.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from Pump up your Book.
1912100
This book gave me a number of good ideas about bringing a new cat into my home with two other cats. I learned other things that I never realized about my cats, that they like different feeding bowls and they may sit on edge of liter box if they don't like the liter. My cats are getting used to each other very slowly but it is better than letting them fight it out. Very helpful ideas!
436678
This is a fun book to look at for ideas on "cat-ifying" your house. You have to get past the author's penchant for jarring colors and artwork (very New Mexico, understandably). But he shows how much you can do to cat-modify, and make a fun environment for cats as well as humans.

I did not appreciate his "new cat introduction" method ("just throw them in with the resident cats and let them sort it out"). If you want a more positive approach, I recommend Pam Johnson Bennett's books, or to watch some of Jackson Galaxy's "My Cat From Hell" show. His show is actually the entire reason I became informed about making your environment a cat-friendly one, so I highly recommend that show.

The photos feel dated - but it's fun to see the multitude of mods this man made to his house for their cats.
691061
I enjoyed reading this book! I found Cat to be likeable despite her consistently stubborn self. There was a steady pace of humor and action. I was a bit caught off guard with the sex scenes, but didn't find them to be distasteful. Anyhow it took me almost close to the end of the book to figure out who was responsible! I would read another in the series.