5 comments about Cat Wrangling Made Easy: Maintaining Peace and Sanity in Your Multicat Home.

1. After decades of taking in stray cats that came to our door, we always seeming to be introducing a newcomer to the resident cats and going through the multi-cat household shuffle. So my husband and I thought we knew it all. Then along came a calico "unwed mother," the first feral we trapped. We decided to keep, rather than release her.
   
   So it was great to find an accessible, thorough guide to every aspect managing feline behavior. That the text and illustrations are clever as well as helpful is a huge bonus. Checking out the book's many useful sections is fun, not a chore. The author clearly knows her cats and their care and feeding inside and out. This book provides an invaluable "refresher" course even for cat veterans like ourselves, especially in the cat body language area. Dealing with a feral is not sure thing and we needed to study her every move to reassure and integrate her.
   
   I appreciated references on the latest feline products. Someone complained the herbal ones didn't work. I've found that herbal remedies affect different individuals, whether animal or human, differently. The trick is to know they're out there to try.
   
   Over time you can become complacent that you "know it all" when it comes to cats and their care. This book shows you still have a ton of learning to do and it can be fun!



2. This book is a must read not only for those who have multiple cats, but for anyone considering adding a cat to their home. Unlike most cat behavioral books which focus on one facet of the multicat experience (e.g., getting a new kitten, stopping problems that have already arisen), Rainbolt's book as a soup-to-nuts guide that helps you do things right from the get-go, so that you hopefully avoid problems in the first place. So if you are thinking about adding a new kitty and don't have the time, money or inclination to become a full fledged cat psychologist with the library to show for it, this is the one book you should buy. The book is nonetheless relevant for people who already are dealing with multicat wrangling, and for those of us who do have extensive cat-themed libraries, it is a welcome addition.
   
   As someone with disaster response experience, I especially appreciated the detailed chapter on preparing for disasters. This is a critical failing with many Americans, be it for themselves, or their two- or four-legged family members. The disaster preparation chapter alone made the book worth its purchase price. I wish this book had been available to people before Katrina.
   
   I also appreciated that Rainbolt covered end-of-kitty-life issues. It is hard to know when to say goodbye.
   
   The one addition I would have liked to see is that while I found the product recommendations to be useful (and have since bought some) I would have liked to see suggestions of simple, home-made alternatives for those who can't afford more expensive remedies. For instance, the book might have included simple ideas on making your own cat toys, or a suggestion to try aluminum foil on the counters to keep kitties off. I liked the information on herbs, and perhaps in a future edition this topic can be expanded for those of us who grow our own. But it is nice to see an author address this topic at all!



3. My wife and I live in a typical middle-class, suburban neighborhood, where there is a strong "disposable" culture. Everything including their pets exist to serve their whims. It should be no surprise to you to find out that there are a lot of discarded pets in our neighborhood.
   Cat Wrangling Made Easy, is a necessary resource for those looking to foster a few cats while you help them find homes.
   Even if you aren't wanting to become a foster home, you will find this book an excellent resource for multi-cat homes.



4. Until you've lived in a multi-cat home, you don't know the complexities of feline behavior! This book gives you simple facts, valuable suggestions & with a lot of humor to boot. (Or would that be Puss n Boots?) Get this book & take advantage of Ms. Rainbolt's years of expertise in the world of multiple cats. Who knew that a detailed treatise on litter, for example, could be so funny!



5. This is the best book on cat behaviour and cat ownership we have ever read! Every chapter details in layman's terms various issues that can occur with any cat owner whether it is a single cat household or multi-cat household.
   
   There is even a chapter on the contact information on the recommended cat toys and remedies that are referenced throughout the book and even a list of pet-friendly hotels for the traveller so you can have the purrfect trip with your WHOLE family!
   
   Since finishing the book , we have been more aware of even the "little signals" that our furry friends make which has brought us even closer to them emotionally!
   
   We are hoping for a follow-up to this book to provide even more insight into our loved-ones.
   
   Cheryl and Jeff Stern

No comments about Be the Cat: Secrets of the Natural Cat Owner.

No comments about Anatomy & Physiology Laboratory Textbook, Complete Version.

No comments about Cats: 2009 Mini Day-to-Day Calendar.

5 comments about Ghost Cats: Human Encounters with Feline Spirits.

1. I stayed up very late finishing up this delightful book in one go. Having had some experiences of my own with ghostly cat visits, I was absolutely pleased to find out that these occurrences are not at all unheard of. The stories made me smile and laugh, and a couple even had me thinking, uh-oh, I'm going to start bawling in a minute. (To this day, even THINKING of the ending of "Where the Red Fern Grows" has me crying hysterically.) Having great-grandpa returning from beyond the grave? Horrifying (as are most family visits). But having a pet come back to you post-mortem to pursue her old routines -- quite matter-of-factly and with no particular drama -- reaffirms the great love and attachment you and she felt for each other. I'm so glad Dusty Rainbolt collected these personal accounts and published them. Let's hope she writes another volume! As you can see from all these other customer reviews, she'd find a happy audience for them.



2. Cat lovers, listen up and rejoice. Meow! This book tells stories from the heart. I got a warm and fuzzy feeling from most all the stories. Yes, some are sad, a few scary, but mostly they are joyous and fasinating to read. I am not sure how I feel about the subject, but I think I have had some visits from my dearly departed and very much adored cats. They seem to love my bed at night. And, I think my Sassy has chats with our Sir Merlin who died several years ago. I enjoyed learning about the history of cats as well. Buy this book and savor the stories as I did.



3. This book contains many stories of experiences humans have had with felines who have passed on but still have the need to return to their owners or homes they loved. The stories should convince the skeptic and warm the hearts of cat lovers everywhere.



4. I love cats more than anything in this world. The book is very good, but if you are sensitive like I am, it will have you in tears. Reading story after story of cats dying and their ghosts coming to say goodbye left me in a state of deep sadness.



5. Prepare for an out-of the ordinary journey into the world of the supernatural. In Ghost Cats, author Dusty Rainbolt presents over seventy true accountings of ghostly encounters submitted to her by fellow cat lovers. Not all ghosts have to be scary and within the pages of Ghost Cats, the mysterious veil of death is lifted briefly to reveal a true connection formed between feline and human in life and continued long after.
   
   Dusty explores the scientific and sometimes skeptical community prior to launching the reader into the supernatural realm. A skeptic once herself, Dusty became a believer when her foster kitten Maynard made contact with her. You can read about the experience in her brief introduction. After that, it is up to you to decide if you wish to venture further into the world of human/cat encounters of the strangest kind.
   
   Although there are some tales that might chill you, overall the visits of the departed felines are heartwarming and at times humorous. A far cry from the author's normal venue of cat care, these stories will still cause you to think, allow you the privilege of remembering your own kitty no longer sharing your world and fill you with hope that there is a reunion waiting for you in the future.
   
   Cats do indeed have nine lives, and even after they are gone, they live on in spirit within your heart, within your memories and for the selected seventy people that Dusty interviewed- forever within the pages of Ghost Cats.
   
   For each story found within, there are lessons to be learned by the four-legged teachers when they return a final time to re-establish the bond of love they cherished in life. Ghost Cats is not a cat care book, it isn't even a cat scare book. But it does attempt to do the impossible- explain the unexplanable so that even skeptics will take notice. Read Ghost Cats in a well-lit room with your favorite feline curled up nearby.

5 comments about Ragdoll Cats (Complete Pet Owner's Manual).

1. This is a very good reference book for anyone who is buying their first purebred kitten. There is some background information on Ragdolls, advice on finding reputable breeders, care instructions etc. I have found that most cat books are full of fluff and outdated information, but this book I found actually practical and useful. I loved the color photos. Yes, it is a short book and does not give every bit of information about the breed, and if that is what you are looking for then you will not like this book. But what can you expect from a book of this price and size?
   
   BTW, a reviewer below is a bit mistaken. Not nearly all breeders insist upon killed virus for innoculations, only some do.



2. This is an attractive small soft covered book with many beautiful color photo's of Ragdolls and cute illustrations by Tana Monsalve. Unfortunatly, as a previous reviewer wrote, most of the information here could pertain to any kind of cat. It's generally a domestic cat care book; however,there's a short but interesting "how to" chapter on Cat Shows.

   I also thought that there should have been diagrams or pictures displayed along with the description of Colors and Patterns. I'm just discovering Ragdolls myself and the myriad of colors and patterns in this particular breed of cat can be confusing to a novice.




3. This is a generic cat book. Substitute Siamese,American Curl,Domestic Shorthair, or the name of any other breed of cat for the word "Ragdoll" wherever it appears and you've got a "handbook" for that breed. And not a particularly good one,either! Some information is missing or incorrect. For example, there is no explanation concerning the use of killed virus for innoculations-something that every Ragdoll breeder I know insists upon. Missing is information on the slower physical maturation of Ragdolls,that they often do not attain their adult size until three or four years of age and that they remain kittens much longer than some other breeds. The Ragdoll is a unique breed (yes,yes,I know- all cats are unique;however, this book is supposed to be about Ragdolls.),but nowhere in this book do I find any references to the special personality,behaviors,and quirks of the Ragdoll. (As I write this my year old Ragdoll male,AJ,is sitting on the table next to the computer,wondering why I use the word quirks. It's meant in a loving way,my "little" boy.)Actually, this book would be a great deal more interesting,informative, and helpful if the author had consulted AJ before writing. I bought this book hoping to gain insights into the Ragdoll cat-a breed I adore.And I certainly did learn something--how to return a book that was not terribly useful or complete.



4. Ragdoll Cats Everything about Purchase and the "Guide to owning a Ragdoll Cat are both highly recommended reading if you own or want to own a ragdoll cat. Most complete books I have found anywhere. Thank you Amazon.com..



5. I thoroughly enjoyed Ragdoll Cats : Everything About Purchase, Care, Nutrition, Health Care, Behavior, and Showing (Complete Pet Owner's Manual). The pictures are wonderful! It was terrific to see so many pictures of traditional Ragdolls. I have hoped for a Ragdoll book that wasn't so focused on the breed's history and breeding but on the pleasure of having a Ragdoll. Readers will find the manual very helpful. I especially enjoyed the author's opinion on non-professional breeding. This is a must-have for every Ragdoll fan!P.S. On page 84 is my Ragdoll--Supreme Grand Champion Dixiedolls China.

5 comments about Urban Tails: Inside the Hidden World of Alley Cats.

1. This is an amazing book that really brings a tear to your eye. I definitely recommend it, it is moving and honest in a way that is not often found these days.



2. The pictures are great. I love how the author captured the society and different personalities of the cats. However, I was disappointed that the writer didn't get around to explaining whether the cats were neutered/spayed until the end of the book. There were references to the old tom cat, beat up. Why didn't they get him neutered? Or the momma who had more than one litter. I don't know when this was written, but it is standard practice now with feral colonies to trap/neuter/release on a regular basis to manage the colony and keep everyone healthy.



3. I'm so glad I ordered this calendar, I couldn't beleave it was on my dorrstep the next day, it was like they new I was going to order it and sent it in advance, amazing. The calendar is so preciouse with all the pictures of street living cats, but the real jewl in this is the stoy the photographer shares on who these felines are, where they live, how he came to know them and take tell their stories. It makes one want to go out and take pictures of forgotten community of homeless and stray animals. It's a work of Heart.



4. Photographer Knox and freelance writer Sara Neeley have teamed up to produce a stunning, poignant photo essay highlighting the beauty of the hidden world of alley cats. Knox, well known for his gritty urban photojournalism, was inspired to photograph the feral survivors he encountered in his work. He soon uncovered a complex underground family structure of cats surviving the clash between nature and modern civilization. The authors readily acknowledge that this book shows only a sunny glimpse at the brutal life of street cats (for "who would buy a book that accurately showed the suffering" they endure?), but their purpose is to document this world and inspire citizens to make small changes, including spaying and neutering both domestic and feral animals.



5. A stark account of the lives of urban feral cats. The book may leave you sad and angry, but the black and white photos are precious, and you will run to give your own sweet, safe, healthy kitty an extra hug. I bought it for a fellow cat friend.

5 comments about The Feline Mystique: On the Mysterious Connection Between Women and Cats.

1. I wanted to read this book to further explore the question posed by the title and thought there would be some answers. If you have never read any books about cats and their history before, then there is much scholarship and lovingly done research in this book and that does make it worthwhile. She is obviously well-meaning, sincere and loves cats. However, the book doesn't really explore the "mysterious connection" in any interesting or conclusive fashion. Sadly, too, her writing is a bit clunky, repetitive and formulaic, especially in her various interviews. It felt like a research paper that someone suggested could be made "more interesting" with interviews with female cat owners. I just thought it would be a better book. The book on this subject has yet to be written.



2. Not a particularly entertaining read. It reads like a thesis paper, scholarly and ponderous. Felt like I was doing homework.



3. This is a great book, especially for those that would like to know WHY so many wonmen are adopted by cats! We never really own a cat, nor should we and I think women understand this, as explained in the book. Cats are part of the family and because of that, the bond it strong. This book helped me to understand why.



4. This book has been very insightful for me and some of my friends (this was a great gift item!). What I found most intriguing was the reconstruction of the make-up of "The Old Cat Lady" myth. It makes sense that it was built out of confusion, disdain, and the urge to make women feel repressed.
   
   The stories presented here are very enjoyable, and I found myself retelling them to several friends. It's nice to realize a bit of a community here.
   
   I thought this book was going to be totally unrelated to most of the other books I've been reading lately that are about Wicca. I was pleasantly surprised to find a little blurb about Wicca in chapter 3. I am definitely glad for the positive coverage, the more informed people are about various ways of life, the less bigoted the world will be.



5. A great book for any women who loves cats. It tells about the very apprent female and feline love affair that's gone on for thousounds of years. It's really informative and interesting. It will make you feel closer to the special feline in your life. Remarkable book.

5 comments about Cats in the Sun 2009 Wall Calendar.

1. Hans Silvester captures not just cats, but the Mediterranean ambience in these gorgeous photos. His years spent photographing and learning about these felines are apparent. The color and composition of his photos is amazing. He has chosen to show us the real cats...not some cute, little, studio-posed furball. These are cats in their natural habitat going about their daily routines. This is a must have for cat lovers.



2. This is my second "Cats in the Sun" calendar. The photographs are truly lovely, and not just because I adore cats. I was introduced to this photographer from a book by the same person, by the same title, with many more scenes of cats in the Mediterranean. It's a real treat to see every day.



3. Hans Silvester is by far the best photographer of cats you are ever likely to see. Extraordinary. However, the design of the calendars is horrendous - the print unreadable from any distance more than 10 inches. The previous and next month calendar on each page is readable only with a magnifying glass.



4. I buy this calendar every year. It's a "must have" for true cat fans. No clothing on the cats, just beautiful cats in sunny Greece.



5. The cats and kittens in the sun are everytime so nice to see, you feel happy watching the photos. It's easy to understand that Hans Silvester loves them and you will love them too.

5 comments about ASPCA Complete Guide to Cats: Everything You Need to Know About Choosing and Caring for Your Pet (Aspc Complete Guide to).

1. I just adopted my furry son Riley, and this book has been very helpful. I'm a novice cat owner and, although I'm familiar with cats, I was a bit nervous about deciphering behavior and making his transition easy on both of us. The Complete Guide to Cats is very practical and down to earth - every suggestion comes with several ways of implementing it. I found the guide to behavior and the section on feeding and litterbox selection to be particularly helpful. The section on breeds, while interesting, was a little overwhelming - my guy is an orange tabby of no particular breed and I got a little hung up on the various grooming requirements before I figured him out.



2. A well written and well informed book that would be a wonderful addition to the bookshelf of anyone who has a cat or is considering adding a cat to their household. Highly Recommended!



3. Whenever I have a question about my cat, I whip out this book and find my answer in seconds. It presents the information in in an easy-to-find, simple format. I would recommend this to any cat owner. I bought one for my mom when she got a cat.



4. This was a really good book. The author did a good job at explaining the behaviors of cats. He also points out which breeds are good in which homes. The color pictures are just beautiful... and some are extremely funny. I highly recommend this book to anyone that has even a smidgen of interest in cats. There are so many breeds that I did not know even existed! He also shows pictures and descriptions of mixed breed cats and even points out the benefits of spaying and neutering! So full of information. It had me in awe and I thought I already knew alot. I HIGHLY recommend this book!



5. As anyone who knows me knows, I have cats. I seem to attract them, well, like cats! I have cat joys and cat tragedies especially prominent in the past few years, with two outdoor disappearances and one indoor death, yet with wonderful new additions and the experience of sharing my home with seven new kittens born under my desk one summer, and five more from a different stray the next summer.

   I had always considered cats low maintenance, essentially self-sufficient. This was a requirement to me, as I'm not home very often, and when I am, I can't spend too much time on cat duty. This was the reason I opted for cats over dogs. I was raised a dog person. But dogs require attention several times a day. Sorry, can't do it...

   Well, with all that happened in the past year, I found that cats, while generally low-maintenance, have periods nonetheless in which they need special care and attention (even if, like Emma, they don't really want it). Thus, being a person in the education mode, I decided I needed to learn more. It just so happened that one of my book clubs was offering the ASPCA Complete Guide to Cats, so I ordered it.

   This has been a gem of a book. It is complete, concise yet filled with information, well organised, colourful and picture-ful, durable (slick coating on the covers and a finish on the pages means the cats can walk across with dampened paws and not destroy the book, useful when it is opened when I attending their needs).

   The first section discusses how and when to bring a cat home. It addresses such issues as cats and kids, preparing the home for a cat, your own readiness, and which kind is most appropriate for which environment. It also discusses what to do when welcoming your new friend into the home. Food, vet care, litter (to box or not to box, ah, that is a question!), and how to introduce new cats to other cats is discussed.

   The second section is a reference guide to cat breeds. In addition to specific breeds organised alphabetically (Abyssinian to York Chocolate) it talks about coat palettes and patterns, colourations, paw and toe issues, and special needs. The breed section identifies special grooming and dietary needs, lap- and kid-friendly breeds, energy, and of course, wonderful photographs of representative cats for each breed.

   Section three gives a bit of biological and physiological information, about cats, as well as (if it is possible!) some insight into the psychological functioning of cats. Are they really that smart? Are they really that clean? It addresses mating habits and catnip addictions, too!

   The fourth section has been the most important to me, Taking care of your cat. It discusses briefly everyday feeding and care, but then has a good section on potential health concerns, what to do in the case of injury and illness, gives home nursing tips (important with Emma), and how to deal with both the beginning and end of the lifespan, which, with new kittens in the bedroom and a declining Emma in the living room, I was dealing with both ends of the spectrum.

   This is an excellent one-volume reference to cats, useful for anyone who cares for cats. The appendices have glossaries, telephone numbers and resources, and recommended readings to continue a feline-related education.

   But, if you just pick this one up for the pictures, it would be worth it for that too. And you might just learn something along the way--always a plus.