Product Description
A practical book of do's and don'ts dispels many myths and explains the basics of feline nutrition throughout a cat's natural life, discusses the pros and cons of commercial cat food, and much more-giving cat lovers the guidelines they need for keeping their cat happy and healthy. ... Read more

Product Description
Part of a series promoting the principles of holistic animal care as support to traditional veterinary diagnosis and treatements, this text covers the subject of nutrition. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Skip This One
While the author of this little book states that feeding a homeprepared diet is optimal, she doesn't include nearly enough information to enable people to formulate a balanced diet for their dogs or cats.Moreover, likethe authors of many dog food cook books, Newman takes what would be ahealthy diet for humans and applies it to dogs and cats as if we were allthe same species with the same dietary requirements.This is not the case. For instance, being carnivores, dogs and cats, with few exceptions, haveno nutritional requirement for carbohydrates.While dogs often do wellwith small amounts of whole grains in their diet (we feed two small grainmeals a week), the bulk of their diet should consist of raw meat and bones. This brings me to my next problem with this book: Newman states that dogsand cats "have been domesticated for so long that they have becomeprocessed food eaters," and consequently are no longer able to digestraw meat and bones.She seems to forget that processed pet foods didn'tbecome popular until earlier this century -- hardly long enough to stampout thousands of years of evolution.Can dogs digest raw meat and bones? While there are a few health problems that call for a cooked foods diet,the vast majority of dogs and cats benefit enormously from eating raw meatsand bones.Our family has been raising dogs naturally for nearly threedecades and their exceptional health is in large part the result of theirbiologically appropriate raw diet.Over the years I have assisted manypeople in switching their animals, young and old, to a raw foods diet, andthe results have always been extremely positive.

The book's section onvitamins and minerals isn't bad, but unfortunately some of the informationis incorrect (e.g., the calcium:phosphorous ratio), while other importantinformation is omitted (e.g., the fact that cats are unable to convertbeta-carotene to Vitamin A). The section on fasting and detoxification isquite good, but I have a problem with the rather cavalier manner in whichhomeopathic remedies are suggested throughout the book.Homeopathy is afascinating but highly complex system of medicine, and remedies need to beselected by taking into account the totality of the patient's symptoms. When we make a blanket recommendation such as Arsenicum for appetiteproblems (also known as the "this for that" approach), we areusing homeopathic remedies allopathically, and many would argue that wearen't really practicing homeopathy at all.Used in this manner,homeopathic remedies are rarely effective, since it would be sheer luck ifwe happened to select the correct remedy.

Newman does a good job ofdiscussing the problems with commercial pet foods, but other books do itjust as well or better, while also providing sound advice for thoseinterested in feeding their animals a fresh foods diet.

Simple to Use, Easy to Read...Finally
I get so frustrated trying to decipher pet food labels - I could just scream!! Newman is very clear and consise about just what the industry code words are that allow pet food producers to sell overpriced, slicklymarketed 'garbage' to those of us who care about what we feed our pets. Shemakes a great case for how very important nutrition is as the buildingblock to keep my 'kids' happy and healthy. This book is small enough totake shopping and covers cat and dog food. She has a very freindly writingstyle and is easy to follow. I have done homecooking, but was alwaysworried about what I was missing. It was a lot of work. This book reallyhelps cut to what is neededfor good health and how to find it. ... Read more

Product Description
Part of a series promoting the principles of holistic animal care as support to traditional veterinary diagnosis and treatements, this text covers the subject of arthritis. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Good book for first time Birman owners not breeders
This book is a good book covering the Basics of Birmans but begins to fall short when talking about breeding and the genetics of Birman cats.I love the care/feeding and general information of the book. A true book about breeding however should include pedigrees, history and foundation cats, and include medical information as well. My wife and I have bred Birmans for 11 years and as such have to consider genetic questions whenever we talk about breeding/aquiring another birman. The book also should include online information available for Birmans which is extensive. ... Read more

Product Description
This series comprehensively covers gentle, natural treatments for common pet diseases.Each book delves into the latest scientific research and veterinary clinical trials, as well as actual cases in which pets have been cured by holistic medicine. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

a good introduction
I was given this book when I was given my cat, Mara Jade. The book was for 2 main reasons. One was to explain and understand this most loveable breed. The other was to show off my cat's grandfather, who is one of the champion Scottish Folds showcased in the book. It is a good book for new owners.

Seems more like a textbook than an earnest owner's manual
I recently bought a Scottish Fold. (Partly because they look so darn cute and partly -- okay mostly -- because of Peter Gether's Norton books.) Being the "completist" that I am (some prefer the term obsessive), I had to buy this book too to make sure all was well with Bradbury (yeah, he's named after the famous author).

Unfortunately, Maggitti's book doesn't really satisfy my passion and curiosity for this fascinating breed of feline.

For one thing, the book seems slightly outdated. And the pages look -- and often read -- like those of a textbook. Plus, the information seems superficial, almost too basic (even for a feline newbie like myself).

In other words, don't expect a lot of passion and humor and a breezy, conversational style. Expect some fairly good information. Expect a slightly detached (read: dry) presentation of facts. Expect a reference book that'll likely sit on your shelf gathering dust once you've flipped through it once.

Since there are very few books available strictly about the Scottish Fold breed, you're pretty much stuck with this book or nothing. And, given that choice, I'd say go ahead and buy this book. It's really not as bad as I'm making it out to be. (But it's not a whole lot better, either.)

The bottom line: Until someone comes along to write an "owner's manual" book as fun as the Scottish Fold breed of cat, I suggest you turn to Peter Gether's three books: The Cat Who Went To Paris...A Cat Abroad: The Further Adventures of The Cat Who Went to Paris and His Human...and The Cat Who'll Live Forever: The Final Adventures of Norton, The Perfect Cat and His Imperfect Human.

A "must have" for owners of Scottish Fold cats or kittens.
As new owners of this unique breed, we needed a book that explained everything from care to communication and personality. This book has it all.Especially helpful was the section on communication where we learnednot only how to communicate with our new Fold, but also what our Fold wastelling us through his body language.This book definitely helped uswelcome our pet into his new home, and facilitated bonding between pet andowner. ... Read more

Product Description
Pete and Paula are quick to volunteer when they learn that their neighbors have a kitten available for adoption. They name their new pet Rufus, but quickly learn that caring for a kitten takes a lot of work. They learn to keep the food bowl, water bowl, and sandbox nice and cleanÂ--and they watch with delight as Rufus gets acquainted with their other pet, a puppy. As the days pass, Pete and Paula grow accustomed to feeding Rufus, providing him with toys, learning his traits, and finding him a delightful addition to their home.

This charming, color-illustrated book introduces younger boys and girls to the joys and responsibilities of cat ownership. It tells the story of a little boy and girl who get a kitten, become acquainted with their new family member, then learn how to care for the animal. Adopting a pet is an adventure for both pets and childrenÂ--a time filled with fun for them all. A Â"GuidelinesÂ" section that following story offers advice and basic instruction on cat and kitten care. Parents and younger children will want to read this section together so that both kids and adults will understand the responsibilities of pet ownership. This title is also available in a Spanish language edition. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

KindKitty
Wonderful book to read with children.Reviewed all the points we want to make when adopting a cat.I work in a cat rescue shelter and will put this book in our library for children. ... Read more

Product Description
Simple text and photographs present an introduction to the Exotic breed, its growth from kitten to adult, and pet care information. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Children's book
This book is intended for preschool to grade 2 children. The reading level is for Kindergarten to grade 1. It is an easy-reader book with very simple text and bright color photographs. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

INFORMATIVE
Very good book with lots of information about this beautiful cat. Definately worth buying and the best around.Hope to see a newer version soon. Think this was written in 1995.

Very informative book on Abyssinian cats
I believe I have already reviewed his book.At any rate, it arrived promptly and was in good condition.It is a very informative book on Abyssinian cats which are not like any other kind of cat.

Abyssinian Cats
Wonderful book. Takes you through the beginnings of the breed and how it came to North America. Detailed information about standard physical expectations for show; personality traits of the breed; price ranges; how to pick a breeder--questions to ask; how to pick a kitten; important care instructions--physical and emotional; ..... lots of great stuff for the new Aby owner as well as those who have owned cats and/or Abys in the past. Beautiful photos! Great reading! A bit pricey, but worth the money.

People should read books like this BEFORE selecting kitty!
I recommend that anyone considering being owned by an Abyssinian read this book (the info is enlightening for already owned people as well).It covers in easily understood language everything one should know aboutAbyssinian Cats and how to care for them.It is simply enough written tobe understood by children though not boring to adults.It could be used asa teaching tool for children in the home where kitty will live.The authorstarts at the beginning:How to buy the cat, acclimation, caring for it"Forever After," etc.She discusses controversial issues such asdeclawing (I'm personally opposed), grooming, showing, etc.The generalcare information would apply to most cats.But Abyssinians are veryintelligent, loyal, inquisitive and active.If you want a cat that willNOT sit on the refrigerator, then perhaps this book would give the readersome understanding of the personality of the Abyssinian and guide thepropsective cat owner toward making a good decision about whether or not toselect this particular breed or another, less active, breed.Plenty ofgood photos. ... Read more

Product Description
An Owner's Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet is the series to turn to when you want a basic reference that's reliable, up-to-date, and complete.

These guides feature:

• Expert authors, plus renowned guest contributors on specialized topics
• Full-color photos throughout
• Basic information on the breed, species, or topic
• Complete coverage of care, health, grooming, training, and more
• Tips and techniques to make life with a pet more rewarding

Customer Reviews (3)

An Interesting and Reliable Guide
It may be out of date, I don't know. When it comes to important matters, everyone should consult with a trusted veterinarian. But for emergency care, interest, and a general guide, I've raised four cats on this book. Everything, from warnings on what and what not to feed your cat and what plants you can and cannot have in the house to when to call your vet, is covered, well, and easy to find. The book could use a more extensive index, but it was a very convenient and affordable helpmate for an anxious mother.

Tuxedo was four weeks old when we brought him home, which we didn't know, because he was a barn cat, and nobody really knew how old they were. Twenty-four hours after we got him settled in, we discovered that baby had no teeth. So, there we were, desperately going through the library and the pet store, frantic to figure out why baby didn't use the bathroom, didn't eat, and was losing weight at an alarming rate.

Some books were more helpful, but we were poor, and some just didn't cover enough, and some covered TOO much. I got lost in extemperanious information, and couldn't find what I needed. This one was "just right." ;-) It gave me just enough to quiet my new mother fears, and help me answer all of my questions, without losing me in technical terms, and kept me from calling the vet every ten minutes.

Tuxedo is now 16 solid pounds, healthy as an ox, and well trained. He has welcomed three women into his family, and they've all been at different stages of health, and different ages, but this book has helped us get through them all. I keep it handy, and still, after four years, turn to it about once a month when I'm in over my head.

Old Info Out of Date
In 1996 when this book first appeared it offered current information and was one of the first to address "training" in cats and to promote early-age neutering. It is written in an engaging style and remains a good basic reference for first-time kitten owners. But in the seven years since publication, much has changed in the world of feline health care, such as vaccination recommendations, and the understanding of behavior and feline diseases. DO NOT rely on this book for health care advice.

Shojai's latest book, "COMPLETE KITTEN CARE" is a much better choice. This is the author's 18th pet care title and it has up-to-date medical information and advice based on Shojai's interviews with hundreds of veterinary experts. The training and behavior material comes from Shojai's hands-on personal experience with shelter cats and kittens, as well as insights from professional breeders.

Cool!!!
VERY COOL!!!It'S Really Nice And Interesting!! Cat'S LOVER SHOULD HAVEE!!!Thats'Me!!HeHe!! ... Read more

Product Description
This book offers solid, expert recommendations and techniques for those interested in bringing a kitten or adult cat into their family. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Review
This was exactly what i needed for schol and it even got here before class that week so i was able to show off. I also got this book because i have never had a cat and going to vetranairy Technitions school i figured i should learn how. it was a quick and easy read and came in handy when in practice at school. ... Read more

Product Description
Informative advice about raising healthy, happy cats. ... Read more

Product Description
That there is a tremendous overpopulation of cats in the United States is both common knowledge and a matter of grave concern. For many who would acquire a new pet, adoption is viewed as the most responsible means of finding the right cat. However, it is important to understand that if you decide to open your home to a stray or adopt from a shelter, an extra measure of patience, love and understanding is essential. Adopting Cats and Kittens: A Care and Training Guide reflects the special circumstances that surround the "recycled" cat and helps the new owner provide the cat with the secure, nurturing environment every pet deserves. This book offers sensible guidance on what your new cat needs to be happy and healthy and what to do to keep from contributing to the pet population explosion. Adopting Cats and Kittens is a book with a mission and a message of hope and concern for all who love cats and seek an end to their cruel treatment and abuse. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Lots of Useful Information
After adoping my two cats, I was pretty much in the dark about the feline species.This book helped equip me with the knowledge I needed to be a responsible human to my kitties.Would recommend this to other new parents.

my little pony
i liked this epic adventure of *Space Cat* and friends.SACK the samurai agent cat kitten.i like kittys! ... Read more

Product Description
Simple text and photographs present an introduction to the Sphynx breed, its growth from kitten to adult, and pet care information. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Disappointed
This book is tiny, both in size and information. Minus the Contents, Glossery, and Index pages, it has about 130 WORDS total in the 24 pages. This book might be a good beginning for a VERY young reader, however, it is overpriced for its contents. The one redeeming factor is the collection of close-up photos. There are a couple of other Sphynx books intended for the young reader which, IMHO, are a better value. ... Read more