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Think Like a Cat: How to Raise a Well-Adjusted Cat—Not a Sour Puss
Pam Johnson-Bennett, feline behaviorist, shows you that by "understanding your cat's motivations, needs and communication" you can modify and prevent behavior problems, avoid common mistakes made by both novice and experienced owners, and ultimately continue to enrich and enjoy a relationship "in which you are unconditionally loved, endlessly forgiven for your mistakes, never judged, and constantly entertained."
How can you have a great relationship with your cat? "If your impression of cat ownership involves filling up a food bowl and putting a litter box in the extra bathroom, then both you and your cat will soon be very unhappy." Some people might get a cat because they think that a cat will be less trouble than a dog. Let's face it, comparing cats and dogs is like, well, like comparing apples and oranges. They are different, and they have different needs. A dog is a pack animal that needs a leader. By nature a dog expects to get rubbed and wrestled with. Dogs like to horse around. A cat does not. A cat is a solitary predator and needs its space. But what both cats and dogs do need is your love and attention. Just because a cat is, by nature, independent doesn't mean that he or she doesn't need your praise or physical affection. There are a lot of myths about cats -- like the one above -- that lead to their mistreatment. By learning more about what makes a cat a cat, you will be better able to give your feline the space, care, and love that he or she needs.
And this sentiment couldn't be truer when it comes to training your cat. Hitting or yelling at your cat when he scratches his claws on your nice new couch just doesn't make sense. Your cat is only being a cat. He needs to scratch his nails so they can stay healthy and strong. Also, scratching helps a cat relieve stress and relax. Imagine being yelled at and hit for sprawling out on the couch with a magazine and a glass of nice red wine after a long day's work. You must align your training expectations with your cat's needs if you want to have a happy, well-trained cat. Johnson-Bennett advises you to "get on her level emotionally, physically, and mentally in order to map out an effective training plan." She outlines three basic methods for training: positive reinforcement (rewarding kitty for good behavior), remote control (spraying kitty with a water gun when she jumps on the kitchen counter), and redirection (getting kitty to scratch on a scratching post instead of your expensive couch). By using these training methods in the first place, you will get a head start in establishing good behavior, and in the process you and your cat will become closer.
If you want to learn more about your cat and what you can do to strengthen and enjoy your relationship with each other, then Think Like a Cat should really be on your reading list. From years of experience as a vet technician and as an adoring cat owner, Johnson-Bennett knows her stuff. And she covers it all in this book -- from grooming, training, health, and nutrition to emergency care, games, and toys. So get ready to hear a lot more purring around the house!
Jen Forman
413 pages, Paperback
First published January 24, 2000
714 people are currently reading
1461 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 179 reviews
May 28, 2012
The following guest review is by Maslow. It is his opinion only and is not necessarily that of the regular reviewer.
First of all, I am glad to see a human better themselves by thinking like a cat. If more people did this, you might stop stagnating and evolve into a higher life form.
Think Like a Cat should be essential reading for anyone chosen worthy of sharing living space with a feline. However, Ms, Johnson-Bennett makes a common error in thinking people are cat owners. No one owns a cat. It usually the other way around. This leads to a really silly chapter about choosing the right cat. Needless to say, the cat chooses you. Do you really think a little allegedly starving kitten later named Maslow just ended up on your doorstep by coincidence. That kitten spent two days casing the neighborhood for the right chumps. And the fact that it was on a day reaching a temperature of 110F? Extra pathos points.
But the rest of the book has it right. Topics covered include cat health (Brush me, Dammit!), the right kind of toys (interactive please), scratching posts (essential if you don't want your sofa looking like something in a modern art museum), and any other topic that has to do with cats. This book should be required reading for any novice who wishes to serve a cat and just as important for old-time catowners victims so they can correct their past mistakes and not end up with a hairball purposely placed in their shoe.
I hope you liked my review. If you did, do not send money. Catnip will be fine.
First of all, I am glad to see a human better themselves by thinking like a cat. If more people did this, you might stop stagnating and evolve into a higher life form.
Think Like a Cat should be essential reading for anyone chosen worthy of sharing living space with a feline. However, Ms, Johnson-Bennett makes a common error in thinking people are cat owners. No one owns a cat. It usually the other way around. This leads to a really silly chapter about choosing the right cat. Needless to say, the cat chooses you. Do you really think a little allegedly starving kitten later named Maslow just ended up on your doorstep by coincidence. That kitten spent two days casing the neighborhood for the right chumps. And the fact that it was on a day reaching a temperature of 110F? Extra pathos points.
But the rest of the book has it right. Topics covered include cat health (Brush me, Dammit!), the right kind of toys (interactive please), scratching posts (essential if you don't want your sofa looking like something in a modern art museum), and any other topic that has to do with cats. This book should be required reading for any novice who wishes to serve a cat and just as important for old-time cat
I hope you liked my review. If you did, do not send money. Catnip will be fine.
February 27, 2020
“most valuable lessons in life: love unconditionally, express your true feelings, respect others’ territory, protect the family, get enough sleep, and always keep an eye open for mice!”
― Pam Johnson-Bennett, Think Like a Cat: How to Raise a Well-Adjusted Cat--Not a Sour Puss
Wow. I had never heard of a "feline behaviorist" before reading this. But that is what Pam Johnson is and there are some interesting things to be learned here. I really enjoyed reading this.
From one Cat lover to any other potential cat lovers reading this..highly recommended.
― Pam Johnson-Bennett, Think Like a Cat: How to Raise a Well-Adjusted Cat--Not a Sour Puss
Wow. I had never heard of a "feline behaviorist" before reading this. But that is what Pam Johnson is and there are some interesting things to be learned here. I really enjoyed reading this.
From one Cat lover to any other potential cat lovers reading this..highly recommended.
December 10, 2008
Not as crazy as the picture on the cover makes it look.
February 9, 2012
An almost overwhelming resource. I thought I knew cats pretty well, but this book showed me that I'm a terrible person who doesn't brush her cat's teeth and doesn't spend enough time engaging in interactive play. And the last 40 or so pages terrifyingly catalogues every disease that could possibly befall your cat.
That aside, "thinking like a cat" has actually helped me figure out why Taco does some of the weird/annoying things he does. The book also introduced me to the concept of clicker training, and now Taco comes when he's called and doesn't start leaping for his food before I've set it down. This cat and I are almost on the same wavelength now…though that doesn't mean we necessarily agree with each other.
That aside, "thinking like a cat" has actually helped me figure out why Taco does some of the weird/annoying things he does. The book also introduced me to the concept of clicker training, and now Taco comes when he's called and doesn't start leaping for his food before I've set it down. This cat and I are almost on the same wavelength now…though that doesn't mean we necessarily agree with each other.
August 24, 2013
I'm skimming through this - I got the first edition on Interlibrary Loan & liked it so much that I bought it. :-)
I consider myself a kitty whisperer, but I'm learning some fun new things in this book. The tips about how to play with your cat (and how often: 1-2x per day, for 10-15 minutes each) are useful. Finally learned what the whiskers on the forepaws are for: "to sense any movement of prey trapped under the cat's front paws."
The book gives good tips on how to desensitize cats to the scary experience of going to the vet. Most of these involve food. :-) While my kittehs aren't scared of the vet, reading this section made me appreciate my vet more, because they do some of the non-food tips to make my cats feel more comfortable while in the examining room.
The book is full of good information for new & old-timey cat owners!
I consider myself a kitty whisperer, but I'm learning some fun new things in this book. The tips about how to play with your cat (and how often: 1-2x per day, for 10-15 minutes each) are useful. Finally learned what the whiskers on the forepaws are for: "to sense any movement of prey trapped under the cat's front paws."
The book gives good tips on how to desensitize cats to the scary experience of going to the vet. Most of these involve food. :-) While my kittehs aren't scared of the vet, reading this section made me appreciate my vet more, because they do some of the non-food tips to make my cats feel more comfortable while in the examining room.
The book is full of good information for new & old-timey cat owners!
May 25, 2016
Decent information, some of it very useful.
Some of it very obvious.
Much of it overcautious.
If I didn't already have a cat, this kind of book might put me off getting one - by making me believe it's extremely hard work to tend to its needs. Yes, it's important to let people know there is more to taking care of a cat than feeding and cleaning the litterbox. But it amuses me that a book on cats by a cat lover can make them seem less likeable than they are.
Some of it very obvious.
Much of it overcautious.
If I didn't already have a cat, this kind of book might put me off getting one - by making me believe it's extremely hard work to tend to its needs. Yes, it's important to let people know there is more to taking care of a cat than feeding and cleaning the litterbox. But it amuses me that a book on cats by a cat lover can make them seem less likeable than they are.
May 3, 2021
Learned a lot and also I'm now terrified I'll do something wrong and traumatise my babies.
September 6, 2016
This book is useful even if you already know cats. The information on reading body language is very helpful. I've also started clicker training my cats and it's going pretty well.
However, I felt myself getting anxiety reading the early chapters about bringing home a kitten. If you did everything the author recommends, you'd be getting ready for months and never want to leave the house for fear of your kitten committing suicide.
However, I felt myself getting anxiety reading the early chapters about bringing home a kitten. If you did everything the author recommends, you'd be getting ready for months and never want to leave the house for fear of your kitten committing suicide.
March 10, 2025
"Jūs palaimingai gulite lovoje ir jau tuoj saldžiai užmigsite. Staiga kitame kambaryje pasigirsta trenksmas. Pašokate lovoje, būdamas tikras, kad išgirdote garsą, primenantį šuoliuojančio arklio kanopų dundėjimą. Kas, po velnių, darosi? Atsikeliate iš lovos, uždegate šviesą ir išslenkate į koridorių. O ten nekaltomis akimis į jus žvelgia katė."
Na ką, man pavyko! Oi ilgai skaičiau šią kačių priežiūros enciklopediją. Galėčiau tai pavadinti Biblija. Buvo ir gerų momentų, ir blogų skaitant šį kūrinį. Ne todėl, kad kažkas ne taip parašyta, o todėl, kad viskas parašyta labai moksliškai.
Skaitant jaučiau, kad autorė išties nusimano tame ką aprašo. Išties matosi, kad ji yra savo srities meistrė ir, kad ji tuo gyvena. Manau jos profesionalumas ir išties didelė meilė katėms jai ir pakišo koją. Tekstą man asmeniškai buvo sunku skaityti, nes mačiau labai daug pasikartojimų ir jaučiau, kad vietomis yra perspaudžiama ties kačių priežiūros ir auginimo klausimais. Nesupraskite manęs klaidingai, aš pati esu katino mama ir šiuo metu mano murkiantis sekretorius ramiai sau parpia prisiglaudęs prie manęs. Dėl šio ūsuočiaus pereičiau Kryžiaus kelius jeigu jam kas nors nutiktų. Tiesiog skaitant knygą man buvo minčių: "na negali būti taippppp jau blogaiiii." Mano manymu autorė vietomis per daug sužmogino mūsų pūkuotus draugus.
Pereinant prie gerų dalyku... Šį knygą yra tokia informatyvi ir manau kiekvienas katino(-ų) tėvelis galėtų rasti sau kažką naujo ir pagilinti savo jau turimas žinias. Kiekvieną temą yra nagrinėjama plačiai, pateikiama daug pavyzdžių. Skaitant galima nugyventi visą katino gyvenimą nuo gimimo iki iškeliavimo į vaivorykštės šalį. Man patiko, kad autorė įterpė skyrių apie dažniausiai pasitaikančias kačių ligas, kuriame aprašė simptomus, kaip elgtis ir nesielgti jeigu augintinis susirgo, ko tikėtis ir kaip išvengti tam tikrų scenarijų. Šioje knygoje nėra vietų kur yra aprašomas ir šlovinamas mielas katės snukutis. Tiktai griežti ir realūs faktai apie katės auginimą ir priežiūrą.
Taip pat labai norėčiau pagirti vertėją, nes taip gražiai išversti knygą, kurioje yra tiek daug medicininių terminų yra labai daug sugebėjimų ir žinių reikalaujantis dalykas. Ačiū už šį nuostabiai atliktą darbą.
Na ką, man pavyko! Oi ilgai skaičiau šią kačių priežiūros enciklopediją. Galėčiau tai pavadinti Biblija. Buvo ir gerų momentų, ir blogų skaitant šį kūrinį. Ne todėl, kad kažkas ne taip parašyta, o todėl, kad viskas parašyta labai moksliškai.
Skaitant jaučiau, kad autorė išties nusimano tame ką aprašo. Išties matosi, kad ji yra savo srities meistrė ir, kad ji tuo gyvena. Manau jos profesionalumas ir išties didelė meilė katėms jai ir pakišo koją. Tekstą man asmeniškai buvo sunku skaityti, nes mačiau labai daug pasikartojimų ir jaučiau, kad vietomis yra perspaudžiama ties kačių priežiūros ir auginimo klausimais. Nesupraskite manęs klaidingai, aš pati esu katino mama ir šiuo metu mano murkiantis sekretorius ramiai sau parpia prisiglaudęs prie manęs. Dėl šio ūsuočiaus pereičiau Kryžiaus kelius jeigu jam kas nors nutiktų. Tiesiog skaitant knygą man buvo minčių: "na negali būti taippppp jau blogaiiii." Mano manymu autorė vietomis per daug sužmogino mūsų pūkuotus draugus.
Pereinant prie gerų dalyku... Šį knygą yra tokia informatyvi ir manau kiekvienas katino(-ų) tėvelis galėtų rasti sau kažką naujo ir pagilinti savo jau turimas žinias. Kiekvieną temą yra nagrinėjama plačiai, pateikiama daug pavyzdžių. Skaitant galima nugyventi visą katino gyvenimą nuo gimimo iki iškeliavimo į vaivorykštės šalį. Man patiko, kad autorė įterpė skyrių apie dažniausiai pasitaikančias kačių ligas, kuriame aprašė simptomus, kaip elgtis ir nesielgti jeigu augintinis susirgo, ko tikėtis ir kaip išvengti tam tikrų scenarijų. Šioje knygoje nėra vietų kur yra aprašomas ir šlovinamas mielas katės snukutis. Tiktai griežti ir realūs faktai apie katės auginimą ir priežiūrą.
Taip pat labai norėčiau pagirti vertėją, nes taip gražiai išversti knygą, kurioje yra tiek daug medicininių terminų yra labai daug sugebėjimų ir žinių reikalaujantis dalykas. Ačiū už šį nuostabiai atliktą darbą.
April 28, 2024
Apie viską kaip tinkamai auginti, rūpintis, dresuoti savo keturkoja murkle/murklium. Galima skaityti nuosekliai, o galima tik rūpimomis temomis
July 10, 2019
Tai tikra kačių biblija- kitaip nepavadinsi. Pradedant katės priežiūra nuo gimimo iki mirimo, be to ir apžvelgiant nemažai ligų, kurios turi atskirą skyrių knygos gale. Šią knygą privalo perskaityti VISI turintys ar/ir planuojantys įsigyti katę, nes čia rasite VISKĄ kas BŪTINA žinoti apie kates. Tik pradėję galvoti kaip kates- suprasite ko jos nori ir ko joms reikia. O kai tas įvyks- turėsite tobulą augintinį. Aišku, dėl to teks pasistengti! Kates GALIMA dresuoti! Tik nepamirškit gausybės skanėstų, nes katė nė piršto nejudins jei nebus skatinama tinkamai elgtis ir apdovanota gardžiu kąsneliu.
Vienas dalykas, kuris mane VĖL KAIP VISADA supykdė: BLOGAI IŠVERSTAS PAVADINIMAS!! “Think like A Cat” verčiasi kaip “GALVOK KAIP KATĖ”! Ech, tie niekam tikę vertėjai... *facepalm*
Vienas dalykas, kuris mane VĖL KAIP VISADA supykdė: BLOGAI IŠVERSTAS PAVADINIMAS!! “Think like A Cat” verčiasi kaip “GALVOK KAIP KATĖ”! Ech, tie niekam tikę vertėjai... *facepalm*
October 10, 2012
This book is amazing and incredible for any cat lover. Weither you owned cats, are thinking about entering into being enslaved by felines, it is a must read. Filled with important info on cats, you will also find general cat care, first aid and caring for the kitten or senior citizen. Easy to read, let your behavior questions be answerd.
November 6, 2011
An excellent resource and a damn good read. It makes me aware of just how lucky I was with my older cat and all the things I need to think aboutmfor my new kitten. You can find a lotmof this information on the Internet, but it won't be collected all together and presented in an easy to read style.
September 10, 2010
I think everyone who has a cat should read this! Lots of info; the behavioral chapters are particularly helpful.
July 6, 2012
This book was great for learning the rationale behind some basic behaviors in my cat. I recommend it for anyone who wants to understand why their cat acts the way it does.
October 23, 2014
Think like a cat is basically a master class in pet ownership. Covering everything from the best scratching post, to coping with the death of a cat, Think Like a Cat covers pretty much everything you need to know. This makes it a very comprehensive and useful resource (want to know what it means when your cat is swishing her tail a certain way? That's in here too!), but the phrase "your mileage may vary" certainly applies here. The idea of clicker training may seem like a little much, and the concept of introducing a new spouse to a cat is a life situation that may never apply to you, but there's no denying that you're going to find some really useful information in this book.
I picked up Think Like a Cat (the expanded edition with the meowing kitten on the cover) in preparation to picking up a second cat, and I can honestly say that the sections on introducing two cats has helped me prepare for the reality of the situation. In all honesty, I kind of wished that I had picked up this book before I got my first cat. Yes, the section about all the things in the house that might kill your new kitten is a little terrifying but it would have been great preparation for being a cat owner the first time.
I picked up Think Like a Cat (the expanded edition with the meowing kitten on the cover) in preparation to picking up a second cat, and I can honestly say that the sections on introducing two cats has helped me prepare for the reality of the situation. In all honesty, I kind of wished that I had picked up this book before I got my first cat. Yes, the section about all the things in the house that might kill your new kitten is a little terrifying but it would have been great preparation for being a cat owner the first time.
February 24, 2019
I was lent this book by a co-worker who is always telling me things like 'oh we told our kitten once that she can't go on the counter and now she never does!' and to whom I'm always saying things like 'Counters? We've just given up. Anyway Moneypenny likes hanging out on top of the wardrobe now so whatever, also last night I prepared a fine bowl of olives for my dinner and set them down for literally one second and turned around to see her LICKING all of them and carrying one off in her mouth! What a cat!!'
Thanks to this book, I learned that my dearest MP could have a whole host of behavioural problems beyond stealing my popcorn when we're watching such classic films as The Harder They Come together (she loves reggae!! who knew?!), and there may yet be a trick to getting her to stop nipping at us. She may never stop making weird feral cat noises at the pigeons who roost on the Sainsbury's across the street, but she may yet stop trying to run down the stairs and under the neighbours' discarded elliptical every time we come home from work
Thanks to this book, I learned that my dearest MP could have a whole host of behavioural problems beyond stealing my popcorn when we're watching such classic films as The Harder They Come together (she loves reggae!! who knew?!), and there may yet be a trick to getting her to stop nipping at us. She may never stop making weird feral cat noises at the pigeons who roost on the Sainsbury's across the street, but she may yet stop trying to run down the stairs and under the neighbours' discarded elliptical every time we come home from work
March 8, 2020
An excellent book for those who don’t know much about cats and are contemplating adopting one. It tells you just about everything you need to know regarding our furry friends. But it’s really too basic for those who have been around cats their entire lives (I think I’ve been cat-less 7 days my entire life and that was because years ago my cat died 2 days before we went on vacation so I waited until the day we got back to go and adopt another one). So if you want a solid understanding of cats and how your life would change if you got one, this is the book for you.
May 25, 2008
A really great guide to bringing your new cat home and living happily with it. Johnson-Bennett covers everything from getting down on your knees to see things from kitten height to encouraging daily play sessions to helping solve problems such as spraying and clawing furniture. I didn't make it through this whole guide before it had to go back, but will get it again when cat ownership is closer to my future.
September 29, 2014
I found this book to be extremely helpful when I was grieving for my senior cat who passed away, and preparing to welcome new kittens into my life. Really great tips for setting up a home for little ones, and understanding how to manage a multi-cat household.
July 4, 2012
This is a great resource for cat owners. This would be something I'd like to keep as a reference.
September 3, 2023
Kačių mylėtojų enciklopedija, gal sakyčiau, net Biblija. Pats turėdamas namuose nuostabią britų trumpaplaukę, sužinojau tikrai nemažai, o dar ir atnaujinau bei kai kuriose vietose pagilinau savo žinias tiek dresūros, tiek priežiūros, elgsenos keitimo ar žaidimų su kate srityse.
August 8, 2020
We treat our cats as children, adults, friends, enemies, confidants, even dogs -- but not often enough as cats.
I've recently become a co-owner (with my fiancée) of two beautiful cats. This book seems to cover everything cat-related: how they think, why they do the things they do and how to take care of them in all sorts of situations. As I've never taken care of a cat before, I found this book enlightening and very practical. I have more than 160 highlights and expect to refer to this overwhelming volume in the future 🐈.
I've recently become a co-owner (with my fiancée) of two beautiful cats. This book seems to cover everything cat-related: how they think, why they do the things they do and how to take care of them in all sorts of situations. As I've never taken care of a cat before, I found this book enlightening and very practical. I have more than 160 highlights and expect to refer to this overwhelming volume in the future 🐈.
September 24, 2013
Wished I could give a copy of this book to all the cat owners I know - until I reached the last chapter.
The book as a whole is fantastic and it's title doesn't do it justice. This book is about more than thinking like a cat. It walks you through your cats entire life from kittenhood to the day to loose your furry friend.
I have never seen such a comprehensive book that was also such an easy book to read. She covers EVERYTHING: choosing a cat, traveling with a cat, playing with your cat, training your cat, adapting to your senior cat.
Have a mentioned yet how awesome this book is?
She even has a good section on nutrition that teaches you the basics without overreaching. While she does discuss homemade and raw diets she makes sure to warn of that there are significant potential dangers involved and you should work closely with your veterinarian. The medical appendix was even good. It was fantastic to read a book written by a trainer who worked in the veterinary field.
Any owner who read this book is going to be well prepared to understand and take care of their cat.
The only part I took issue with is the emergencies chapter because there were some significant problems there:
1) The first problem with this chapter just has to do with bad luck. The same year she published this book, new guidelines came out that changed some of our recommendations for CPR. For instance, it is hard for anyone to feel a pulse or heartbeat on a critically ill animal. Even professionals fail to correctly identify whether a pulse is there or not. New recommendations say it is safer to just start CPR if a pet is unconscious and not breathing.
2) She did not recommend owners look into taking a pet first aid and CPR class at all. CPR is very difficult to perform if you haven't been trained. Even professionals should be retrained every couple months. Performing CPR from a written description alone is not going to be adequate.
3) Some recommendations in this chapter were specifically wrong - you should not do chest compressions "gently" to avoid breaking ribs. If you don't do the compressions strongly enough, you might as well just be standing around doing nothing. Often if you're not using enough pressure to potentially break ribs, you're not compressing hard enough. Broken ribs can be fixed, a decreased pet cannot.
4) While she makes the recommendation that owners go to the vet right away, then some of the specific advice she gives then contradicts herself by recommending waiting a certain amount of time before going to the vet.
For instance she says a hypothermic pet should go to the vet if they haven't warmed up after 45 minutes. The pet should have been at the vet's 45 minutes ago. Or she recommends owners put KY jelly into a wound and then use clippers to clear the hair away from the wound. If the pet is stable enough that you're trying to clip hair around a wound - you should be at the vet's office already with professionals handling wound care.
So again, in summary it is hands down the best book I have ever read on cat care - I would recommend it to all my clients - I just wish I could take out Chapter 18.
The book as a whole is fantastic and it's title doesn't do it justice. This book is about more than thinking like a cat. It walks you through your cats entire life from kittenhood to the day to loose your furry friend.
I have never seen such a comprehensive book that was also such an easy book to read. She covers EVERYTHING: choosing a cat, traveling with a cat, playing with your cat, training your cat, adapting to your senior cat.
Have a mentioned yet how awesome this book is?
She even has a good section on nutrition that teaches you the basics without overreaching. While she does discuss homemade and raw diets she makes sure to warn of that there are significant potential dangers involved and you should work closely with your veterinarian. The medical appendix was even good. It was fantastic to read a book written by a trainer who worked in the veterinary field.
Any owner who read this book is going to be well prepared to understand and take care of their cat.
The only part I took issue with is the emergencies chapter because there were some significant problems there:
1) The first problem with this chapter just has to do with bad luck. The same year she published this book, new guidelines came out that changed some of our recommendations for CPR. For instance, it is hard for anyone to feel a pulse or heartbeat on a critically ill animal. Even professionals fail to correctly identify whether a pulse is there or not. New recommendations say it is safer to just start CPR if a pet is unconscious and not breathing.
2) She did not recommend owners look into taking a pet first aid and CPR class at all. CPR is very difficult to perform if you haven't been trained. Even professionals should be retrained every couple months. Performing CPR from a written description alone is not going to be adequate.
3) Some recommendations in this chapter were specifically wrong - you should not do chest compressions "gently" to avoid breaking ribs. If you don't do the compressions strongly enough, you might as well just be standing around doing nothing. Often if you're not using enough pressure to potentially break ribs, you're not compressing hard enough. Broken ribs can be fixed, a decreased pet cannot.
4) While she makes the recommendation that owners go to the vet right away, then some of the specific advice she gives then contradicts herself by recommending waiting a certain amount of time before going to the vet.
For instance she says a hypothermic pet should go to the vet if they haven't warmed up after 45 minutes. The pet should have been at the vet's 45 minutes ago. Or she recommends owners put KY jelly into a wound and then use clippers to clear the hair away from the wound. If the pet is stable enough that you're trying to clip hair around a wound - you should be at the vet's office already with professionals handling wound care.
So again, in summary it is hands down the best book I have ever read on cat care - I would recommend it to all my clients - I just wish I could take out Chapter 18.
July 2, 2019
Išsamiai aprašytas katės elgesys, nuotaikos, kūno kalba ir geri, blogi bendravimo momentai bendraujant su šeimininku. Daug humoro, įžvalgų lyginant katę su žmogumi, todėl knygą įdomu skaityti.
February 4, 2019
Really good book when it comes to understanding your cat and why it behaves a certain way. It is a must-read for people thinking about getting a cat and also informative for people that already have cats - you never know if you haven't missed anything.
July 6, 2009
Well, if you're going to read a cat book, it may as well be this one.
September 20, 2020
Every cat owners must read!
I have been referring to this book a lot.
So many tips I wish I knew earlier.
I have been referring to this book a lot.
So many tips I wish I knew earlier.
December 6, 2016
A must have for cat owners
May 19, 2017
Useful info for taking care of my little fuzzy friends.
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