What do you think?
Rate this book
Cat Wise
America's favorite cat expert answers your cat behavior questions.
311 pages, Paperback
First published October 27, 2016
93 people are currently reading
676 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."
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
May 15, 2019
Johnson-Bennett answers many popular questions about cat behavior. Her advice is timeless. I see Jackson Galaxy having similar solutions to behavioral issues. This is a must read if you want to get to know your cat better! 😻
October 20, 2017
Cat Wise was an excellent and informative book. I’ve been a cat owner most of my life and thought I knew almost everything there was to know about cats but then I read this book and found answers to many things my cats have done over the years that have puzzled me! I chalked up strange behaviour as ‘just something cats do’ not realizing there are real reasons behind such behaviour and solutions to correct them. Great book, I highly recommend it for all cat owners.
December 16, 2016
I don't know how many of my friends have cats, but if you do, you've GOT to read this book! I've had cats all my life, & I learned a few things. THX again for this Good Reads Giveaway!
December 15, 2022
Understanding why your cat does certain things—from friendly biting to scratching the sofa in the living room—is essential for a happy home shared with these wonderful creatures. And this book by Pam Johnson-Bennett will go far in answering almost any question you may have about your cat's behavior. Even if you have been a cat parent for years or decades (as I have), you're still bound to learn some new tips and tricks.
The author is one of the top cat behavior experts, and as part of her business receives and answers many questions about cat behavior. For this book, she has assembled the most common questions she receives and has organized the text into a question-and-answer format with chapters divided by topic. This also makes it a great reference tool. Read it through once but keep it handy for later when your cat does something confounding and you want a quick answer.
Find out many, many things, including:
• The best ways to play with your cats.
• How to keep your cat from jumping on the kitchen counter.
• Why your cat misbehaves (and no, he doesn't have it in for you).
• How many litter boxes you really do need (and the answer may surprise you).
• Why some cats insist on scratching the furniture and how to stop this behavior.
• Why some cats really do experience separation anxiety when you leave them alone.
• How to make your cat less fearful of everything from thunderstorms to strangers in the house.
• How and when to use catnip and why some cats seem immune to it.
• How to handle picky eaters.
• How to travel with a cat, as well as the best way to care for cats at home when you travel without them.
• The best way to care for a geriatric cat in the last years of his life.
Do note: A very large portion of the book is devoted to multi-cat households, specifically ensuring that two or more felines get along. If you have only one cat, a big chunk of the content will be irrelevant to you.
I have only one quibble with this book, which is why it's four stars and not five: There is a LOT of repetition. Since the book's format is question-and-answer and some of the questions are similar in nature, the answers are often repetitive. Better editing would have merged these similar questions into one and probably cut the length of the book in half. (Yes, that is how often this happens!)
The author is one of the top cat behavior experts, and as part of her business receives and answers many questions about cat behavior. For this book, she has assembled the most common questions she receives and has organized the text into a question-and-answer format with chapters divided by topic. This also makes it a great reference tool. Read it through once but keep it handy for later when your cat does something confounding and you want a quick answer.
Find out many, many things, including:
• The best ways to play with your cats.
• How to keep your cat from jumping on the kitchen counter.
• Why your cat misbehaves (and no, he doesn't have it in for you).
• How many litter boxes you really do need (and the answer may surprise you).
• Why some cats insist on scratching the furniture and how to stop this behavior.
• Why some cats really do experience separation anxiety when you leave them alone.
• How to make your cat less fearful of everything from thunderstorms to strangers in the house.
• How and when to use catnip and why some cats seem immune to it.
• How to handle picky eaters.
• How to travel with a cat, as well as the best way to care for cats at home when you travel without them.
• The best way to care for a geriatric cat in the last years of his life.
Do note: A very large portion of the book is devoted to multi-cat households, specifically ensuring that two or more felines get along. If you have only one cat, a big chunk of the content will be irrelevant to you.
I have only one quibble with this book, which is why it's four stars and not five: There is a LOT of repetition. Since the book's format is question-and-answer and some of the questions are similar in nature, the answers are often repetitive. Better editing would have merged these similar questions into one and probably cut the length of the book in half. (Yes, that is how often this happens!)
June 30, 2022
I learned so much about cat behavior! If you love cats I highly recommend
July 14, 2017
Being a child of the 1950’s whenever a mother had a question regarding the raising of their children the book they would ultimately turn to would always be “Baby and Child Care” by Dr. Benjamin McLane Spock. The book helped mothers raised their children from infancy to toddlers to school age kids to adolescents.
There was almost no topic the book didn’t have some sort of answer for. The book also helped parents to better comprehend their children’s needs and behavioral issues, as well as the child’s place in the overall dynamics of the family.
My dear OH and I have no children, instead for the past, almost 23 years we’ve had “fur children” better known as our cats. While I knew the simple basics regarding cats and their behavior since I had them for about 12 years before getting married, this book has gone into far greater detail and has gone into areas I had no idea as how to handle.
I received an ARC [Advance Reader’s Copy – uncorrected proof copy] through a giveaway the publisher had on GoodReads and this review is my honest opinion.
In reading this book I found it quite well organized in a logical progression which mirrors a cat’s live from being a small kitten to that of being a senior citizen cat. This is a book we wish I and we had when we adopted our cute bundle of fur.
Each chapter of the book has a question being raised and the followed by the author’s answer, which has been thoughtfully broken down into segments so the reader can better comprehend the solution being offered.
Ms. Pam Johnson-Bennett in this book has done for cat lovers and their “fur children” what Dr. Spock had done for mothers and their real children; which is why I’m not hesitating in giving this book 5 STARS.
There was almost no topic the book didn’t have some sort of answer for. The book also helped parents to better comprehend their children’s needs and behavioral issues, as well as the child’s place in the overall dynamics of the family.
My dear OH and I have no children, instead for the past, almost 23 years we’ve had “fur children” better known as our cats. While I knew the simple basics regarding cats and their behavior since I had them for about 12 years before getting married, this book has gone into far greater detail and has gone into areas I had no idea as how to handle.
I received an ARC [Advance Reader’s Copy – uncorrected proof copy] through a giveaway the publisher had on GoodReads and this review is my honest opinion.
In reading this book I found it quite well organized in a logical progression which mirrors a cat’s live from being a small kitten to that of being a senior citizen cat. This is a book we wish I and we had when we adopted our cute bundle of fur.
Each chapter of the book has a question being raised and the followed by the author’s answer, which has been thoughtfully broken down into segments so the reader can better comprehend the solution being offered.
Ms. Pam Johnson-Bennett in this book has done for cat lovers and their “fur children” what Dr. Spock had done for mothers and their real children; which is why I’m not hesitating in giving this book 5 STARS.
January 14, 2018
I am always on the lookout for information about living with and caring for cats - I will never feel I understand the ones with whom I live.
This is a good, basic introduction to living with the enigma of our not-so-knowable fur balls. I would suggest reading it before getting a cat, and/or if you already live with one or more.
I’ve been a cat guardian for ten years and still learned from Ms Johnson-Bennett’s book. It is also nice to have some of my guesses confirmed.
The sections on kittens had almost completely new (to me) information as I’ve never had a cat less than five months old.
I read the book through in two sittings over the course of one-and-a-half days. It will be on my shelf for reference, as well as being loaned to other cat guardians with whom I share information.
I am hoping to get my hands on more of Ms Johnson-Bennett’s books.
This is a good, basic introduction to living with the enigma of our not-so-knowable fur balls. I would suggest reading it before getting a cat, and/or if you already live with one or more.
I’ve been a cat guardian for ten years and still learned from Ms Johnson-Bennett’s book. It is also nice to have some of my guesses confirmed.
The sections on kittens had almost completely new (to me) information as I’ve never had a cat less than five months old.
I read the book through in two sittings over the course of one-and-a-half days. It will be on my shelf for reference, as well as being loaned to other cat guardians with whom I share information.
I am hoping to get my hands on more of Ms Johnson-Bennett’s books.
December 8, 2021
Habe das Buch gekauft aufgrund des fantastischen Interviews mit der Autorin im Tagesanzeiger-Magazin.
Ich hätte es bei diesem Interview belassen sollen. Das Buch ist unfassbar repetitiv. Als Nachschlagewerk für konkrete Fragen könnte es sich knapp eignen.
Ich hätte es bei diesem Interview belassen sollen. Das Buch ist unfassbar repetitiv. Als Nachschlagewerk für konkrete Fragen könnte es sich knapp eignen.
October 18, 2016
Being a child of the 1950’s whenever a mother had a question regarding the raising of their children the book they would ultimately turn to would always be “Baby and Child Care” by Dr. Benjamin McLane Spock. The book helped mothers raised their children from infancy to toddlers to school age kids to adolescents.
There was almost no topic the book didn’t have some sort of answer for. The book also helped parents to better comprehend their children’s needs and behavioral issues, as well as the child’s place in the overall dynamics of the family.
My dear OH and I have no children, instead for the past, almost 23 years we’ve had “fur children” better known as our cats. While I knew the simple basics regarding cats and their behavior since I had them for about 12 years before getting married, this book has gone into far greater detail and has gone into areas I had no idea as how to handle.
I received an ARC [Advance Reader’s Copy – uncorrected proof copy] through a giveaway the publisher had on GoodReads and this review is my honest opinion.
In reading this book I found it quite well organized in a logical progression which mirrors a cat’s live from being a small kitten to that of being a senior citizen cat. This is a book we wish I and we had when we adopted our cute bundle of fur.
Each chapter of the book has a question being raised and the followed by the author’s answer, which has been thoughtfully broken down into segments so the reader can better comprehend the solution being offered.
Ms. Pam Johnson-Bennett in this book has done for cat lovers and their “fur children” what Dr. Spock had done for mothers and their real children; which is why I’m not hesitating in giving this book 5 STARS.
There was almost no topic the book didn’t have some sort of answer for. The book also helped parents to better comprehend their children’s needs and behavioral issues, as well as the child’s place in the overall dynamics of the family.
My dear OH and I have no children, instead for the past, almost 23 years we’ve had “fur children” better known as our cats. While I knew the simple basics regarding cats and their behavior since I had them for about 12 years before getting married, this book has gone into far greater detail and has gone into areas I had no idea as how to handle.
I received an ARC [Advance Reader’s Copy – uncorrected proof copy] through a giveaway the publisher had on GoodReads and this review is my honest opinion.
In reading this book I found it quite well organized in a logical progression which mirrors a cat’s live from being a small kitten to that of being a senior citizen cat. This is a book we wish I and we had when we adopted our cute bundle of fur.
Each chapter of the book has a question being raised and the followed by the author’s answer, which has been thoughtfully broken down into segments so the reader can better comprehend the solution being offered.
Ms. Pam Johnson-Bennett in this book has done for cat lovers and their “fur children” what Dr. Spock had done for mothers and their real children; which is why I’m not hesitating in giving this book 5 STARS.
April 6, 2018
Like most cat owners I find myself reading a lot of books or blogs of cat experts, or watching shows about cat whispers, or googling cat behavior all with the single-minded purpose of trying to figure out if my cats love me. In this quest I've read and seen a lot and it's about now that I am starting to notice few cat "experts" agree on things, and also that a lot of advice on cats is vague and unclear and resort to "eh? maybe" a lot. I get it, cats are mysterious. I get it, humans are dense. This stuff is hard. Catwise as a book is neither the best nor worst of the group. The format has chapters broken by general topic and then in each chapter the author answers questions submitted from readers. It has the benefit of making it an easy read where you can jump around and just read what you want. It has the disadvantage of meaning that some sections are repetitive and overdone. It's probably best if you have a specific question you want answered. But if that question is also "do my cats really love me" I'm starting to think that one will never be answered. Sigh.
Read
January 31, 2017A fun, entertaining cat book with wonderful anecdotes. Also, expert answers to all the questions cat owners have about life with their feline friends. I learned how to read a cat's body language when they exhibit certain movements, sounds, etc. and also to be respectful of those because oftentimes they tell us that we should keep our distance and not engage in anything even remotely playful, lest we bring on biting and worse. Good, useful information for cat owners.
September 27, 2016
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. Exactly what I was hoping for! Concise question and answer format covering every possibly aspect of cat life. Answers are clear and very informative. Am going to share with cat people in my life. Will be helpful on so many levels to make the lives of cats and their people more rewarding and healthy. Highly recommend.
January 22, 2017
I was having a problem with my 13-yr-old cat Tobey, when I received this book. It had a few ideas that seem to have worked for my Tobey. I had already established he did not have an infection or anything. So, I needed other solutions besides medical. This author seems to understand cat behavior.
February 20, 2019
The book us written in the same precise style if not more so, as Think Like a Cat. The advise was almost the same, repeating itself, but with some new information. I like the structure of QnA used in this book, makes it easier to find an issue one is curious about.
November 21, 2016
Avoidance. So much avoidance.
December 15, 2016
Excellent info!
December 15, 2017
Great information for any cat owner new or seasoned. Easy to skim through for specific problems as it is in question and answer form.
July 20, 2018
Very good resource for upbringing of cats.
November 10, 2018
This was a very helpful book to read as a first-time cat owner!
January 13, 2019
A great reference for all things cat. If you have a question about taking care of your cat or modifying its behavior, it's likely to be answered in this book.
October 19, 2020
Started reading this start to finish. I am not that into it. I picked up this book as I felt bad about not knowing so much about my cat's behavior in comparison to my dogs'. However, I'm maybe a third of the way through this book and don't really feel like I've learned too much about cat behavior. The author states cat litter preference, but doesn't really ever state how she determined that is what they like when I've heard conflicting answers about this one. Additionally, it wasn't as fun to read as I had hoped. It is a good reference to have on hand, should I have any specific future questions about kitty behavior, but I don't think I'm going to finish reading it cover to cover.
July 24, 2021
This was a really good collection of tips and guides for cat owners. It was very comprehensive and the information was communicated in a very easy to understand way. What I did not like about this was the format. It was formatted like a collection of specific questions, almost as if they were write in questions to a newspaper. Because of this, the book was incredibly repetitive. The same tips were given over and over. I read it all the way through to gain lots of knowledge, but I would probably recommend just looking for the parts that apply to you and reading those instead to avoid all of the repetition.
December 27, 2020
this book was a total 5-star for me. if you have a cat or plan to bringing a cat into your home, this book could help you build a better relationship with your cat and avoid making mistakes out of ignorance. it covers all the important aspects in cat rearing, addresses the problems that can arise in these regards and explains from the cat's perspective why they do it and how to fix it. i definitely learnt a lot from this book and it is written in a simple language and form, so it's very easy to follow.
January 1, 2024
We found this book in a Little Free Library, and were surprised by our cat Starfire’s reaction when she encountered it. We guessed that at some point in its past, the book had been exposed to catnip. (Not uncharacteristic, given the contents of the book, chock full of insights into cat behavior. I could well imagine that before the book found its way into the Little Free Library, it had been in a home with a cat, or cats, who had imbibed catnip on occasion.) Anyway, I’ve just posted my short video of Starfire, set to bouncy music.
https://youtu.be/SDtKJdn96g4
https://youtu.be/SDtKJdn96g4
January 27, 2025
این کتاب خیلی کمک می کنه که چگونه با گربه تان رفتار کنین
همه سوالایی که ممکنه براتون پیش بیاد درش هست
من که گربه دارم و خوندمش سوالی نبود که درش جواب داده نشده باشه
حتی به کسایی که تصمیم دارن گربه بیارن پیشنهاد می کنم قبل گربه آوردن حتما این کتاب رو بخونن و ببینن واقعا بعد خوندن این کتاب هنوز علاقه دارن گربه بیازن
با آگاهی کامل تصمیم بگیرن
این کتاب کمک می کنه به همه که بفهمن می تونن گربه نگه دارن اصلا دوست دارن بعد خوندن این کتاب هنوز گربه بیارن یا نه و بیشتر با گربه ها آشنا بشن
همه سوالایی که ممکنه براتون پیش بیاد درش هست
من که گربه دارم و خوندمش سوالی نبود که درش جواب داده نشده باشه
حتی به کسایی که تصمیم دارن گربه بیارن پیشنهاد می کنم قبل گربه آوردن حتما این کتاب رو بخونن و ببینن واقعا بعد خوندن این کتاب هنوز علاقه دارن گربه بیازن
با آگاهی کامل تصمیم بگیرن
این کتاب کمک می کنه به همه که بفهمن می تونن گربه نگه دارن اصلا دوست دارن بعد خوندن این کتاب هنوز گربه بیارن یا نه و بیشتر با گربه ها آشنا بشن
November 15, 2019
A feral cat has adopted us; she hasn't moved in yet, but I figured it was time to do some research, just in case. This was a good first book as it's a Q&A format, making it easy to skip sections that don't relate to what I need to know. Stuff I did need to know includes setting up a littler box, helping cats and dogs get along and the importance of scratching posts. A good guide.
February 20, 2020
Quite a comprehensive collection of answers to the most common questions posed by (I would imagine) first cat owners. Many of the answers are repeated or sometimes rephrased in different chapters, so it might make for a slightly boring read at times. I found it extremely useful and quick to read nevertheless. Highly recommend to cat lovers and those interested in cat behaviour!
May 31, 2019
Overall an excellent book that I learned from despite having grown up with cats my entire life. Only criticism is that the book often repeats itself, since it's likely meant to be read as a q&a manual rather than from cover-to-cover. I'll definitely look into reading other works by this author.
August 25, 2020
This book is filled with information on our favorite pet-the cat. It’s written in Q and A format which makes the book easily accessible as many of the questions are the type we would ask about cats. Good reference to have on hand. Cat Owners this book is a must read!
August 2, 2021
SO REPETITIVE. The answer to everything: 1) interactive playtime 2) enhance environment 3) decrease stress w/ adequate cat furniture/litter box maintenance. There were a couple helpful points but hardly worth a skim.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews