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Psycho Kitty: Tips for Solving Your Cat's Crazy Behavior
Meet evil Espresso, who likes to sink his teeth into houseguests; Hannah, who uses walls as scratching posts; and Spencer, who sneaks into showers. Armed with 30 years of experience, award-winning author and host of Animal Planet UK's TV series Psycho Kitty , Pam Johnson-Bennett tackles these tough kitty cases and outlines behavioral techniques, including play therapy, territory adjustments, and positive reinforcement, to help readers turn their troubled tabbies into well-adjusted pussycats. An internationally known cat behavior expert gets into the mind-set of misunderstood felines, proving that even the "craziest" cats are trainable.
Addresses litter box laments, clawing catastrophes, and more. Revised edition includes more than 35 new full-color photographs.
Addresses litter box laments, clawing catastrophes, and more. Revised edition includes more than 35 new full-color photographs.
- GenresCatsNonfictionAnimals
128 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 1998
90 people want to read
About the author
Pam Johnson-Bennett
25 books72 followersPam Johnson-Bennett is the host of the TV series "Psycho Kitty" which airs on the Discovery UK channel. She is the best-selling author of 7 books on cats and is considered a pioneer in the field of cat behavior consulting. Her ground-breaking book, Think Like a Cat, is considered the cat bible among owners, experts, and shelter personnel worldwide. She is a Certified Cat Behavior Consultant and a clinical member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants as well as being the Founder and former long-time Chair of the IAABC Cat Division. She has been the behavior expert for Friskies for over a decade and also served on the Advisory Boards of the American Humane Association and Tree House Humane Society. She is a frequent expert columnist for WebVet. She was formerly the behavior columnist for Cats Magazine, Cat Channel, Yahoo, ivillage, Catster and the Daily Cat.
In addition to career in cat behavior consulting, she has also co-authored a book about motherhood. About her non-cat book, she says: "My 8th book is a total departure from cat behavior and delves into the scary, messy, embarrassing and alien world of being a mother of two kids. "Cookies for Dinner" is where I and my co-author fess up about how your breasts basically become the fast-food take-out window at lunchtime and how, at some point, it's a rite of passage for mothers to end up at the supermarket check-out line while still in our pajamas. Oh, and then there's the time I was locked out of my house while wearing less-than flattering swimwear... but I digress."
In addition to career in cat behavior consulting, she has also co-authored a book about motherhood. About her non-cat book, she says: "My 8th book is a total departure from cat behavior and delves into the scary, messy, embarrassing and alien world of being a mother of two kids. "Cookies for Dinner" is where I and my co-author fess up about how your breasts basically become the fast-food take-out window at lunchtime and how, at some point, it's a rite of passage for mothers to end up at the supermarket check-out line while still in our pajamas. Oh, and then there's the time I was locked out of my house while wearing less-than flattering swimwear... but I digress."
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 29, 2008
Each time I read one of this author's books, I am reminded of the importance of interactive play time with my cats. So I'm beginning to do it again and hope to keep it up. I don't think that I learned anything especially new in reading this book, but it did reinforce and remind me of what I've read in the past. And I cried while reading the last two stories. I think I'm going to keep this book out and available so I can look at it and remind myself of making sure to play with my cats a little each day. Some days it's easy to get busy and forget that they need attention, too.
December 25, 2008
This book is perfect for neurotic cat lovers. I was the type of "mom" that took my feline goddess to "day care" so that she wouldn't be bored during the day. My cat was as important to me as any child is to any parent--I firmly believe that adopting a cat is a 25-year commitment (if you're lucky and take care of him well!) not to be taken lightly. I took my cat to holistic veterinarians that diagnosed her problems with a pendulum and eagle feather.
Anyway, I no longer have a feline companion and I'm ready to pass on this wonderful book. This is not for New Age cat parents, like I was, but is definitely going to appeal to people who take their commitment as a pet owner seriously. For those of you who care enough not to take your child/pet to the pound because he pees in your shoes, read this book. The author, a "Feline Behavior Consultant" reveals the possible sources of all the problems your cat may be having. Johnson-Bennett thoroughly helps you solve common behavior problems like litter box problems, aggression, furniture scratching, and strange behaviors that are not commonly discussed (i.e. strange tastes, faucet fascination, etc.)
Anyway, I no longer have a feline companion and I'm ready to pass on this wonderful book. This is not for New Age cat parents, like I was, but is definitely going to appeal to people who take their commitment as a pet owner seriously. For those of you who care enough not to take your child/pet to the pound because he pees in your shoes, read this book. The author, a "Feline Behavior Consultant" reveals the possible sources of all the problems your cat may be having. Johnson-Bennett thoroughly helps you solve common behavior problems like litter box problems, aggression, furniture scratching, and strange behaviors that are not commonly discussed (i.e. strange tastes, faucet fascination, etc.)
October 26, 2012
Fantastic book! I highly recommend this one! We've been trying to correct several behavior issues with our cat - inappropriate elimination, bullying our elderly cat, waking us up at 4:30 in the morning, etc.
We're already seeing improvements from implementing some of her behavior modification techniques. We switched cat litter last night and haven't heard him scratching outside the box. He actually dug around inside the litter last night to bury his present. Hurray!! That is a huge improvement.
We've also started doing interactive play sessions with our male cat at least twice a day. He begs for his play time now. He comes up and bats at me if I've been ignoring him too long. 10-15 minutes chasing the feather toy and he's back to being a happy, cuddly self.
And that's just from reading two of her books containing stories of clients. I just started reading an actual training book (Think Like a Cat - same author) and it contains a whole lot more information. I have a feeling that all of us, cats and humans alike, are going to be much happier.
We're already seeing improvements from implementing some of her behavior modification techniques. We switched cat litter last night and haven't heard him scratching outside the box. He actually dug around inside the litter last night to bury his present. Hurray!! That is a huge improvement.
We've also started doing interactive play sessions with our male cat at least twice a day. He begs for his play time now. He comes up and bats at me if I've been ignoring him too long. 10-15 minutes chasing the feather toy and he's back to being a happy, cuddly self.
And that's just from reading two of her books containing stories of clients. I just started reading an actual training book (Think Like a Cat - same author) and it contains a whole lot more information. I have a feeling that all of us, cats and humans alike, are going to be much happier.
January 11, 2019
Before Galaxy Jackson came to the forefront, there wasnt a lot of focus put on cat behavioural therapy and cats were just considered independent pets. Psycho Kitty offers some insightment into how our feline friends think. For the current day, most of the advice feels like common sense and mostly involves spending more quality time with your cat, using play to stimulate her wild hunting techniques and offering her privacy and personal space. It would be fun if there were some more genuinely psycho kitty moments in here but what we mostly have is litterbox issues, furniture scratching, and obsessive behaviour (usually caused by boredom). The anecdotes are written in a light hearted and quite entertaining manner.
I bought this book almost 20 years ago because then I wanted to become an animal psychologist. Unfortunately, there were no practical courses etc I could take at that point (except maybe vet nursing) and I ended up working retail instead.
I bought this book almost 20 years ago because then I wanted to become an animal psychologist. Unfortunately, there were no practical courses etc I could take at that point (except maybe vet nursing) and I ended up working retail instead.
September 8, 2012
#59 Book Read in 2012
Psycho Kittty by Pam Johnson-Bennett
The author of this book is a certified Animal Behavior Consultant. I enjoyed her book Cat vs. Cat. In Psycho Kitty, problems covered involve litter box issues, aggression, "weird" cat behaviors and scratching the furniture. As the proud (?) owner of a cat on Prozac, I enjoy reading these cat behavior books to get any tips that I may not be using already with my zoo crew. This book was a very quick read. Issues are addressed in a helpful manner.
http://melissasbookpicks.blogspot.com
Psycho Kittty by Pam Johnson-Bennett
The author of this book is a certified Animal Behavior Consultant. I enjoyed her book Cat vs. Cat. In Psycho Kitty, problems covered involve litter box issues, aggression, "weird" cat behaviors and scratching the furniture. As the proud (?) owner of a cat on Prozac, I enjoy reading these cat behavior books to get any tips that I may not be using already with my zoo crew. This book was a very quick read. Issues are addressed in a helpful manner.
http://melissasbookpicks.blogspot.com
May 10, 2009
I'm a cat lover. I've loaned this book to several cat loving friends. There are no crazy cats...only owners who do not understand the nature of the beast? My Brother-in-law needs to meet the author. His cat Lulu would be fodder for another book!
July 21, 2012
This was the first book I read in our attempt to save our 4yo male cat. Although the attempt was ultimately unsuccessful, this book was a fantastic read, and made me wish that I'd had the author by my side months earlier, before it was too late.
Also, I loved the case studies.
Also, I loved the case studies.
July 24, 2016
Picked this up at Half Price Books' clearance shelf for 50 cents. Fortunately, none of my cats exhibit any of the bad behavior discussed in this book, but forewarned is forearmed. It's a quick read and contains some good information.
October 18, 2017
Brilliant. The ending might be slightly sad, but overall, it is a happy story, and although it did not help my cats (who are almost perfect), it was an entertaining read and educational for the case where my cats end up being bad. Perfect!
-Brandy
-Brandy
June 19, 2009
Useful case studies for neurotic owners of neurotic cats.
March 2, 2012
This book gives some great insight into your cat's seemingly crazy behavior. I love the stories and the advice!
January 16, 2018
Brilliant. Very clear and sensible transmission of her understanding of cats.
October 5, 2015
A great primer on how not to be a stupid human when it comes to living with a cat!
April 23, 2019
I highly recommend this book for cat owners! It was written by a professional Feline Behavior Consultant. She has wonderful ideas to help cat owners with any of their cats' misbehavior! First of all, do not punish your cat! Then, look in the book to find out how to "think like a cat" in order to solve the behavior problem!
September 6, 2021
My cat doesn’t have most of the problems addressed in this book so it wasn’t much help. There are many different problems one can have with pet cats and understandably one book can’t address all of them.
June 28, 2023
I was hoping for more of a step by step strategy to figure out what problem you had. Instead it's the general problems you always see (not using litter box, scratching furniture, etc) with a couple of specific examples from the author's experience.
March 11, 2020
Very much so the Cat Mojo discussed in Jackson Galaxy's work without the name. The anecdotes are wonderful, sometimes heartbreaking.
August 25, 2023
Essie Review: 🐾Time to hide since mom has a book for diagnosing us as psychos.🐾 A little bit later: 🐾Actually not bad, time for a nap in the clothes drawer.🐾
The kitten on the cover of the book looks so much just like my own although mine is a shorthair with brown eyes that sometimes reflect green when outside. Little Ellie has the same white patch on her chest and one on the belly when she sits in a similar position as the one shown by the titular model.
My own two girls have their own peculiarities while a few of them are sometimes quite concerning although at this point I think the vet we have believes we are just a little too anxious. Little Ellie is a wool-sucker as mentioned in this book although instead of going for clothes she likes to chew on my hair, alpaca fiber, wolf fur and any string that has become unraveled or plastic bandaids that she must rip off any body part they are wrapped on or plastic bags. She is our human food black hole while Essie is just a cat's cat dealing with a younger sister whose personality is the complete opposite range thus leading to the normal sibling rivalry when the kitten is too much of a pawful.
As such as I started on this book I wondered if there was going to be anything in the book that may touch on some of those same peculiarities we have dealt with or are still dealing with. Instead most of the issues seem like the same ones that most cat owners deal with and for anyone who has done any type of research or casual watching of cat behavior videos there isn't too much new in this book as a result. Instead the book's true value comes out in the telling of cat stories that is raw yet intimate at the same time thus reading much better than so many cat compilation stories for entertainment purposes.
For those who may need a few tips or just want to learn a bit more about cat behaviors, the author includes the stories of various cats and their families as they deal with the problem(s) plaguing them. There is a Treatment Plan explaining on how a problem was confronted and a plan made as well as sweetly a Follow Up to explore if the problem had been corrected.
The title of the book is just a question about whether most cats are psychos with unfixable problems or whether they have been misjudged by those who cannot read them well. Meanwhile the book ends on a story that focuses that sometimes it isn't the cat that is the problem as well as the selfless love that both parties can and should have for each other.
In the end this would be a book I wouldn't mind having on my own shelf even though I can find so many other books with similar subjects just since of the commonsense approach that Pam Johnson-Bennet has and the warmth of sharing these stories instead of approaching cat misbehaviors as a a clinical step-by-step procedure.
The kitten on the cover of the book looks so much just like my own although mine is a shorthair with brown eyes that sometimes reflect green when outside. Little Ellie has the same white patch on her chest and one on the belly when she sits in a similar position as the one shown by the titular model.
My own two girls have their own peculiarities while a few of them are sometimes quite concerning although at this point I think the vet we have believes we are just a little too anxious. Little Ellie is a wool-sucker as mentioned in this book although instead of going for clothes she likes to chew on my hair, alpaca fiber, wolf fur and any string that has become unraveled or plastic bandaids that she must rip off any body part they are wrapped on or plastic bags. She is our human food black hole while Essie is just a cat's cat dealing with a younger sister whose personality is the complete opposite range thus leading to the normal sibling rivalry when the kitten is too much of a pawful.
As such as I started on this book I wondered if there was going to be anything in the book that may touch on some of those same peculiarities we have dealt with or are still dealing with. Instead most of the issues seem like the same ones that most cat owners deal with and for anyone who has done any type of research or casual watching of cat behavior videos there isn't too much new in this book as a result. Instead the book's true value comes out in the telling of cat stories that is raw yet intimate at the same time thus reading much better than so many cat compilation stories for entertainment purposes.
For those who may need a few tips or just want to learn a bit more about cat behaviors, the author includes the stories of various cats and their families as they deal with the problem(s) plaguing them. There is a Treatment Plan explaining on how a problem was confronted and a plan made as well as sweetly a Follow Up to explore if the problem had been corrected.
The title of the book is just a question about whether most cats are psychos with unfixable problems or whether they have been misjudged by those who cannot read them well. Meanwhile the book ends on a story that focuses that sometimes it isn't the cat that is the problem as well as the selfless love that both parties can and should have for each other.
In the end this would be a book I wouldn't mind having on my own shelf even though I can find so many other books with similar subjects just since of the commonsense approach that Pam Johnson-Bennet has and the warmth of sharing these stories instead of approaching cat misbehaviors as a a clinical step-by-step procedure.
June 14, 2016
Psycho Kitty? Understanding Your Cat's Crazy Behavior (Crossing Press,1998) is one of several books by noted (a-hem) cat behaviorist (a-hem), Pam Johnson-Bennet. "Psycho Kitty?" an apt title, because Johnson-Bennet writes in a schizophrenic style. She can't make up her mind whether she's James Herriot or a Cesar Milan for cat-owners.
Herein lays the book's major flaw: although touted as an "advice lady" book for helping to solve common cat behavior problems, it winds up reading like a 156 page advertisement for her feline behavior consultant business. Also, there are only three cats in the dozens of case studies presented that do anything remotely like psychotic behavior.
Psycho Kitty is a quick, lively book from a reader's point of view. It has large print on small pages and several illustrations, so the book can be completed in an evening.
Who Would Benefit From This Book?
People who know absolutely nothing about cats would benefit from reading this book. And I mean NOTHING about cats. This book is geared for people who can identify a cat from a line-up of other pets nine times out of ten. There is very, very little new information for long-time owners of cats or for workers in cat rescue.
It's pretty frightening that such a book as Psycho Kitty exists - because if it's published, the publisher must have known that there was a market for it. And that means that there are a lot of really dumb people out there deciding to get cats as pets when they really what they need is swift kick in the head.
What Crazy Behaviors Are Covered?
There's a whole chapter spent on cats that won't use the litter box. This chapter can be skimmed for anyone who's lived with more than two cats in their lives. Johnson-Bennett goes on in minute detail about people who do not clean the litter or own a dog that blocks the way to the litter box and then wonder why their cat never uses it.
Other behaviors include sudden attacking of owners, sudden attacking of other people that enter the home, wool sucking and scratching the furniture and carpets. The only truly bizarre behavior is a cat that liked to sneak into the shower while a person was using it. Only that cat could truly be called a "Psycho Kitty", because a memorable shower scene is involved.
The book winds up with a long, teary chapter about a rich old man trying to find a home for his cat before he died. Why that was included, I have no idea. It was a waste of pages for people who are frantically looking for information about what they think is their cat's strange or mean habits.
Herein lays the book's major flaw: although touted as an "advice lady" book for helping to solve common cat behavior problems, it winds up reading like a 156 page advertisement for her feline behavior consultant business. Also, there are only three cats in the dozens of case studies presented that do anything remotely like psychotic behavior.
Psycho Kitty is a quick, lively book from a reader's point of view. It has large print on small pages and several illustrations, so the book can be completed in an evening.
Who Would Benefit From This Book?
People who know absolutely nothing about cats would benefit from reading this book. And I mean NOTHING about cats. This book is geared for people who can identify a cat from a line-up of other pets nine times out of ten. There is very, very little new information for long-time owners of cats or for workers in cat rescue.
It's pretty frightening that such a book as Psycho Kitty exists - because if it's published, the publisher must have known that there was a market for it. And that means that there are a lot of really dumb people out there deciding to get cats as pets when they really what they need is swift kick in the head.
What Crazy Behaviors Are Covered?
There's a whole chapter spent on cats that won't use the litter box. This chapter can be skimmed for anyone who's lived with more than two cats in their lives. Johnson-Bennett goes on in minute detail about people who do not clean the litter or own a dog that blocks the way to the litter box and then wonder why their cat never uses it.
Other behaviors include sudden attacking of owners, sudden attacking of other people that enter the home, wool sucking and scratching the furniture and carpets. The only truly bizarre behavior is a cat that liked to sneak into the shower while a person was using it. Only that cat could truly be called a "Psycho Kitty", because a memorable shower scene is involved.
The book winds up with a long, teary chapter about a rich old man trying to find a home for his cat before he died. Why that was included, I have no idea. It was a waste of pages for people who are frantically looking for information about what they think is their cat's strange or mean habits.
February 18, 2016
I thought this was a cute book with the realization that most of the clients are rich and not too in-tuned with their cats.
I disagree with giving the cats psychiatric drugs, declawing them, or putting them to sleep. That's awful!
Kitties need love love love.
I disagree with giving the cats psychiatric drugs, declawing them, or putting them to sleep. That's awful!
Kitties need love love love.
June 15, 2008
This is probably also a good guide, but I had my fill of Johnson-Bennett's other cat-raising guide. This book had more actual case studies. I will reference it in the future.
September 8, 2010
Never did find out what makes my kitty a "Psycho Kitty." Guess I will just continue to pick her poop off of the floor right outside the litter box.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews