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The Handbook for a Happy Cat: Speak Their Language, Decode Their Quirks, and Meet Their Needs - So They'll Love You Back!
Give your best friend more purr and pounce with this whiskers-to-tail guide to the good life!
One reason we’re wild for cats is that our cats are still wild at heart. On our laps, they’re purring lovebugs, but on the prowl, they’re fearsome hunters—with territorial instincts to match.
The Handbook for a Happy Cat takes us inside the feline mind to decode what our cats really want in life and how they try to tell us. You’ll
Why a bigger water bowl does away with “whisker stress”
How to move like a mouse for maximum fun at playtime
Skills to teach your kitten for a lifetime of easy vet visits, grooming, and more
Subtle signs of stress such as excessive scent-marking and lip-licking
How to tell frolic from fighting in the multi-cat household (and how to give frenemies a fresh start)
What makes a scratching post so tempting that your sofa will be spared
How to reassure a spooked cat with the “slow blink”
Why it’s pointless to “punish” a cat—but training is possible!
Certified behaviorist Liesbeth Puts traces every feline mystery to cats’ natural behavior and needs. A happy cat is a cat who can be herself!
One reason we’re wild for cats is that our cats are still wild at heart. On our laps, they’re purring lovebugs, but on the prowl, they’re fearsome hunters—with territorial instincts to match.
The Handbook for a Happy Cat takes us inside the feline mind to decode what our cats really want in life and how they try to tell us. You’ll
Why a bigger water bowl does away with “whisker stress”
How to move like a mouse for maximum fun at playtime
Skills to teach your kitten for a lifetime of easy vet visits, grooming, and more
Subtle signs of stress such as excessive scent-marking and lip-licking
How to tell frolic from fighting in the multi-cat household (and how to give frenemies a fresh start)
What makes a scratching post so tempting that your sofa will be spared
How to reassure a spooked cat with the “slow blink”
Why it’s pointless to “punish” a cat—but training is possible!
Certified behaviorist Liesbeth Puts traces every feline mystery to cats’ natural behavior and needs. A happy cat is a cat who can be herself!
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 30, 2021
11 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
About the author
Liesbeth Puts
5 books4 followersLiesbeth Puts is a Certified Cat Behavior Consultant, living in The Netherlands. She graduated as a social psychologist at the University of Utrecht.
After adopting Cleo, a terrified kitty from the local shelter, she became fascinated by cat behavior as Cleo was so different from her predecessor. That was her motivation to become a cat behaviorist. She finished her studies in 2008.
For ten years she volunteered one morning a week at a shelter for stray cats and kittens.
She started blogging in Dutch in 2012 and recently in English as well. She also blogged on several Dutch sites and is a regular contributor to Dutch cat magazines.
She currently teaches at Edupet, an educational institute offering training for certified cat behaviorists. She regularly organizes courses on cat behaviour for veterinarians and cat owners.
After adopting Cleo, a terrified kitty from the local shelter, she became fascinated by cat behavior as Cleo was so different from her predecessor. That was her motivation to become a cat behaviorist. She finished her studies in 2008.
For ten years she volunteered one morning a week at a shelter for stray cats and kittens.
She started blogging in Dutch in 2012 and recently in English as well. She also blogged on several Dutch sites and is a regular contributor to Dutch cat magazines.
She currently teaches at Edupet, an educational institute offering training for certified cat behaviorists. She regularly organizes courses on cat behaviour for veterinarians and cat owners.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 8, 2022
An extremely useful and informative resource! Easy to read, with short chapters, and a visually appealing layout. Offers brief but educational information on everything you need to know for basic everyday cat care, as well as everything you might need to know to take good care of your feline friend in less frequent situations. Just the right amount of information so you neither feel overwhelmed nor underwhelmed, and you come away with a good sense of right and wrong in cat care. This would make a great gift for any cat owner, and is not so dense that it will go unread. It's attractive and informative, and easy to read bits and pieces here and there.
September 12, 2021
Princess Fuzzypants here: I am happy to report that I have trained my humans well. Except for the occasional mistake ( they are only human!) I am treated the way I should be. Good staff are essential for a happy cat and just in case there are humans who do not have the stellar remedial training that I offer, this book is a handy little tome to tell them what we want and what we need.
I was quite surprised that even an old pro,(a very old pro) like my Momma picked up some hints. I could tell when she made that little noise of comprehension. I am glad to report, however, that the book does allow us some secrets still. We would never want the humans to have all the answers. Where would the mystery be? Where would the fun be/. *Wicked laugh*
It is well presented and clearly written and full of facts and information. However, I might suggest that any felines who wish to keep their humans in “the dark”, you may wish to skim the book before allowing your human to read it. One should always err on the side of caution. However, I still will give it five purrs and two paws up.
I was quite surprised that even an old pro,(a very old pro) like my Momma picked up some hints. I could tell when she made that little noise of comprehension. I am glad to report, however, that the book does allow us some secrets still. We would never want the humans to have all the answers. Where would the mystery be? Where would the fun be/. *Wicked laugh*
It is well presented and clearly written and full of facts and information. However, I might suggest that any felines who wish to keep their humans in “the dark”, you may wish to skim the book before allowing your human to read it. One should always err on the side of caution. However, I still will give it five purrs and two paws up.
February 6, 2022
This is a useful resource for cat custodians, whether new or old. There is a lot of information delivered in short and easily digestible chapters. My cats approve of the improvements it helped me make.
This unbiased review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
This unbiased review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
February 8, 2025
A comprehensive, easy-to-read, research-based refresher. I fully enjoyed it!
August 29, 2021
A great must-have read for Cat owners and lovers alike! This book has the perfect balance between too little and too much information. I've had cats since I was a young girl and consider myself somewhat of a kitty-whisperer and there was still some great info here that was new to me - plus important reminders on other things as well as great anecdotal extras and facts. The Photography is GORGEOUS.
Like I said above a must have/read for kitty owners and lovers alike. I kept taking screen shots of certain portions and sending to my cat owner friends. Definitely a book I will be buying for myself as well as for friends - the perfect gift this holiday season for the cat lover in your life!
**Thank you so much to NetGalley and The Experiment Books for an eARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!**
Like I said above a must have/read for kitty owners and lovers alike. I kept taking screen shots of certain portions and sending to my cat owner friends. Definitely a book I will be buying for myself as well as for friends - the perfect gift this holiday season for the cat lover in your life!
**Thank you so much to NetGalley and The Experiment Books for an eARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!**
September 15, 2021
This is a great book for cat lovers. It is beautifully illustrated and provides information about common cat behaviors as well as practical advice about how to deal with behaviors that may be less than desirable. In my opinion, as someone who has lived with multiple cats for decades, the author covered just about all of the issues that may arise during a human-cat relationship. She was very thorough. The book is intelligently written while remaining very readable and entertaining. The author also includes references to scientific studies about cat behavior to back up her discussion and suggestions.
I would recommend this book to anyone who already has a cat and to those who are considering bringing a cat into their household.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I would recommend this book to anyone who already has a cat and to those who are considering bringing a cat into their household.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 28, 2021
I found this book very useful, as I recently got my cat Rocket, who is my first pet. It goes in to a lot of details about what you need to know. I actually wish I had read the book before I got her. It’s extremely helpful for anyone who has never had a cat before.
December 5, 2021
Useful and informative!
September 24, 2021
The Handbook for a Happy Cat is a very nice handbook for raising cats. It doesn't matter if you've never had a cat, or you've lived your whole live surrounded by them, you'll most probably find something new/interesting or a good tip inside.
I really enjoyed how the book tackles everything, from what a cat *is*, through food, sleep, play, health, and of course noting all the basics on health. It felt complete and yet so easy to read and it made me excited for when I can get a cat again.
I recommend the book to anyone who has cat(s) and feels like they might have a some questions or need tips, and also to people who wish to adopt, but don't know where to start with preparations.
*Thanks to NetGalley and The Experiment for providing me with an free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.*
I really enjoyed how the book tackles everything, from what a cat *is*, through food, sleep, play, health, and of course noting all the basics on health. It felt complete and yet so easy to read and it made me excited for when I can get a cat again.
I recommend the book to anyone who has cat(s) and feels like they might have a some questions or need tips, and also to people who wish to adopt, but don't know where to start with preparations.
*Thanks to NetGalley and The Experiment for providing me with an free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.*
August 10, 2021
"The Handbook for a Happy Cat" is must-read for all the catlovers out there!
For the past 10 years I´ve been sharing my life with my two furry roommates. I thought I was probably doing most of the things right, but I actually learned a lot - from the optimal placement of the food dish to tips to get my scaredy cat used to the vacuum cleaner.
The "Happy Cat Checklist" was a great help in having the most important information in a clear overview.
Thank you NetGalley, Liesbeth Puts and The Experiment for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
For the past 10 years I´ve been sharing my life with my two furry roommates. I thought I was probably doing most of the things right, but I actually learned a lot - from the optimal placement of the food dish to tips to get my scaredy cat used to the vacuum cleaner.
The "Happy Cat Checklist" was a great help in having the most important information in a clear overview.
Thank you NetGalley, Liesbeth Puts and The Experiment for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 3, 2021
"A Handbook for a Happy Cat" is very informative with concrete suggestions presented in an engaging and friendly manner. From choosing a cat, litter box and feeding tips, signs that a cat is ill or in pain, and how to interpret your cat's behavior and body language, "The Handbook for a Happy Cat" provides important information to help your feline family thrive. Interspersed are great photos of adorable cats and what's better than that?.
August 12, 2021
As a cat lover and caretaker, I can't speak highly enough of this book. It is a must to have on your shelf. It answers so many questions for a catowner. How to deal with a feral cat you might adopt, how to keep your cat clean, what different emotions mean for your cat. The photographs add so much to this book. If you have this one, it will be read again and again.
September 30, 2021
The Handbook for a Happy Cat is also a handbook for a happy cat owner! An informative, well-written book. I have to admit, the pictures made it a lot more enjoyable to read. Would recommend for any friend to cats.
August 10, 2021
A breezy and informative read for (current or future) cat owners. Lots of good, scientific advice and a good reference list. I especially liked the handy checklist at the end.
December 7, 2021
Subtitle: Speak Their Language, Decode Their Quirks, and Meet Their Needs – So They’ll Love You Back!
I received an advance reader copy of this book from the publish through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
I read several books on cat behavior after we adopted our shelter cat, Trixie, back in 2019. In multiple ways, I believe this book is the best I have read on the topic. Instead of unquestioned repeating of unproven beliefs about cats and their behavior, this one references actual scientific studies. As a bonus, there are many striking, full-color pictures of cats and kittens illustrating the book.
Author Puts, an internationally certified cat behaviorist based in the Netherlands, discussed common cat behaviors and fears, often laying out specific steps to help improve the lives of not only cats but their humans as well. For example, Trixie is intensely afraid of our vacuum cleaner. The book lays out a specific plan to help alleviate that fear.
I gave The Handbook for a Happy Cat five stars on Goodreads. I recommend it to cat owners who want to improve their relationships with their cats and help them lead a more enriching and satisfying life.
I received an advance reader copy of this book from the publish through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
I read several books on cat behavior after we adopted our shelter cat, Trixie, back in 2019. In multiple ways, I believe this book is the best I have read on the topic. Instead of unquestioned repeating of unproven beliefs about cats and their behavior, this one references actual scientific studies. As a bonus, there are many striking, full-color pictures of cats and kittens illustrating the book.
Author Puts, an internationally certified cat behaviorist based in the Netherlands, discussed common cat behaviors and fears, often laying out specific steps to help improve the lives of not only cats but their humans as well. For example, Trixie is intensely afraid of our vacuum cleaner. The book lays out a specific plan to help alleviate that fear.
I gave The Handbook for a Happy Cat five stars on Goodreads. I recommend it to cat owners who want to improve their relationships with their cats and help them lead a more enriching and satisfying life.
November 28, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley and The Experiment for an eARC of Liesbeth Puts very handy guide for cats. As a new cat owner, I found this book extremely helpful in decoding my cat’s behaviors. I’m also Googling the meaning of my cat’s strange behaviors, and I feel like everybody on the Internet has an opinion about certain things cats do. “If a cat moves the tail into a question mark, they are feeling like this.” “If your cat slaps their tail three times instead of four, they are angry.” Honestly, I find it all confusing. Thankfully, Liesbeth is a certified cat behavioral specialist, and her book is a definitive guide to cat life. No more searching the Internet for answers, I can reference this book! Can’t wait to have the print version.
I really enjoyed the scientific background research in the book. I learned a lot of interesting facts and cat stuff to look out for!
I really enjoyed the scientific background research in the book. I learned a lot of interesting facts and cat stuff to look out for!
August 21, 2021
This is a great short book on some really important points on how to be a great cat parent. Some cat parents may already know much of what is in this book, but it's good to have the information collected all together. For new cat caregivers, this is an invaluable resource. It should be available at adoption locations! Your meowy friend deserves the best, and this book will provide the roadmap for providing such.
The book does also a great job of handling what to do when introducing a new cat, or how to handle multiple cats in one house. This is something that is vital- often people have more than one cat and don't follow the proper procedure to make sure their furbabies are stress free.
A great go to book!
The book does also a great job of handling what to do when introducing a new cat, or how to handle multiple cats in one house. This is something that is vital- often people have more than one cat and don't follow the proper procedure to make sure their furbabies are stress free.
A great go to book!
November 21, 2022
So, I've had cats for about 5 years and they are my babies. I am always looking for more info on how to make them happier and honestly, I recommend this book! Did I learn anything new? Not really, but I highly recommend this book for anyone who just started out about having cats or wants to have cats. It's a nice book to have on hand if you are an experienced cat parent, because it does give some great tips on elderly cat care.
August 11, 2021
The Handbook for a Happy Cat is a light overview of cat care. Attractive format and interesting asides, along with some great photography. The information is not detailed enough to cover all the important details of owning a cat (or being owned by a cat). I wouldn’t call it a handbook, but it is a good beginning guide.
June 17, 2022
As a life-long cat lover and owner, I thought I knew a lot about them, but this book taught me a few things I never thought of. This is an excellent book, covering every aspect of cat care. It should be read by everyone who is owned by a cat!
September 3, 2022
I read this book because I have a senior cat (15 years old) and wanted to know what I could expect in terms of future common medical conditions, how to tell if she is sick or in pain, and how to give a cat medicine. It was helpful and learned a few new tricks.
November 22, 2021
Filled with tidbits of lots of info and lots of stock photography of cats. I read an ARC that still had some of the original Dutch words.
March 14, 2022
Great overall book on cat behavior and care!
August 16, 2023
Very informative! I may buy a copy
November 30, 2025
Best aardig, maar wel wat inkoppertjes.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews