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Comprehensive Owner's Guide
The Natural Cat: The Comprehensive Guide to Optimum Care
The holistic bible for cat caregivers and a must-have gift for cat lovers—now updated and expanded.The Natural Cat was one of the first books to advocate natural cat care when it was originally published in 1983. Now fully revised and expanded to address the many new discoveries in holistic pet care, this updated edition -A new introduction detailing the latest advances in holistic care for cats -Updated statistics, new diet guidelines, and health care recommendations, including the latest on vaccines -An updated resources section with suggestions for finding a holistic veterinarian and advice on how to deal with conventional veterinarians -A complete overhaul of language to reflect new attitudes toward caregiving Combined with classic and reliable advice on grooming, neutering and spaying, common feline health problems, elder cat care, behavioral problems, and emotional bonding, the latest information makes this edition of The Natural Cat the only handbook pet owners will need to naturally nurture a happy, healthy cat.
526 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1981
40 people are currently reading
184 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 7, 2011
Recently my husband and I made the decision to transition our cats to a raw food diet. We've started slowly and I am continuously scouring the internet for information, advice, anecdotes, and recipes. I came across Anitra Frazier's book and decided to check it out--what could be more natural than a Natural Cat?
Wow. What a hippy-dippy trip! Ms. Frazier is all about the "cat goddess" and holistic medicine and communicating telepathically with your cat, and she is quite smug about her supernatural ability to create pure perfection and harmony and enlightenment in the lives of every cat and cat owner she meets. She tends to anthropomorphize cats, which is something that I believe can do more harm than good. I love my cats fiercely, and I know they "love" me in their own primitive way, but the bottom line is, they are "just" animals. This isn't to say that I don't want to provide the best possible life for them, but I am really not into receiving psychic messages at 2 AM telling me to come out into the hallway for a rousing game of "catch me!". There has to be an Alpha and, thanks to my Big Human Brain, that's gonna be me.
There is a lot of useful information here, but not much I hadn't figured out for myself, being the caretaker of ten cats, ages 2 to 20. Common sense and, yes, a fair amount of intuition, goes a long way; if a pet owner doesn't already possess those qualities then a book isn't going to help much. I disagree with her raw food recipes, primarily because she recommends ground meat, which is not natural for a cat (or any carnivore)--ever see a lion feed bits of gazelle into a meat grinder to make a tasty pate? Didn't think so. You will also never see a lion cook up a mess of steamed broccoli to go on the side. But that's a whole 'nother rant for a whole 'nother forum.
I do like the idea of a homeopathic approach to illness. However, there is a reason that veterinarians go to school and are called "Doctor". I'm not going to spend too much time messing around with herbs, incense, and soothing sitar music before I'm chucking Kitty into the carrier and whisking him off to see the DVM. To be fair Ms. Frazier is careful to specify that most attempts at home remedies should be done under the supervision of a vet, but this brings me back to the dangers of the anthropomorphic approach, which is that the touchy-feely "interspecies communicator" who reads this book may get the idea they can go it alone and that could be very bad for the cat. "Fluffy says he doesn't want to go to the doctor, he thinks I should try more steamed zucchini and therapeutic massage, and maybe put some Enya in the CD player." OK, now I'm just poking fun. But in fact, doing anything that impacts your cat's well-being should be done cautiously and only after a great deal of research and deliberation; to bring up raw food again (my current obssession, can you tell?), it can be very dangerous to just go into it willy-nilly. I recently came across a person on another forum who thought she was doing fine by giving her cats chicken and biscuits, and another whose cat's diet consists of raw shrimp, American cheese, and a handful of kibble. These people may be well-meaning but they are perilously uninformed. Oops, there I go again with the ranting and the obssessing.
Overall this was an entertaining and interesting book about cats and if the reader skims over the more far-out bits there are nuggets and even whole chunks of practical guidance to be found. Just take it with a grain of salt, do some research, and, as always, make up your own mind.
Wow. What a hippy-dippy trip! Ms. Frazier is all about the "cat goddess" and holistic medicine and communicating telepathically with your cat, and she is quite smug about her supernatural ability to create pure perfection and harmony and enlightenment in the lives of every cat and cat owner she meets. She tends to anthropomorphize cats, which is something that I believe can do more harm than good. I love my cats fiercely, and I know they "love" me in their own primitive way, but the bottom line is, they are "just" animals. This isn't to say that I don't want to provide the best possible life for them, but I am really not into receiving psychic messages at 2 AM telling me to come out into the hallway for a rousing game of "catch me!". There has to be an Alpha and, thanks to my Big Human Brain, that's gonna be me.
There is a lot of useful information here, but not much I hadn't figured out for myself, being the caretaker of ten cats, ages 2 to 20. Common sense and, yes, a fair amount of intuition, goes a long way; if a pet owner doesn't already possess those qualities then a book isn't going to help much. I disagree with her raw food recipes, primarily because she recommends ground meat, which is not natural for a cat (or any carnivore)--ever see a lion feed bits of gazelle into a meat grinder to make a tasty pate? Didn't think so. You will also never see a lion cook up a mess of steamed broccoli to go on the side. But that's a whole 'nother rant for a whole 'nother forum.
I do like the idea of a homeopathic approach to illness. However, there is a reason that veterinarians go to school and are called "Doctor". I'm not going to spend too much time messing around with herbs, incense, and soothing sitar music before I'm chucking Kitty into the carrier and whisking him off to see the DVM. To be fair Ms. Frazier is careful to specify that most attempts at home remedies should be done under the supervision of a vet, but this brings me back to the dangers of the anthropomorphic approach, which is that the touchy-feely "interspecies communicator" who reads this book may get the idea they can go it alone and that could be very bad for the cat. "Fluffy says he doesn't want to go to the doctor, he thinks I should try more steamed zucchini and therapeutic massage, and maybe put some Enya in the CD player." OK, now I'm just poking fun. But in fact, doing anything that impacts your cat's well-being should be done cautiously and only after a great deal of research and deliberation; to bring up raw food again (my current obssession, can you tell?), it can be very dangerous to just go into it willy-nilly. I recently came across a person on another forum who thought she was doing fine by giving her cats chicken and biscuits, and another whose cat's diet consists of raw shrimp, American cheese, and a handful of kibble. These people may be well-meaning but they are perilously uninformed. Oops, there I go again with the ranting and the obssessing.
Overall this was an entertaining and interesting book about cats and if the reader skims over the more far-out bits there are nuggets and even whole chunks of practical guidance to be found. Just take it with a grain of salt, do some research, and, as always, make up your own mind.
June 11, 2014
Many years ago I walked into the Adventure bookstore seeking a recommendation for a book to help me care for my feline best friend. I bought an earlier edition of this book and learned so much more than I ever knew I needed to know!
November 28, 2011
If you have a cat you need this book. Great guide to understanding your cat and keeping your house free from scratch attacks and litter box misses.
August 12, 2013
Be kind to your cat... Read this book! I thought I knew so much having had cats all my life, but now I realize how much I really didn't know. My cats are now thriving at 14 years young! If I had only read this sooner... BUT it's never too late!
February 4, 2015
Every cat person who loves their animal must read this
Practical and packed with tips on how to be a loving cat guardian who only want the best for their cat.
Practical and packed with tips on how to be a loving cat guardian who only want the best for their cat.
November 15, 2017
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November 9, 2010
On the one hand, Anitra Frazier claims that you can communicate telepathically with your cats, should only feed them raw meat that you prepare yourself, and should organize an elaborate squad of homeopathic veterinarians from around the country to coordinate your cats' health care. She is also pretty fond of promoting her special "Anitra's Vita-Mineral Mix, sold in health food stores in select locations," which makes her come across as a bit of a con-man.
On the other hand, a lot of what she says actually makes a ton of sense. So many pet guardians and veterinarians alike have fallen into the habit of just taking what the market has to offer for granted -- unhealthy pet foods, chemically treated litters that our poor little friends just end up licking off themselves, annual vaccinations, toys that are cute to humans but not satisfying to kitties, etc. She got me to actually look at the ingredients on my pet food label, which was shocking considering what my husband and I spend on the primo brand. As soon as the cats finish this bag, we are switching it up! We also purchased a cat-sized plushie animal, which got our lil kitten to stop attacking our big fatty cat (as often). So even though Anitra has a way of taking holistic care to an extreme that, for most of us, just wouldn't be practical, at the end of the day this cat lady has lots of fantastic tips about how to play with and love your little feline friends.
On the other hand, a lot of what she says actually makes a ton of sense. So many pet guardians and veterinarians alike have fallen into the habit of just taking what the market has to offer for granted -- unhealthy pet foods, chemically treated litters that our poor little friends just end up licking off themselves, annual vaccinations, toys that are cute to humans but not satisfying to kitties, etc. She got me to actually look at the ingredients on my pet food label, which was shocking considering what my husband and I spend on the primo brand. As soon as the cats finish this bag, we are switching it up! We also purchased a cat-sized plushie animal, which got our lil kitten to stop attacking our big fatty cat (as often). So even though Anitra has a way of taking holistic care to an extreme that, for most of us, just wouldn't be practical, at the end of the day this cat lady has lots of fantastic tips about how to play with and love your little feline friends.
February 4, 2013
I'm almost embarrassed to admit to liking this one so much. The author reveals things she's learned in her years of caring for and grooming cats. Her mentor veterinarian advised her to get as close to nature as possible - and she's taken it about as far as you can. She discusses food, play, grooming, potty training, discipline and heath care in a friendly, approachable way. She explains that her preferred method of making cat food and adding homemade supplements daily is not for everyone, but show you how to do it if you want. Explains why tuna isn't good (it's addictive), which bones you can safely feed Fluffy (chicken vertebrae are the only ones that won't splinter), and why your cat needs to play (they're predators - help them hunt!). I'm a bit used to alternative medicine literature, so I'm sort of used to this sort of out there rhetoric, but still, it felt good to feed those cats freshly cooked chicken and have some idea of what to do with those newborn kitties! I would definitely pick and choose my way through her suggestions, but found many of her explanations and tips useful. I still find myself trying to "kiss" cats (a long slow blink)!
September 26, 2010
The Natural Cat by Anitra Frazier explains all aspects of raising a cat to be happy, healthy, and well-adjusted. Frazier starts by discussing cat behavior and communication. Her insights will help cat owners get desired behavior from their cats. The Natural Cat moves into a discussion of how to feed cats to provide them with the most nutritious and healthy food possible. Other topics in The Natural Cat include the litterbox, scratching posts, grooming, and medical care - both traditional and holistic. Frazier has created a terrific reference book that is easy to comprehend, easy to read, easy to apply, and filled with information on providing the most natural life possible to cats living with humans.
January 6, 2015
This is a great book about cat care and cat well being. Some people will find the author a little odd, or at least new age-y. Whatever. She really loves cats and understands them. She wants cats everywhere to be healthier and happier. There are definitely some good points, tips, knowledge, and steps in here. I didn't end up finishing it, but I'll use it for reference as needed. Very helpful.
April 4, 2013
I could take or leave this book. Anitra is definitely very new age and it was hard to take her seriously throughout the book. I respect her years of experience, but with no veterinary schooling, I'm not even sure if her vita-mix is worth trying. Oh yeah, this whole book was one big advertisement for her vita-mix.
December 26, 2012
This book probably did have some valuable information, but it was difficult to take it seriously when the author used phrases such as "sex play" and "steamed asparagus treatment" and "cuticle cleanser"
July 3, 2015
Read this from front to back, all of it was useful information. This is the best book for knowing how to look for the right cat food.
August 26, 2021
Aside from the strange telepathy and affirmations that are encouraged, this is a goldmine of useful information that can be utilised well in taking the very best care of your cats. Very much recommend.
May 6, 2009
I'm almost embarrassed to admit to liking this one so much. The author reveals things she's learned in her years of caring for and grooming cats. Her mentor veterinarian advised her to get as close to nature as possible - and she's taken it about as far as you can. She discusses food, play, grooming, potty training, discipline and heath care in a friendly, approachable way. She explains that her preferred method of making cat food and adding homemade supplements daily is not for everyone, but show you how to do it if you want. Explains why tuna isn't good (it's addictive), which bones you can safely feed Fluffy (chicken vertebrae are the only ones that won't splinter), and why your cat needs to play (their predators - help them hunt!). I'm a bit used to alternative medicine literature, so I'm sort of used to this sort of out there rhetoric, but still, it felt good to feed those cats freshly cooked chicken and have some idea of what to do with those newborn kitties! I would definitely pick and choose my way through her suggestions, but found many of her explanations and tips useful. I still find myself trying to "kiss" cats (a long slow blink)!
July 30, 2013
Returned this to the library after I discovered (I thought) that there was a later version. Turns out *this* is the later version; _The New Natural Cat was published 18 years earlier (1990 v. 2008).
December 2, 2010
This is my "owner's manual" for caring for my cats =^;^=
October 6, 2011
Skimmed it.
April 4, 2013
I didn't really care for this book. Nothing really new. It would be okay if you didn't know anything at all about a cat.
May 1, 2013
The must have for cat owners
March 26, 2015
Bought this based on the Kindle excerpt which turned out to be the only good part. The rest is hippy dippy wishful thinking, IMHO.
May 29, 2015
The dietary info is essential.
February 1, 2016
i keep giving this book to anyone i know that needs other info for their cat and i keep going back to it again and again. so happy our library owns it!
January 2, 2017
This advice is extreme and goes way beyond what average cat owners would ever do for their pet.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews