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Decoding Your Cat: The Ultimate Experts Explain Common Cat Behaviors and Reveal How to Prevent or Change Unwanted Ones
The cutting-edge, scientifically accurate, definitive book on the most popular behavioral issues that cats face Every cat owner has Why is my cat acting this way? Decoding Your Cat, a comprehensive, easy-to-understand guide to decode your cat, likely has the answer. Many have tried to instruct proper cat training, but this is the first book of its kind to provide an in-depth understanding of the underlying reasons for a cat’s problem behavior, the essential key to unlocking the best for your cat. Armed with the newest science on cat behavior, effective, veterinary-approved methods, and real-life examples, this must-have book empowers cat owners to understand why their cat acts the way it does, address behavior problems, and ensure a happy life for their pets. Decoding Your Cat gives owners new insight on promoting their cat’s physical and psychological health and wellness and maintaining a long and fulfilling relationship together. Written by the leading experts in cat behavior from the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, with an introduction by animal expert Steve Dale, this book conveys the newest and best information on cat behavioral science in a fun, interesting, and understandable way. Together with anecdotes from real life situations and the science behind how cats relate to their world, Decoding Your Cat empowers owners to provide a home environment that is happy, safe, and functional, to identify and seek treatment for medical health problems, to understand how to deal with unwanted behaviors, and in general to help cats live longer and fuller lives.
373 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 21, 2020
371 people are currently reading
883 people want to read
About the author
Debra Horwitz
10 books10 followersDr. Debra Horwitz is an expert and leader in the field of veterinary behavior with decades of experience. Past president of the ACVB, she was named 2012 Ceva veterinarian of the year and NAVC small-animal speaker of the year.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
February 26, 2021
On May 10th, 2020, I finally fulfilled my life-long dream of adopting two kitties of my own—I've loved cats for as long as I can remember, but was never allowed to have pets while growing up. With all travel plans cancelled for the foreseeable future and working shorter hours from home due to the global pandemic, it seemed like the perfect time to adopt two kittens from a local shelter, and that's how Lucien (male tabby) and Lilith (female tortie) came to enrich our lives (due to popular demand, they even have their own Instagram account!). They are from two separate litters born a couple of days apart, found abandoned in a box left in a field with seven other siblings when they were less than five days old, and subsequently hand-reared by a wonderful lady at the shelter.
This book by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists has proved incredibly helpful to us as we navigate what it means to be the new parents of two active kittens adopted when they were only around ten weeks old. The shelter-lady deserves a ton of credit, since they were incredibly well-socialized to begin with—they were up for cuddles on their very first day at their new forever-home, don't seem to shy away from visitors, diligently use their litter boxes, and have kept their scratching where it belongs, sparing our furniture (well, the curtains have been given up as a lost cause, but to be fair, they get unintentionally tangled up in them when tussling with each other or retrieving their toys, which seem to always end up in those corners, without fail). We are very lucky to have seemingly hit the jackpot with such well-behaved young cats, but I still lapped this book right up in just a few sittings; Decoding Your Cat is there to help you understand and shape your cat's behavior, from kittenhood to old age.
Each chapter has a similar structure: It begins with an anecdotal example, terminology used in the chapter is concisely explained, and then scientific facts are used to dispel common myths, and to help understand where the unwanted behavior stems from, as well as offering tips and methods on how to effectively change it. The solution that worked for the anecdotal example is given towards the end, and the chapters end with a bullet-list summarizing the most important takeaway points. Among other things, the book covers feline communication, how to create an enriching environment for your furry friends, how to socialize them (among themselves, with other pets, and humans), and how best to train them to do all sorts of things—using their litter box, only scratching their cat tree, and not being afraid of the carrier are just a few of them. Due to its structure, there is some repetition within and across chapters, but I didn't mind, since this seems like the sort of work one might use as a reference book. Everything is well-sourced, but despite the scientific approach it's an exceptionally engaging and accessible read—it even had some rather funny moments!
The book eased my anxiety as a new parent by confirming that what I am doing is good, and how to be even better by helping me see the world from a cat's perspective, and thus understand my fur children's motivations and needs. We have already applied some of the many useful tips, and this book really opened our eyes to the benefits of clicker training, which we will be trying.
Decoding Your Cat is an indispensable read for anyone who wants to provide their cat with the most fulfilling life and promote their physical and mental well-being, all while building and strengthening a loving and trusting relationship with them.
—————
Note: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists has proved incredibly helpful to us as we navigate what it means to be the new parents of two active kittens adopted when they were only around ten weeks old. The shelter-lady deserves a ton of credit, since they were incredibly well-socialized to begin with—they were up for cuddles on their very first day at their new forever-home, don't seem to shy away from visitors, diligently use their litter boxes, and have kept their scratching where it belongs, sparing our furniture (well, the curtains have been given up as a lost cause, but to be fair, they get unintentionally tangled up in them when tussling with each other or retrieving their toys, which seem to always end up in those corners, without fail). We are very lucky to have seemingly hit the jackpot with such well-behaved young cats, but I still lapped this book right up in just a few sittings; Decoding Your Cat is there to help you understand and shape your cat's behavior, from kittenhood to old age.
Each chapter has a similar structure: It begins with an anecdotal example, terminology used in the chapter is concisely explained, and then scientific facts are used to dispel common myths, and to help understand where the unwanted behavior stems from, as well as offering tips and methods on how to effectively change it. The solution that worked for the anecdotal example is given towards the end, and the chapters end with a bullet-list summarizing the most important takeaway points. Among other things, the book covers feline communication, how to create an enriching environment for your furry friends, how to socialize them (among themselves, with other pets, and humans), and how best to train them to do all sorts of things—using their litter box, only scratching their cat tree, and not being afraid of the carrier are just a few of them. Due to its structure, there is some repetition within and across chapters, but I didn't mind, since this seems like the sort of work one might use as a reference book. Everything is well-sourced, but despite the scientific approach it's an exceptionally engaging and accessible read—it even had some rather funny moments!
The book eased my anxiety as a new parent by confirming that what I am doing is good, and how to be even better by helping me see the world from a cat's perspective, and thus understand my fur children's motivations and needs. We have already applied some of the many useful tips, and this book really opened our eyes to the benefits of clicker training, which we will be trying.
Decoding Your Cat is an indispensable read for anyone who wants to provide their cat with the most fulfilling life and promote their physical and mental well-being, all while building and strengthening a loving and trusting relationship with them.
—————
Note: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 19, 2020
Decoding Your Cat is a useful tool for those seeking more information about owning a cat.
I've had cats my entire life, so a book like this was super intriguing to read. I did learn some new information (like the fact that training cats can be possible, although my cats rule the roost so I doubt that will ever happen), which made this book quite pleasurable to read. It's thorough and helpful for new and old cat owners and lovers alike. It has information about health, behaviour and communication, and more! If you're seeking a beginners guide to understanding cats, grab this book! It's super helpful.
Four out of five stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
I've had cats my entire life, so a book like this was super intriguing to read. I did learn some new information (like the fact that training cats can be possible, although my cats rule the roost so I doubt that will ever happen), which made this book quite pleasurable to read. It's thorough and helpful for new and old cat owners and lovers alike. It has information about health, behaviour and communication, and more! If you're seeking a beginners guide to understanding cats, grab this book! It's super helpful.
Four out of five stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
May 28, 2020
368 pages
5 stars
I've been waiting for ages to read a book like this one. I have always had cats and have four right now. I seem to collect strays. We live in a very rural area (we have only one business in the entire county – and it is not a gas station), and people choose our area to dump their unwanted kittens and cats.
My cats get along most of the time, but have occasional arguments that I didn't understand. While it still drives me crazy, I think I can decipher what they are doing now. I just don't want anyone to get hurt. (It has happened before, especially to eyes.)
This book is remarkably valuable and chock full of interesting and useful information. I am so very glad I was chosen to receive an advanced copy. I love it! I am sure I will refer to it over and over.
I want to thank NetGalley and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for forwarding to me a copy of this very valuable reference work for me to read, enjoy and review.
5 stars
I've been waiting for ages to read a book like this one. I have always had cats and have four right now. I seem to collect strays. We live in a very rural area (we have only one business in the entire county – and it is not a gas station), and people choose our area to dump their unwanted kittens and cats.
My cats get along most of the time, but have occasional arguments that I didn't understand. While it still drives me crazy, I think I can decipher what they are doing now. I just don't want anyone to get hurt. (It has happened before, especially to eyes.)
This book is remarkably valuable and chock full of interesting and useful information. I am so very glad I was chosen to receive an advanced copy. I love it! I am sure I will refer to it over and over.
I want to thank NetGalley and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for forwarding to me a copy of this very valuable reference work for me to read, enjoy and review.
July 21, 2020
Did I mention I have a new kitten? So I have to read books about cats now! This one came up for review on NetGalley so I thought I’d give it a go.
Decoding Your Cat is a wide-ranging book including chapters on welcoming your new cat, training them, taming ferals and living with an aging cat. Being still at the baby stage, I skimmed through some of these, but I have definitely learnt about cat behaviour, to the extent that I’ve started to explain it to others. Why does he lie on his back, expose his belly and then bite you when you stroke him there? Now I understand.
It’s written by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists - each chapter is written by a different person and, although each follows the same structure, there are some small but interesting variations of views and also some repetition (the issue of cats on kitchen counters kept springing up). Additionally, as a UK reader there were some cultural differences: declawing is illegal and keeping cats entirely indoors is uncommon and often done through necessity rather than choice.
This book is interesting, easy to read and can be returned to at different stages of your cat’s life.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this arc.
Decoding Your Cat is a wide-ranging book including chapters on welcoming your new cat, training them, taming ferals and living with an aging cat. Being still at the baby stage, I skimmed through some of these, but I have definitely learnt about cat behaviour, to the extent that I’ve started to explain it to others. Why does he lie on his back, expose his belly and then bite you when you stroke him there? Now I understand.
It’s written by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists - each chapter is written by a different person and, although each follows the same structure, there are some small but interesting variations of views and also some repetition (the issue of cats on kitchen counters kept springing up). Additionally, as a UK reader there were some cultural differences: declawing is illegal and keeping cats entirely indoors is uncommon and often done through necessity rather than choice.
This book is interesting, easy to read and can be returned to at different stages of your cat’s life.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this arc.
July 16, 2020
Too many anecdotes here for me really. Quite a bit of the information included is just common sense vs technical details. I feel like I didn't learn anything by reading this.
Even the intro was written by someone saying hey I have no idea about cats! Which was uncomfortable to read.
My copy was provided by Netgalley for review, all opinions are my own.
Even the intro was written by someone saying hey I have no idea about cats! Which was uncomfortable to read.
My copy was provided by Netgalley for review, all opinions are my own.
August 10, 2020
I read a lot of books and articles about cats, but this started teaching me a few things I didn't know pretty quickly. For example, highly bred cats who are bred for temperament gets theirs from the father cat. Who knew?
The one big disappointment in this book was when it came to talking about cats who don't get along over a sustained period, it told me to ask my vet. My vet would just say re-home one of them which isn't an option! I was hoping they could give me some insights on how to get two cats at war in the same house to make peace, or at least manage to tolerate each other. To be fair, it did mention there are medications that might help.
There was some good related advice about making sure each cat has their own space and places to hide. The information was laid out in bites that made it easy to read, although it was sometimes repetitive and a lot of the information is already known by cat enthusiasts, but people new to cat ownership will certainly benefit from it and some things that seem obvious sink in better when put in writing. I'm not sure how the format will work with referring back to specific information but perhaps a paperback would be easier to flip through for that.
Overall it is a valuable source of information with something for cat veterans and a wealth of information for new cat owners. It would probably be my first choice for books I should have read when I first became a cat slave.
The one big disappointment in this book was when it came to talking about cats who don't get along over a sustained period, it told me to ask my vet. My vet would just say re-home one of them which isn't an option! I was hoping they could give me some insights on how to get two cats at war in the same house to make peace, or at least manage to tolerate each other. To be fair, it did mention there are medications that might help.
There was some good related advice about making sure each cat has their own space and places to hide. The information was laid out in bites that made it easy to read, although it was sometimes repetitive and a lot of the information is already known by cat enthusiasts, but people new to cat ownership will certainly benefit from it and some things that seem obvious sink in better when put in writing. I'm not sure how the format will work with referring back to specific information but perhaps a paperback would be easier to flip through for that.
Overall it is a valuable source of information with something for cat veterans and a wealth of information for new cat owners. It would probably be my first choice for books I should have read when I first became a cat slave.
September 16, 2020
This is an incredibly thorough guide to cats, probably the best I've read. It's written by a number of different vets affiliated with the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists and uses a combination of anecdotes, facts, vocabulary terms, charts and in-depth essays to teach you about everything from how to introduce a new cat to your household to how to deal with litter box issues to why your cat may suddenly scratch you when you think you're having a nice petting session. It's very thorough, and the end of each chapter summarizes the key points since there is so much information. Highly recommended.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.
May 25, 2020
Decoding your cat is an apt title for this book as it literally does just that. As a cat owner I was very interested in having most of my own theories confirmed and learning more on top of that. I like how the books presented and this would be an excellent book for any cat owner. It would make a good gift for a cat lover as well.
January 11, 2025
This is a decent reference book for cats and probably helpful to first time cat owners, but for me, it was a little bit slow and lacking. I guess I was hoping for something a little more revolutionary, along the lines of Temple Grandin's work. This was a lot of common sense type stuff. I don't think I got much from this book that I didn't already know from owning cats my whole life, schooling, and already having a well established and good relationship with my veterinarian.
May 22, 2022
The best way to teach your cat is to show her the behavior you want, not to punish her for behavior you don’t want.
A very practical book that I expect to revisit (at least notes or specific chapters).
A very practical book that I expect to revisit (at least notes or specific chapters).
July 23, 2020
I got the ARC of this book thanks to the publisher who allowed me to read it through NetGalley. I've read a lot of books about cats and cat care. They all have their merits, but this one, Decoding Your Cat, is the most relevant book on the subject. It is important to note though, that it is not the book for absolute beginners in cat care. There are no user-friendly pictures of what kind of dishes one has to buy and such. There are however a lot of descriptive paragraphs on to what extent you need to dedicate yourself to your pet, and why the food, litter boxes, scratching posts and other environmental enrichment are important for the well-being of your pet. It does not go into details about medical illnesses that should be taken care of by veterinarians. It does however go into detail what you can do to make your pet life more comfortable while he/she is going through any medical or age-related issues.
There are so many things one forgets but that answer for behavioral issues one can unwittingly encounter with their pet. Each chapter, covered by an educated expert on the subject, answers to one or more behavioral issues, such as why do they develop compulsive disorders, bite, scratch, vocalize, hide, jump or toilet on forbidden surfaces, attack other pets or humans, etc. Each chapter busts some myths and blunders you might have had about cats, and offers useful advice on caring for cats of any age, starting from understanding the genetic background and upbringing of each cat, and choosing a right cat personality for yourself, going to decorating your home up, introducing, training and living peacefully with one or more pets, to vet visits, health checks, and supervision of health disorders and discomforts, especially for senior and invalid cats.
This book is such a wealth of information you'll probably return to reading once in a while, even though you'll likely learn all its content by heart once you read it. For your younger family members, I would recommend to buy a picture-friendly companion book about cat care, for simplicity sake, but this one, Decoding Your Cat, is a book every mature and dedicated cat guardian should have.
There are so many things one forgets but that answer for behavioral issues one can unwittingly encounter with their pet. Each chapter, covered by an educated expert on the subject, answers to one or more behavioral issues, such as why do they develop compulsive disorders, bite, scratch, vocalize, hide, jump or toilet on forbidden surfaces, attack other pets or humans, etc. Each chapter busts some myths and blunders you might have had about cats, and offers useful advice on caring for cats of any age, starting from understanding the genetic background and upbringing of each cat, and choosing a right cat personality for yourself, going to decorating your home up, introducing, training and living peacefully with one or more pets, to vet visits, health checks, and supervision of health disorders and discomforts, especially for senior and invalid cats.
This book is such a wealth of information you'll probably return to reading once in a while, even though you'll likely learn all its content by heart once you read it. For your younger family members, I would recommend to buy a picture-friendly companion book about cat care, for simplicity sake, but this one, Decoding Your Cat, is a book every mature and dedicated cat guardian should have.
September 29, 2024
Super informative! I skipped around chapters because some topics don’t pertain to my cat but overall I learned a lot! Great read (or listen) if you want to understand more about cat behavior!
July 18, 2020
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Decoding Your Cat is a reference guide to cat behavior and health written under the auspices of the ACVB. Due out 21st July from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, it's 448 pages (ebook edition), and will be available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
This is a lavishly illustrated and well structured book of essay chapters written by experts in behavioral science. The topics are wide ranging and include identifying and interpreting body language, non-vocal signals, and interpreting and modifying undesirable behaviors. Training is a two-way street and the contributors do a good job of explaining how we, as pet owners, can also change our own behavior and expectations to help our feline companions succeed.
Terminology and concepts are well defined in text sidebars as they appear in the chapters. Illustrative photographs also show postures and behaviors along with definitions and explanations. The concepts are factual and science based. The early eARC of the book which I received for review purposes did not contain the table of contents or index, but these will obviously be included in the release copy.
This would make a superlative reference for pet owners as well as in a more professional setting (for veterinarians, students of animal behavior and similar professions). Five stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Decoding Your Cat is a reference guide to cat behavior and health written under the auspices of the ACVB. Due out 21st July from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, it's 448 pages (ebook edition), and will be available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
This is a lavishly illustrated and well structured book of essay chapters written by experts in behavioral science. The topics are wide ranging and include identifying and interpreting body language, non-vocal signals, and interpreting and modifying undesirable behaviors. Training is a two-way street and the contributors do a good job of explaining how we, as pet owners, can also change our own behavior and expectations to help our feline companions succeed.
Terminology and concepts are well defined in text sidebars as they appear in the chapters. Illustrative photographs also show postures and behaviors along with definitions and explanations. The concepts are factual and science based. The early eARC of the book which I received for review purposes did not contain the table of contents or index, but these will obviously be included in the release copy.
This would make a superlative reference for pet owners as well as in a more professional setting (for veterinarians, students of animal behavior and similar professions). Five stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
October 9, 2023
I wish I had this information years ago. It was very enlightening and it will definitely influence how I care for my cats moving forward.
A few of the chapters felt repetitive (each chapter was written by a different professional(s) or group of) but all in all, I learned a ton.
A few of the chapters felt repetitive (each chapter was written by a different professional(s) or group of) but all in all, I learned a ton.
July 27, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. I currently have two cats, but I have had a total of five cats in my life, and I learned a lot with this book. If you love your cats, this book is worth the read to learn the ways in which your fabulous feline friends communicate with you, and what they need from you in return. This book will be one I refer back to as my cats age.
After reading this book I plan to buy a cat tree for my cats to enjoy higher views in my home (something I never considered), and I look forward to utilizing the tips I learned on how to create a positive relationship between my cats and their carrier.
After reading this book I plan to buy a cat tree for my cats to enjoy higher views in my home (something I never considered), and I look forward to utilizing the tips I learned on how to create a positive relationship between my cats and their carrier.
July 26, 2020
This book is great! I love the personal anecdotes about cats, as well as the pictures throughout the book. They drew me in and made me want to keep reading.
More seriously, there is a lot of helpful information about cats and their behavior. It is discussed throughout the book but then information is put in tables throughout the book, so it is very easy to reference and understand. I found this book helpful and will reference it when my cats are acting strangely.
Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
More seriously, there is a lot of helpful information about cats and their behavior. It is discussed throughout the book but then information is put in tables throughout the book, so it is very easy to reference and understand. I found this book helpful and will reference it when my cats are acting strangely.
Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
July 18, 2020
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of Decoding Your Cat which I read and reviewed.
This book was very interesting and informative about cats and their behaviors. I learned a lot about cats and their behaviors and why they the things they do. I also enjoyed the cute stories about people’s pets throughout the book. I found myself thinking yeah my cat has done that.
This is a great book for cat owners and lovers to just learn more about those crazy animals we love but struggle to understand.
I am giving this book four out of five stars.
This book was very interesting and informative about cats and their behaviors. I learned a lot about cats and their behaviors and why they the things they do. I also enjoyed the cute stories about people’s pets throughout the book. I found myself thinking yeah my cat has done that.
This is a great book for cat owners and lovers to just learn more about those crazy animals we love but struggle to understand.
I am giving this book four out of five stars.
July 13, 2020
This book is great for cat owners, particularly those who are new to feline friends.
Having adopted a cat from the pound, this book was extremely helpful to me in understand different aspects of my fur-babies personality and why she exhibits some of the behaviours she does.
It also assisted me in understanding what I can do to be the best pet-parent I can be.
The book is written in an easy to access manner, without needless jargon that makes you feel like you need a veterinary interpreter to tell you exactly what the book means.
It is also comforting when a book like this is released and is contemporary, when I first adopted my cat I visited the library for books on cat behaviours. Majority of the books were published in the late 90's and felt stagnant and outdated.
Having adopted a cat from the pound, this book was extremely helpful to me in understand different aspects of my fur-babies personality and why she exhibits some of the behaviours she does.
It also assisted me in understanding what I can do to be the best pet-parent I can be.
The book is written in an easy to access manner, without needless jargon that makes you feel like you need a veterinary interpreter to tell you exactly what the book means.
It is also comforting when a book like this is released and is contemporary, when I first adopted my cat I visited the library for books on cat behaviours. Majority of the books were published in the late 90's and felt stagnant and outdated.
July 12, 2020
As a first time cat owner, this book answered SO many questions. This book was so informative and helped a lot with understanding why my cat acts the way she does.
The book is an easy read with practical tips that are easy to apply. I’ll definitely be referring to over time as I slowly morph into a cat lady.
Thanks NetGalley & Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The book is an easy read with practical tips that are easy to apply. I’ll definitely be referring to over time as I slowly morph into a cat lady.
Thanks NetGalley & Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 26, 2020
Thank you to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I just adopted a cat about 3 weeks ago, so it was excellent timing for me to discover this book. This handy guide, written by veterinary behaviourists, helped answer the questions that I had and eased my anxiety as a new cat owner. I would recommend this book to anyone who is thinking about adopting a cat or anyone that already has one, yet finds themselves baffled by the things their pet does.
This book tackles different myths about cats, for example, 'Is it true that dogs have masters and cats have staff?' and 'Is it true that cats can't be trained?' and offers advice about what do when your cat pees/poops outside the litter box, sits on your kitchen counters or hates going to the vet (as well as many other cat behaviours).
I particularly enjoyed the anecdotes about actual cats as this showed real-world examples of common feline behaviours and how to effectively manage them. I also found it helpful to understand why cats behave in certain ways and how they perceive the world around them. This was a very useful book and one I would keep and turn to often!
I just adopted a cat about 3 weeks ago, so it was excellent timing for me to discover this book. This handy guide, written by veterinary behaviourists, helped answer the questions that I had and eased my anxiety as a new cat owner. I would recommend this book to anyone who is thinking about adopting a cat or anyone that already has one, yet finds themselves baffled by the things their pet does.
This book tackles different myths about cats, for example, 'Is it true that dogs have masters and cats have staff?' and 'Is it true that cats can't be trained?' and offers advice about what do when your cat pees/poops outside the litter box, sits on your kitchen counters or hates going to the vet (as well as many other cat behaviours).
I particularly enjoyed the anecdotes about actual cats as this showed real-world examples of common feline behaviours and how to effectively manage them. I also found it helpful to understand why cats behave in certain ways and how they perceive the world around them. This was a very useful book and one I would keep and turn to often!
July 22, 2020
I requested this book on Netgalley because I love cats, and I was curious to know how it's possible to "educate" cats. I know my cat's a jerk and I wanted to understand why he was the way he was. Turns out my cat almost died while I was reading the book, so he now doesn't do the bad stuff he did before anymore, but I still kept reading out of curiosity.
There are A LOT of information in the book ! I'm surprised there are so many behaviors cats can develop ! While I didn't read every chapter extremely thoroughly, I read most of the information, and it's very detailed and complete !
We get an explanation of what the behavior is, why it develops, and how to help prevent it. In addition to that we get kitty pictures, and that was of course a hit for me !
I really think it's a guide every cat owner should have, especially in hardback or paperback because every time your cat acts a little different, you can look up pretty quickly what's going on, what it is due to, etc. Since it's a professionnal book, you can also be rather certain the information found in it is valid. No vet forum to confuse you even more !
There are A LOT of information in the book ! I'm surprised there are so many behaviors cats can develop ! While I didn't read every chapter extremely thoroughly, I read most of the information, and it's very detailed and complete !
We get an explanation of what the behavior is, why it develops, and how to help prevent it. In addition to that we get kitty pictures, and that was of course a hit for me !
I really think it's a guide every cat owner should have, especially in hardback or paperback because every time your cat acts a little different, you can look up pretty quickly what's going on, what it is due to, etc. Since it's a professionnal book, you can also be rather certain the information found in it is valid. No vet forum to confuse you even more !
July 4, 2020
An informative book to have on hand for reference. Growing up, we had cats and kittens all the time and I've had a cat most of my adult life. Therefore, I thought I knew a lot about their behavior. And while some of this material seemed obvious, there were all kinds of "aha" moments and information I had never heard or observed. It's presented clearly and written for anyone who has, or wants to get, a cat. It's also altered my behavior. Now when my indoor cat starts howling and eyeing the curtain rods from his perch in the evening, instead of putting him in another part of the house, I get off my lazy butt and play with him. He's then asleep in no time!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.
May 26, 2020
I’ve been around cats my entire life, but the motivations of my latest fur kid have been a big mystery to me. Fortunately, Decoding Your Cat Is making it much easier to understand where he’s coming from and what his needs truly are.
This handy guide includes sections about pretty much any cat situation you can imagine, and it’s all backed by science. Despite the scientific approach, it’s written in a way that’s easily accessible to the average reader.
My only complaint is that there’s some repetition in the book with the chapter recaps and summaries, but I think that would actually be helpful for many readers.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC. This review contains my honest, unbiased opinion.
This handy guide includes sections about pretty much any cat situation you can imagine, and it’s all backed by science. Despite the scientific approach, it’s written in a way that’s easily accessible to the average reader.
My only complaint is that there’s some repetition in the book with the chapter recaps and summaries, but I think that would actually be helpful for many readers.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC. This review contains my honest, unbiased opinion.
August 7, 2025
This is a fascinating book for cat owners who want to better understand and provide for their cats, to make sure they are living fully enriched and happy lives.
Not all chapters will be relevant to everyone (e.g., we are a single-cat home with a geriatric cat, so I didn't need to read about kittens or multi-cat homes) but irrelevant chapters are easily skimmed, and I learned a lot from the chapters I read in full.
The only issue with the book is that the chapters have been written by different authors and so there is a lot of repeated information and overlap - this can get a bit boring if you read the whole text, but then again, is useful for readers who pick and choose specific chapters.
Not all chapters will be relevant to everyone (e.g., we are a single-cat home with a geriatric cat, so I didn't need to read about kittens or multi-cat homes) but irrelevant chapters are easily skimmed, and I learned a lot from the chapters I read in full.
The only issue with the book is that the chapters have been written by different authors and so there is a lot of repeated information and overlap - this can get a bit boring if you read the whole text, but then again, is useful for readers who pick and choose specific chapters.
May 25, 2020
Thank you Netgalley and the author(s) for the gifted review copy. All thoughts and opinions are completely my own
As a cat parent I was really interested in reading this. It's chalk full of humor along with loads of information and great techniques. It's everything a cat owner needs.
4****
As a cat parent I was really interested in reading this. It's chalk full of humor along with loads of information and great techniques. It's everything a cat owner needs.
4****
June 23, 2020
Really.learnt alot about my catbehaviour from this book.
It's informative and a must have book for any cat owner or vet.
Thank you Netgalley for my ARC
It's informative and a must have book for any cat owner or vet.
Thank you Netgalley for my ARC
December 28, 2020
The two words that came to mind when reading this book were: comprehensive and encyclopedic. Not a bad thing when you’re curious about cats, their health, and their behavior and yet…the complexity of the instructions and the rigidity of the directives might dissuade people from owning a cat. It’s not helped by chapters such as: “Do Cats Mean to be Mean?”
That said, there’s a lot to like in this tome. I’ve referred back to the feline body language chart several times, to decipher what my cat – Smokey – is trying to tell me. I also tried out the calming Music for Cats with Anxiety website on Smokey and her ears flattened (not a good sign), so your cat’s mileage may vary on the suggestions. What does seem universal for cats is to be patient and move slowly and quietly with them in order to earn their trust.
There are a lot of helpful photos and a really useful section on what to do with a shy cat you have just acquired. Several appendices cover topics such as teaching your cat to like the carrier. There is an extensive chapter on training your cat; it’s very treats-based, which is problematic if your kitty isn’t swayed by food, and is also pretty complicated, in that you need a training diary to track your cat’s progress. All in all, a good resource if you already have a cat, but I wouldn’t recommend it for a new or prospective cat owner.
-Marjorie
That said, there’s a lot to like in this tome. I’ve referred back to the feline body language chart several times, to decipher what my cat – Smokey – is trying to tell me. I also tried out the calming Music for Cats with Anxiety website on Smokey and her ears flattened (not a good sign), so your cat’s mileage may vary on the suggestions. What does seem universal for cats is to be patient and move slowly and quietly with them in order to earn their trust.
There are a lot of helpful photos and a really useful section on what to do with a shy cat you have just acquired. Several appendices cover topics such as teaching your cat to like the carrier. There is an extensive chapter on training your cat; it’s very treats-based, which is problematic if your kitty isn’t swayed by food, and is also pretty complicated, in that you need a training diary to track your cat’s progress. All in all, a good resource if you already have a cat, but I wouldn’t recommend it for a new or prospective cat owner.
-Marjorie
September 3, 2020
For both new and experienced cat owners, cat behavior can sometimes be mystifying. First of all, cats, just like people, have a wide variety of personalities. Just because your first kitty was a well-behaved cuddle-bug doesn't mean your next kitty will be. And all bets are off if you introduce your happy singleton kitty to a new kitty or kitten. "Decoding your Cat" looks at behavior without anthropomorphizing cats. The various authors examine and explain normal, and aberrant, cat behavior and provide strategies for helping cats and their owners get along peacefully, how to introduce new cats to one another, or to a dog. They also have thoughts on introducing a new person, or how to help your cat adjust to the departure of a family member (death, going away to college, divorce, etc), which can cause your cat to grieve. Additional topics include what to do when your cat's natural behavior drives you mad.
A useful resource for cat lovers seeking to manage and understand their kitty's ways.
I received a digital review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A useful resource for cat lovers seeking to manage and understand their kitty's ways.
I received a digital review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 11, 2022
While the majority of this information wasn't new to me, it did a great job of covering the various aspects of living with a cat or multiple cats. From things to do with your new kitten or cat (getting them used to a kennel, being handled, being groomed, etc) to how to keep them happy, healthy and safe, the book covers it all. The authors did a good job of reinforcing the fact that cats are not in fact low maintenance pets if handled correctly. It frustrates me to no end when people think it's okay to leave their cats alone for days or even a week without anyone checking on them and doing the bare minimum of making sure they have food, water and clean litter boxes. Quite a few anecdotes are shared throughout, illustrating various points. Very good resource for anyone new to being owned by a cat or thinking about it.
Thanks to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Mariner Books and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. I ended up borrowing the audiobook from my local library and quite enjoyed listening as I worked.
Thanks to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Mariner Books and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. I ended up borrowing the audiobook from my local library and quite enjoyed listening as I worked.
December 31, 2020
Comprehensive manual for the whys of cat behaviors written in interesting style aimed at cat owners, in the belief that understanding their natures and how influence the behaviors will help keep cats happy and in their homes, not back in shelters. While aimed at new owners there us plenty of nuggets to hglp even the most experienced owners. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
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