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How to Talk to Your Cat
Cats are, without question, our favourite pets. Over the thousands of years that they have been domestic pets, a very real understanding has evolved between them and their human counterparts. Written by the country's leading veterinary journalist and cat expert, this book is a comprehensive guide to forging a more meaningful bond with your pet, to make life happier for both of you. The book explains how cats function as cats - what they like, what they dislike, how they behave - and uses that knowledge to help you build a real relationship with your pet on a day-to-day basis. When problems occur, you will learn why they exist and what you can do to solve them. By finding out more about your cat, you will appreciate it even more, not only for its natural behaviour and abilities, but for the fact that it can share its life with us in such a smooth and rewarding manner.
203 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 15, 2001
39 people are currently reading
242 people want to read
About the author
Claire Bessant
38 books2 followersClaire Bessant is chief executive of International Cat Care (formerly known as Feline Advisory Bureau), a charity dedicated to the welfare and health of cats and is a wealth of feline resources and information. She is agony aunt to 'Your Cat' magazine and author of many books including The Cat Whisperer, How to talk to your cat, The Ultrafit Older Cat and Perfect Kitten. She also helped set up the European Society of Feline Medicine.
- from http://www.craftycat.co.uk/behaviour/...
- from http://www.craftycat.co.uk/behaviour/...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
August 6, 2017
Claire Bessant, in using the name"The Cat Whisperer" for her book, gave me the hope that she might be on par with Dog Whisperer, Cesar Milan, but, in my opinion, she has no business claiming to be *any* type of cat expert.
I understand that she is from the U.K. where the majority of cats are mostly outdoor, however she makes it sound as though "permanently indoor cats i.e. 'confined cats'", (as she refers to them) are "living unfulfilled and unnatural lives", and only briefly mentions the fact that outdoor cats often run into dangers such as traffic, disease, fights with other animals, and unsavory or abusive humans, to name just a few, and on average, live shorter lives.
As a professed ailurophile (cat lover), she is also, quite seemingly, anti-dog: "cats will never be manipulated for our own needs like dogs have" is just one quote as she speaks of "non-cat-loving folk" and those that are "pro-dog" as almost faulty in their preference for canines.
One of my largest complaints about the book concerns her very brief discussion about the use (or disuse) of litter boxes. I understand that the majority of cats in the U.K. go outside and she makes it sound as though 'cat trays' and cat litter are oddities. However, in the U.S., one of the *main* reasons (over 90%!) that cats are abandoned at shelters is for inappropriate urination--and the vast majority of those cats are inevitably euthanized!
I also do not agree with her statements concerning feral cats--that after 6-8 weeks old, a feral is "unlikely to ever relax or respond to humans... or be able to settle down in a normal home environment". I have worked with feral cats for over 10 years and have worked with, fostered, and adopted, both kittens and adults. I also currently live with 4 "ex-ferals" and 3 of them were adults when I brought them home and they have adjusted after an introductory period that is, I will admit, longer than would be from a kitten or a "non-feral" cat. But simply because a cat is an adult feral does not automatically mean it cannot adjust to living indoors and around people.
Bessant is, admittedly, good at discussing the vocalizations and body cues that cats use to communicate with us and with each other--including helpful illustrations. However, that was only a single portion of the book and can be found in almost any recently-written cat book that will almost definitely have much more important things to teach us about our feline friends. (You want to learn about cat behavior? Look into Jackson Galaxy!
I found "The Cat Whisperer: The Secret of How to Talk to your Cat" more irritating than interesting and for the most part, either unhelpful, or--in my opinion--just downright incorrect.
I have worked in veterinary medicine for nearly 20 years and volunteered my time to work with ferals for close to 15 yrs, and am currently living with nine cats of my own: (all ferals and/or "special needs") Even with all those years of knowledge and experience, I would still not call myself a "leading cat expert" and am not certain where Bessant came upon that, in my opinion, undeserved title.
I understand that she is from the U.K. where the majority of cats are mostly outdoor, however she makes it sound as though "permanently indoor cats i.e. 'confined cats'", (as she refers to them) are "living unfulfilled and unnatural lives", and only briefly mentions the fact that outdoor cats often run into dangers such as traffic, disease, fights with other animals, and unsavory or abusive humans, to name just a few, and on average, live shorter lives.
As a professed ailurophile (cat lover), she is also, quite seemingly, anti-dog: "cats will never be manipulated for our own needs like dogs have" is just one quote as she speaks of "non-cat-loving folk" and those that are "pro-dog" as almost faulty in their preference for canines.
One of my largest complaints about the book concerns her very brief discussion about the use (or disuse) of litter boxes. I understand that the majority of cats in the U.K. go outside and she makes it sound as though 'cat trays' and cat litter are oddities. However, in the U.S., one of the *main* reasons (over 90%!) that cats are abandoned at shelters is for inappropriate urination--and the vast majority of those cats are inevitably euthanized!
I also do not agree with her statements concerning feral cats--that after 6-8 weeks old, a feral is "unlikely to ever relax or respond to humans... or be able to settle down in a normal home environment". I have worked with feral cats for over 10 years and have worked with, fostered, and adopted, both kittens and adults. I also currently live with 4 "ex-ferals" and 3 of them were adults when I brought them home and they have adjusted after an introductory period that is, I will admit, longer than would be from a kitten or a "non-feral" cat. But simply because a cat is an adult feral does not automatically mean it cannot adjust to living indoors and around people.
Bessant is, admittedly, good at discussing the vocalizations and body cues that cats use to communicate with us and with each other--including helpful illustrations. However, that was only a single portion of the book and can be found in almost any recently-written cat book that will almost definitely have much more important things to teach us about our feline friends. (You want to learn about cat behavior? Look into Jackson Galaxy!
I found "The Cat Whisperer: The Secret of How to Talk to your Cat" more irritating than interesting and for the most part, either unhelpful, or--in my opinion--just downright incorrect.
I have worked in veterinary medicine for nearly 20 years and volunteered my time to work with ferals for close to 15 yrs, and am currently living with nine cats of my own: (all ferals and/or "special needs") Even with all those years of knowledge and experience, I would still not call myself a "leading cat expert" and am not certain where Bessant came upon that, in my opinion, undeserved title.
August 13, 2012
I really enjoyed this book but a good deal of it was information that I already knew from many years of owning cats. Enough was new and interesting to make it a fun read. I recommend it!
July 10, 2019
3 Stars = Okay. Maybe not a page-turner, but not sorry I read it.
June 1, 2012
Not exactly what I was hoping for, but if you love cats it's interesting enough. I wanted to know why, for example, Angus sings after dinner, why he nibbles my knee cap when I let him in at night, why he grooms my finger nails... the book didn't go into those little idiosyncrasies. A pity. Nevertheless it has it's place on the ever-groaning bookshelf.
May 30, 2018
This a cat behavior resource. The author is from the UK and talks a lot about letting cats outside (which I disagree with, with the only exception being true ferals). My favorite quote of the book is about older cats.
"The cat's will to recover is determined to a great extent by the quality of nursing care it receives."
<3
"The cat's will to recover is determined to a great extent by the quality of nursing care it receives."
<3
August 11, 2015
Read as i got a new addition to my little family... a feral 5 week old kitten named Cleo!
So wanted to know more about cats... good book :)
So wanted to know more about cats... good book :)
March 6, 2017
An interesting read, with all sorts of facts about cat behaviour and personality, some of which were new to me.
January 10, 2020
I have just finished reading 'The Cat Whisperer - The Secret Of How To Talk To Your Cat' by Claire Bessant.
This is a non fiction/educational book.
Claire has wrote a lovely book filled with Informative facts about cats. She provides plenty of examples from her own life to support relatability. In addition, Claire backs many of her facts with research that has been conducted over the years. Yet, she also points out where more research needs to be done to have a definitive answer on many of the topics. This book also includes detailed diagrams/drawings to support further understanding. Claire's writing is engaging and clear.
The only downside is there seems to be some bias towards adopting or purchasing kittens and not older cats. I do appreciate what the author is saying regarding integration and that It Is beneficial at an earlier age. However, older cat are just as wonderful and most can easily adapt.
Please Note: This book was published In 2001 and therefore some of the information will have been updated since publication. For example the author appears to have mixed the definition of feral and stray cats together. however, this could have been the definition at the time - I am not sure.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves cats. However, please visit the Cats Protection's website if there is anything you feel is not up to date for your own knowledge.
This is a non fiction/educational book.
Claire has wrote a lovely book filled with Informative facts about cats. She provides plenty of examples from her own life to support relatability. In addition, Claire backs many of her facts with research that has been conducted over the years. Yet, she also points out where more research needs to be done to have a definitive answer on many of the topics. This book also includes detailed diagrams/drawings to support further understanding. Claire's writing is engaging and clear.
The only downside is there seems to be some bias towards adopting or purchasing kittens and not older cats. I do appreciate what the author is saying regarding integration and that It Is beneficial at an earlier age. However, older cat are just as wonderful and most can easily adapt.
Please Note: This book was published In 2001 and therefore some of the information will have been updated since publication. For example the author appears to have mixed the definition of feral and stray cats together. however, this could have been the definition at the time - I am not sure.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves cats. However, please visit the Cats Protection's website if there is anything you feel is not up to date for your own knowledge.
May 29, 2022
Featuring explanations of cat biology, behaviour and psychology, this books aims to help cat owners gain a better understanding of their pet and how to communicate. There is also a lengthy section on dealing with various possible cat-related issues. Overall, an interesting read, particularly when cats are compared to other animals and their unique biological features are explained, but I did not gain too much insight on dealing with cat beahviour, the advice there felt more generic.
May 28, 2021
It is quite a good book for someone who never was a cat guardian, or never had much interaction with cats, as it helps to understand their behaviour a little bit more. However, there were a few significant points missing, like a list of poisonous food or plants, and also the the topic of solving behavioural problems was practically untouched.
November 7, 2020
There a are a loot of good information in the book but some advices are outdated (of course book was published in 2002). There are new, more cat friendly practices, how to understand and teach a cat to coexist with us better.
Pšenica Kovačič, Minami Kat, cat behaviour consultant
Pšenica Kovačič, Minami Kat, cat behaviour consultant
December 1, 2023
Sensible and practical understanding of a cat's nature.
This book covers all aspects of looking after a cat. It demonstrates the essential difference between cats and dogs, their ability to relate to us that is governed by their natures.
This book covers all aspects of looking after a cat. It demonstrates the essential difference between cats and dogs, their ability to relate to us that is governed by their natures.
September 12, 2017
A very readable and clearly written book for all those who own and/or love cats. Lots of good information and ideas.
August 16, 2022
Interesting read, though 90% of the content is not new to me being a cat parent for quite some time now.
February 16, 2023
Anecdotal and out-dated. Also advises in areas to use punishment to stop cats doing things you don't want them to do. Wouldn't recommend.
March 9, 2017
Very informative read.
April 28, 2023
Okay, but pretty repetitive in places. She also advocates the use of spraying cats with water bottles or even throwing water at them.
I need to stop reading these old cat care books from so long ago.
I need to stop reading these old cat care books from so long ago.
February 4, 2016
معلومات عامة عن القطط و بيئتها و تكوينها الجسدي و شخصيتها المتفردة عن باقي أنواع الحيوانات
تضع خطوات ممتعة و إرشادات في كيفية التعامل و العناية اليومية مع كل صنف من القطط
تناقش عن الذكاء و الموهبة لدى القطط و أساليب تدريبها على الطاعة و اللعب
تذكر أبرز مشكلاتها السلوكية الشائعة و الغريبة و أمراضها العضوية المحتمل إنتقالها للبشر حيث تشرح مسبباتها و كيفية تجنبها
.
متوفر في محل pet zone الكويت
.
تضع خطوات ممتعة و إرشادات في كيفية التعامل و العناية اليومية مع كل صنف من القطط
تناقش عن الذكاء و الموهبة لدى القطط و أساليب تدريبها على الطاعة و اللعب
تذكر أبرز مشكلاتها السلوكية الشائعة و الغريبة و أمراضها العضوية المحتمل إنتقالها للبشر حيث تشرح مسبباتها و كيفية تجنبها
.
متوفر في محل pet zone الكويت
.
June 29, 2012
Very informative and also entertaining. It does not give you miraculous tips on how to "talk" to your cat but it brings light into plenty of cat behaviours so you can understand them better. It got a little repetitive in the end but I enjoyed the relaxed tone of the book, particularly that it didn't felt like the author was preaching arrogantly.
August 9, 2012
Should I have read this before I even bought a cat, I might have understood more how cat talks. I'm still rating it 2 stars just because I think I have a different way of understanding my cat and loving him as my own child plus the fact that the book did not give me the connection that I was expecting.
January 26, 2014
While quite informative, this book was spoiled for me by the tone of the author. She, it seems to me, has a "bone to pick" with dogs in general. Pun intended.
She is constantly comparing cats and dogs which is really pointless in my opinion.
Also, she mentions several times different researches without giving any reference. "An American research...blah blah blah". No name.
She is constantly comparing cats and dogs which is really pointless in my opinion.
Also, she mentions several times different researches without giving any reference. "An American research...blah blah blah". No name.
July 15, 2008
This author shares her observed secrets of the cat world and teaches you how to communicate with your kitty. I know it sounds like i'm crazy, but it works!! meow, meow!
July 30, 2011
Nothing about author to identify her authority on cats. Could apply little to my own cats.
January 6, 2013
No está mal...aunque me esperaba más, pero sí que te enseña cosas sobre el comportamiento gatuno :)
March 29, 2014
Good information about everything feline and their relationship with humans.
October 11, 2014
An excellent book for those who have cats. A good guide to what they mean when they meoew and what the tail position means. A decent enjoyable read.
September 16, 2014
Bought a copy for friends who have adopted a pair of kittens. The best guide to owning cats I've come across.
April 15, 2016
not what I thought this was going to be. more logical than animal communication
September 15, 2016
Nothing much new for me, but I would recommend this book to help cat owners, just starting with a new pet, or just read for fun.
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September 24, 2009Ms. Parrish
I learned that cats really can talk! In meow, that is.
I learned that cats really can talk! In meow, that is.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews