Cat Breed Guide: A Complete Reference to Your Purr-fect Best Friend

Nat Geo Kids Pet Guide

by Gary Weitzman

From the experts who brought you How to Speak Cat, learn all about 71 different cat breeds.

From Russian Blues and Munchkins to Maine Coons and Persians, this comprehensive guide gives an overview of 71 different cat breeds. Each profile includes the breed's "cat stats": country of origin, size, coat color and pattern, grooming difficulty, and cat-titude. With the help of veterinarian Dr. Gary Weitzman and cat behaviorist Mieshelle Nagelschneider, kids will also learn how to choose the right cat for them, how to take care of their new feline friend, and how to understand its behavior. Fun feature spreads cover cats in popular culture, prehistoric cats, and the house cat's wild cousins. This comprehensive guide is perfect for the cat-crazy kid, and is an excellent reference for families who are bringing home their first four-legged family member.

Genres: Nonfiction, Cats, Childrens, Animals

288 pages, Hardcover

Published September 3, 2019

About the author

Dr. Weitzman is president of the San Diego Humane Society and the former CEO of the Washington Animal Rescue League. During Dr. Weitzman's tenure at WARL, it became a recognized leader in physical and behavioral rehabilitation and a national resource for helping animals after natural disasters and puppy mill rescues. Dr. Weitzman is also a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and an expert in non-profit sector work and international public health. Weitzman is the author of several books including "How to Speak Dog: A Guide to Decoding Dog Language."

Reviews

[Wendelle]

As complete a resource on the subject of cat breeds as one could hope for

[Stacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a cat family, we have never given much consideration to what breed of cat we have had. All of our cats were strays and we took them in because they needed a home, not because of what breed they were. But, there are certain breeds that families may want to consider or avoid when choosing a cat for their home.

This book gives an overview of all 71 breeds…yes who knew there were 71 different breeds of cats. It begins with an overview of cats, their evolution, their body, where they live around the world, and how the various breeds came about.

Breeds are categorized into short-hairs and long-hairs, then the final section includes all the details to consider when owning a cat. Each varying cat breed includes the cat’s originating country, size, coat, grooming, and “catitude”. Our cat has very similar qualities to the Russian Blue. I’m sure it is a mix, but she does have all the qualities listed in the cat stats.

I found the Training Your Cat section the most interesting because I have never thought of training our cat. Yes, she likes to play and she knows exactly what time of day she can get her treats. She also knows to come running when she hears the canned whipped cream. So, I’m sure she would be easy to train. I’ve just never thought about it.

For anyone looking to add a cat to their family, this comprehensive book offers plenty of ideas on what breed would be best for their family and how to care for the cat in the future. Plus all the adorable photos of cats and kittens make just looking at the pictures fun.

[Debbie Carron · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful reference, published by National Geographic, is the perfect read for any beginner cat person, ages older child through adult, as it includes sections discussing the origin and evolution of cats as a domesticated species, as well as plentiful information and tips on cat ownership, whether acquiring through purchase from a breeder or adoption through a rescue (kudos for mentioning the adoption option!). The main story, however, is the heart of this book, which puts forth the history and characteristics of the modern cat breeds, divided into sections on shorthairs and longhairs. Glossy pages, gorgeous and plentiful photographs, creative layouts, and with fun-fact pages throughout (such as the Top 5 Coolest Cats in Children's Books, Amazing Tongues, and How to Speak Cat) create a visually and informationally interesting package. I highly recommend this hefty book to cat lovers, cat caregivers, and just plain cat fanciers alike.

[K.L. Bernard · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are wanting a cat for a pet but your not sure where to begin your search the National Geographic Kids Cat Breed Guide will help. In this guide cat owners, breeders or shoppers can find answers to all questions pertaining to cats.

This handy guide shares information about cats with short hair, longhair and even purchasing a cat from a breeder versus a resuce shelter. Readers will also learn about films featuring cats, sleep secrets and how special cats were to ancient Egyptians. Fun fact snipptes and photos can be found on each page. There are cat superstitions and history showing the origins of some of these favorite felines. This is a must have guide for any cat lover.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd give this book 4.5 stars.

Good for both children and for adults who just want a bit of information before narrowing their search. Great photos, good descriptions and explanations of characteristics.
Fun to browse or read.

[Danelle Tricker · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughter loved this book. It is full of good information about the cats, has nice pictures and is interesting. She is loves to learn about cats and this was a great book for her.

[Melinda Keen · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is tons of information in this book about so many so many different cats. So much information. I highly recommend.

[Shafira Putri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This encyclopedia its helpful to knowing more about the cat! Sang penguasa dunia sesungguhnya.

[Aubrey Geesner · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a fun book and teaches you more about cats!

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is for older readers than the encyclopedia described in message #37. I would think this book would be geared towards 10 years old through teen years. Younger if they are really passionate about cats.
This book describes 41 shorthair breeds and 27 longhair breeds. Interspersed among the breed descriptions are fascinating facts about cats, such as "Cat Senses," "Amazing Tongues," "Sleep Secrets," "Top 5 Most Famous Film Felines," and many more. The book ends with information on owning a cat: choosing, cat care, training, and more. The back matter includes a glossary, a short bibliography, and index.

[Melissia Aubin-przybyla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice big, colorful pictures of various cats. Lists shorthair and longhair cats. Has cat facts. I’m an adult and I liked this National Geographic kids cat breed guide more than others I have looked at. I think both adults and kids will enjoy this one.