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How to Raise a Happy Cat: So they love you
How to Raise a Happy Cat focuses on the happiness to be found in the person/pet relationship and includes dozens of ideas for activities and hacks you can build into daily life with your pet, from spontaneous play and activities to making them the perfect sleep spot.
We know how important happiness is for ourselves but when it comes to pets, making sure they’re happy – as opposed to obedient, say – is often underrated . Yet there’s plenty of fresh science that shows that a happy, engaged pet is easy to live with and creates happiness in its owners, too .
How to Raise a Happy Cat shows what you can learn from your pet’s behaviour and body language, offer a mass of practical ways to raise your pet’s happiness levels , and show you how to connect with them in the way they’ll love best.
Building on recent scientific developments into animal behavioural science, this book's methods aim to increase inter-species understanding and encouraging the behaviour you do want , while discouraging the behaviour you don’t.
Divided into 6 chapters, each of which contains plenty of easy-to-follow activities which owners can carry out themselves, this book will become an invaluable resource for building and strengthening the bond between human and cat.
Sections
Perfect for cat owners who want to get to know their feline friends as individuals , this indispensible book offers a new angle that gives owners lots of customized ideas for having fun with their pet , as well as explaining behaviours that they may have previously found baffling.
We know how important happiness is for ourselves but when it comes to pets, making sure they’re happy – as opposed to obedient, say – is often underrated . Yet there’s plenty of fresh science that shows that a happy, engaged pet is easy to live with and creates happiness in its owners, too .
How to Raise a Happy Cat shows what you can learn from your pet’s behaviour and body language, offer a mass of practical ways to raise your pet’s happiness levels , and show you how to connect with them in the way they’ll love best.
Building on recent scientific developments into animal behavioural science, this book's methods aim to increase inter-species understanding and encouraging the behaviour you do want , while discouraging the behaviour you don’t.
Divided into 6 chapters, each of which contains plenty of easy-to-follow activities which owners can carry out themselves, this book will become an invaluable resource for building and strengthening the bond between human and cat.
Sections
Perfect for cat owners who want to get to know their feline friends as individuals , this indispensible book offers a new angle that gives owners lots of customized ideas for having fun with their pet , as well as explaining behaviours that they may have previously found baffling.
- GenresNonfictionCatsAnimals
128 pages, Hardcover
Published May 2, 2023
19 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
February 27, 2023
Thank you, Quarto Publishing Group - Ivy Press, for the advance reading copy.
If you want to adopt a kitten or a cat and even if you are an old cat parent, this book is for you! This is a good one which provides enough information on everything related to cats and their well being: living space, food, exercise, health are covered.
The illustrations are cute but expect minimum content regarding this. However, the focus is more on the guide to their well being and health.
Quite the content I would expect.
Totally recommended.
If you want to adopt a kitten or a cat and even if you are an old cat parent, this book is for you! This is a good one which provides enough information on everything related to cats and their well being: living space, food, exercise, health are covered.
The illustrations are cute but expect minimum content regarding this. However, the focus is more on the guide to their well being and health.
Quite the content I would expect.
Totally recommended.
May 6, 2023
What a lovely little book that explains to the reader all the ins and outs of cats wants and needs for complete happiness😊.
A really enjoyable and informative read which teaches us how our cats came to be and how they differ from other animals.
Facinating and very helpful. It ranges from how they are built with near perfect sight and hearing to how they interact and eat.
The illustrations were beautiful. Each little cats picture brought a little smile to my face.
Many thanks to Edelweiss+, Ivy Press and the Author for the DRC in exchange for my honest review
A really enjoyable and informative read which teaches us how our cats came to be and how they differ from other animals.
Facinating and very helpful. It ranges from how they are built with near perfect sight and hearing to how they interact and eat.
The illustrations were beautiful. Each little cats picture brought a little smile to my face.
Many thanks to Edelweiss+, Ivy Press and the Author for the DRC in exchange for my honest review
September 19, 2023
How can any cat lover resist this great title? This cute little book full of water color type drawings of adorable cats is loaded with good ideas. From the how tos of play to the creation of your own scratching posts,there is a ton of things to try all in the endeavor to be the cat's favorite .
February 17, 2023
I have been a cat owner for most of my adult life and had a few as a kid. I’ve read many different books on how to care for your cats. How to Raise A Happy Cat So They Love You More Than Anyone Else has been my favorite so far.
Right away, something I noticed about this book that is different from so many others is the ease of readability. The pages were not cluttered nor were they just massive walls of text. There’s a smooth flow to the pages with space for your eyes to rest.
I also really loved the sweet and playful cat illustrations/paintings in this book.
The book is split into several sections with each section having several topics. In a lot of these topics, you’ll find a circle with the words “What’s the payoff,” along with a short summary of the topic. You’ll find a good amount of information in each section without being overwhelming.
One of the things I loved about this book (that I haven’t seen in a lot of other books about taking care of cats) is that there are a TON of simple directions to DIY things for your cat. It talks you through everything from making extremely simple cat toys to making cat treats to making your own scratcher and everything in between.
Another thing the book does is walk you through how to play with your cat. It has several activities and games you can play with your cat - not just what activities but how to do them.
Of course, the book contains all the things you’d expect to see in a book about cats. It talks about feeding them, pet behavior, stages of life, and so much more.
As an experienced cat owner, I still learned several new things and found several new projects I could do, as well.
So who do I think would benefit from this book? This book would be a great book to have at home when your family’s first cat arrives for the whole family to go over together. It would also be a good book to give to any cat owner, whether they are talking about getting their first cat or a lifelong cat lover. It can be enjoyed by pretty much any age, from elementary aged kids on up.
Thank you to Quarto Publishing Group - Ivy Press and Netgalley for providing me with this book in exchange for an honest review.
Right away, something I noticed about this book that is different from so many others is the ease of readability. The pages were not cluttered nor were they just massive walls of text. There’s a smooth flow to the pages with space for your eyes to rest.
I also really loved the sweet and playful cat illustrations/paintings in this book.
The book is split into several sections with each section having several topics. In a lot of these topics, you’ll find a circle with the words “What’s the payoff,” along with a short summary of the topic. You’ll find a good amount of information in each section without being overwhelming.
One of the things I loved about this book (that I haven’t seen in a lot of other books about taking care of cats) is that there are a TON of simple directions to DIY things for your cat. It talks you through everything from making extremely simple cat toys to making cat treats to making your own scratcher and everything in between.
Another thing the book does is walk you through how to play with your cat. It has several activities and games you can play with your cat - not just what activities but how to do them.
Of course, the book contains all the things you’d expect to see in a book about cats. It talks about feeding them, pet behavior, stages of life, and so much more.
As an experienced cat owner, I still learned several new things and found several new projects I could do, as well.
So who do I think would benefit from this book? This book would be a great book to have at home when your family’s first cat arrives for the whole family to go over together. It would also be a good book to give to any cat owner, whether they are talking about getting their first cat or a lifelong cat lover. It can be enjoyed by pretty much any age, from elementary aged kids on up.
Thank you to Quarto Publishing Group - Ivy Press and Netgalley for providing me with this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 25, 2025
Many cat owners should be forced to read this
July 2, 2023
Excellent book! Chock full of practical information and easy to read. This book is lovingly written with the objective of educating cat owners on the latest advice for caring for and understanding your cat. Every cat owner should read this!! 5-stars.
November 29, 2024
Some good insights and useful tips.
March 27, 2023
(I read an advanced copy via NetGalley. Review my own.)
This book was lovely - well-researched content, the drawings really made it a pleasure to read, and I can tell the author knows cats! Would recommend to new and existing cat parents.
Some highlights:
- The first chapter that talks about the biology of cats can really help new folks learn how to live with what is essentially a ild animal :)
- The enrichment/play chapter has a ton of great ideas, including many simple DYI toys. Cats do get bored of toys & this book provided a wide variety of options.
- Major points for discussion puzzle feeders (in the food chapter), which unfortunately are not as popular as I'd wish. They are a fantastic way to slow down eating, nurture cats hunting instincts, and also see how smart cats are. It takes some patience but even the more .... "one brain cell" cats can learn!
- Throughout the book, the author encourages us to respect cats, their instinct and autonomy -- an important message, that combined with the advice to "make sure you're the world export on your own cat" can ensure that we can have an amazing relationship with our wild aliens.
The only extra bit i would have liked to see is a slightly lengthier section on "How to know something's wrong" -- some illustration of body language would have worked there.
This book was lovely - well-researched content, the drawings really made it a pleasure to read, and I can tell the author knows cats! Would recommend to new and existing cat parents.
Some highlights:
- The first chapter that talks about the biology of cats can really help new folks learn how to live with what is essentially a ild animal :)
- The enrichment/play chapter has a ton of great ideas, including many simple DYI toys. Cats do get bored of toys & this book provided a wide variety of options.
- Major points for discussion puzzle feeders (in the food chapter), which unfortunately are not as popular as I'd wish. They are a fantastic way to slow down eating, nurture cats hunting instincts, and also see how smart cats are. It takes some patience but even the more .... "one brain cell" cats can learn!
- Throughout the book, the author encourages us to respect cats, their instinct and autonomy -- an important message, that combined with the advice to "make sure you're the world export on your own cat" can ensure that we can have an amazing relationship with our wild aliens.
The only extra bit i would have liked to see is a slightly lengthier section on "How to know something's wrong" -- some illustration of body language would have worked there.
April 3, 2023
Happy cat, happy me!
I have raised and lived with quite a few cats, and I think they have all been happy (except maybe when they have to go to the vet!). Even so, there might be some things I have not thought of that could make my cats (and then, of course, me) even happier.
How to Raise a Happy Cat treats the subject of what makes a cat happy comprehensively. The opening chapter sets the context with an exploration of how cats work, including their heritage ( Did you know , for example, that cats and dogs had a common ancestor about 46 million years ago?) , their senses, and their body language, to give you a context for the recommendation chapters that follow in the areas of playing, enrichment of your cat’s life, staying fit and healthy, eating, and rest and relaxation, with special recommendations for kittens, older cats, and multi-cat households.
If you are new to cats, this book will serve as a very useful guide to giving your cat a happy life. It covers basics everyone should practice but also fun optional projects like creating “food puzzles” and “pool bobbing” for your cat. As a seasoned cat-raiser, I was aware of and practice many of the recommendations in the book, but there were good ideas that were new to me and some that I had not used in many years.
This book will be a helpful resource for cat people (and their cats) at all levels of experience, producing lots more purrs and, in return, lots more smiles for the humans involved.
I received an advance review copy of this book from Edelweiss and the publisher.
NOTE: The author lives in the UK, which apparently is considerably more tolerant of the idea of letting your cats go outside. This practice is much more controversial in the US, and if you are new to living with cats, I recommend you consider the idea of letting your cat outside very carefully.
January 29, 2025
Being a depressed shut-in worried about a lonely winter, I expected to enjoy getting cats, but I did not expect the profound impact young Hank and Sadie would make in my life.
Two and a half years on, I've developed a habit of picking up discounted how-to-cat guides to see if I can glean any new insight or ideas to keep these indoor cats stimulated and healthy.
I've read several now, and feel it a formulaic genre, but this handsome little tome is the most charming I've encountered.
Clearly organized, adorably illustrated and common sensical, this lead me to try making my own cat mobile above a favourite snoozing spot, a pool-bobbing game, seaweed as cat snack (in lieu of the cabbage leaf I did not have) and to try dentist-endorsed supplements for their food.
The easy DIY vibe of some of the ideas here were a nice feature.
No homeruns yet, but they have enjoyed everything we've tried, and the bonding process is hit or miss anyway, different for each little feline friend. Cats crave stimulation, adventure and fun just as much as their human friends or families, and so each experiment was a new way for us to bond.
And one day, who knows, I'll get that homer. Perhaps the 'catio' I'll be finishing in the summer.
Perfect for anyone new to cats, or looking for ideas to spark an existing relationship.
Two and a half years on, I've developed a habit of picking up discounted how-to-cat guides to see if I can glean any new insight or ideas to keep these indoor cats stimulated and healthy.
I've read several now, and feel it a formulaic genre, but this handsome little tome is the most charming I've encountered.
Clearly organized, adorably illustrated and common sensical, this lead me to try making my own cat mobile above a favourite snoozing spot, a pool-bobbing game, seaweed as cat snack (in lieu of the cabbage leaf I did not have) and to try dentist-endorsed supplements for their food.
The easy DIY vibe of some of the ideas here were a nice feature.
No homeruns yet, but they have enjoyed everything we've tried, and the bonding process is hit or miss anyway, different for each little feline friend. Cats crave stimulation, adventure and fun just as much as their human friends or families, and so each experiment was a new way for us to bond.
And one day, who knows, I'll get that homer. Perhaps the 'catio' I'll be finishing in the summer.
Perfect for anyone new to cats, or looking for ideas to spark an existing relationship.
May 14, 2023
Cats are fascinating creatures but we don't always understand the reasons behind certain of their behaviours. This book explains what cats like, how they sense and respond to the world around them, and also how to care for and stimulate them to ensure they lead happy and fulfilled lives.
I particularly liked the way the book was laid out so that there were sections explaining cats' senses, diet, play, feline health and stages of a cat's life. There were some really cute illustrations as well.
If cats are happy, they will generally let you know, but it is also important to be aware of the triggers for the behaviours we may not like so much and how to avoid these from presenting.
Anyone who already has a cat may well know a lot of what is in this book, but there is still much to learn.
As someone who is thinking of getting a pet cat (or cats) in the near future, I would be happy to have a copy of this book to hand for reference.
I received a digital ARC of this book via Quarto Publishing Group - Ivy Press, in return for an honest appraisal.
I particularly liked the way the book was laid out so that there were sections explaining cats' senses, diet, play, feline health and stages of a cat's life. There were some really cute illustrations as well.
If cats are happy, they will generally let you know, but it is also important to be aware of the triggers for the behaviours we may not like so much and how to avoid these from presenting.
Anyone who already has a cat may well know a lot of what is in this book, but there is still much to learn.
As someone who is thinking of getting a pet cat (or cats) in the near future, I would be happy to have a copy of this book to hand for reference.
I received a digital ARC of this book via Quarto Publishing Group - Ivy Press, in return for an honest appraisal.
February 24, 2023
What a fabulous book any cat lover would love to read and have in their collection! This book would be appropriate for new or experienced cat owners. I have had cats off and on for many years and found interesting tidbits and other things I did not know before. The section on creating homemade cat activity toys was so helpful as I am always looking for ways to keep my three house cats active.
What really made this book special though were the lovely drawings all the way through. I had to stop and look at each one and appreciate how sweet and well done they were. This book would also make a lovely gift for all the cat lovers in your life.
Many thanks to Quarto Publishing Group – Ivy Press and to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this lovely book in exchange for my honest opinion. I gave it four stars!
What really made this book special though were the lovely drawings all the way through. I had to stop and look at each one and appreciate how sweet and well done they were. This book would also make a lovely gift for all the cat lovers in your life.
Many thanks to Quarto Publishing Group – Ivy Press and to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this lovely book in exchange for my honest opinion. I gave it four stars!
March 30, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley for the digital ARC.
This book was a lovely book. The art it in was so cute, and the tips for raising a cat were good. It was a quick read and I'm sure my cat will appreciate the tips I got from it.
My one grip is that I wish the book was actually a bit longer. For example, they mention there are multiple breeds of cats and they have different temperaments. But it doesn't give many examples and this would have been a great opportunity for more art of the cats. It's mostly surface level stuff for most chapters. I would have given this book 5 stars if it when a little deeper throughout.
This book was a lovely book. The art it in was so cute, and the tips for raising a cat were good. It was a quick read and I'm sure my cat will appreciate the tips I got from it.
My one grip is that I wish the book was actually a bit longer. For example, they mention there are multiple breeds of cats and they have different temperaments. But it doesn't give many examples and this would have been a great opportunity for more art of the cats. It's mostly surface level stuff for most chapters. I would have given this book 5 stars if it when a little deeper throughout.
February 10, 2023
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for a chance to read this ARC. Here are my honest thoughts:
I would love to keep a copy of this on my student library bookshelf. It is wonderfully descriptive and speaks simply, with lots of information about cats and how to be a good cat parent. I would love to see one of these for dogs and other animals. My students are so interested in their domestic friends, and the pictures in How to Raise a Happy Cat are so cute and the advice very practical that I don't think most would find it difficult to follow.
I would love to keep a copy of this on my student library bookshelf. It is wonderfully descriptive and speaks simply, with lots of information about cats and how to be a good cat parent. I would love to see one of these for dogs and other animals. My students are so interested in their domestic friends, and the pictures in How to Raise a Happy Cat are so cute and the advice very practical that I don't think most would find it difficult to follow.
March 1, 2023
I have read a lot of books on the feline species. This one is very accessible and easy to navigate. It can be read from cover to cover, or used as a reference in case you'd like quick insight into a particular issue. I can't say that I learned a lot, as my cat requires that I stay current on my catology, but I think a beginner would definitely appreciate this book.
It's a pretty quick read, too, if you're looking to warm your heart a little after reading something dull, or need to liven up your day
It's a pretty quick read, too, if you're looking to warm your heart a little after reading something dull, or need to liven up your day
March 9, 2023
This is such a sweet book with the most adorable illustrations.
I have an old, grumpy, 10-year-old cat who is set in her ways, but I still found a lot of tips to enrich her life.
Each section has just enough information to educate, without being preachy. I liked the section on making homemade toys, because my cat is a lazy lump that will lay on the floor and the only exercise she'll get will be batting her paw around for a while. I'm sure I'm the one who gets the most exercise when playing with her!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I have an old, grumpy, 10-year-old cat who is set in her ways, but I still found a lot of tips to enrich her life.
Each section has just enough information to educate, without being preachy. I liked the section on making homemade toys, because my cat is a lazy lump that will lay on the floor and the only exercise she'll get will be batting her paw around for a while. I'm sure I'm the one who gets the most exercise when playing with her!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 20, 2023
This is a beautifully illustrated introduction to raising a cat. It is ideal for people who have adopted a cat for the first time or are considering it. It's also a nice refresher for more experienced cat people. This book does not go into a lot of detail but provides sound advice on many important topics. This book is all a new cat person needs to get started.
Cat lovers will adore the beautiful artwork.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Cat lovers will adore the beautiful artwork.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 13, 2025
While this book is wordier than I anticipated, it reads as quickly and easily as a conversation with a knowledgeable friend. The sections are not overlong, yet cover a vast array of topics. It is a wonderful resource for cat owners to empathize with their pets and provide for their range of needs. I enjoyed perusing the book and learned new insight into my own cats and important information that will be invaluable in the future.
Disclosure statement: A copy of this book was borrowed from the library. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
Disclosure statement: A copy of this book was borrowed from the library. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
February 22, 2023
A lovely little illustrated book of information about how to care for cats. I know. I've turned into that pet owner. Haha
Neatly laid out in sections which was both useful & pleasing to use and look out.
As a previous a pet owner, this book wasn't necessarily telling me anything new but equally I did learn some new things & tips.
I like the DIY section, cost effective for current life!
All in all, if you are thinking of getting a kitten/cat this is a super cute book of information & tips.
Neatly laid out in sections which was both useful & pleasing to use and look out.
As a previous a pet owner, this book wasn't necessarily telling me anything new but equally I did learn some new things & tips.
I like the DIY section, cost effective for current life!
All in all, if you are thinking of getting a kitten/cat this is a super cute book of information & tips.
March 6, 2023
A fun guide that helps you to understand your cat better so you can encourage good, healthy behavior and discourage bad behavior in a way that will make your cat happy. Emphasis on paying attention to your cat and keeping playtime fun and stress free. This book takes you from kitten to senior care. A fun read with good suggestions and insights. I thank Netgalley and Ivy Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.
April 2, 2023
I wish I had access to this book when I adopted my first cat! Sophie Collins has very helpful tips for giving your cat a happy and content life - from making your house cat-friendly to recipes for home-baked cat treats you can find lot of information here. At times I would have liked more information as for example a listing of poisonous plants. All in all a great read for cat lovers with delightful illustrations throughout.
April 3, 2023
When I first saw this book I thought it would be more of a study about cat behaviors; why cats do what the do. Instead it is a well formatted book on having a cat in your house. It had so much clear information that was also useful. I already knew some of this information but it still gave me a lot of ideas. I especially liked the chapters about creating toys and playing with my cat. For the first time owner this book would be essential. It was a excellent resource.
April 30, 2023
Thank you to Quarto Publishing Group - Ivy Press and Netgalley for providing me with this book in exchange for an honest review.
This has to be one of my favorite books of the year. Thank you Sophie Collins for such an enjoyable read on all things cats! The amount of research that went into this made for a very accurate description on the human-cat relationship.
I look forward to keeping this on the shelves at our libraries and recommending it to all of our cat enthusiasts.
This has to be one of my favorite books of the year. Thank you Sophie Collins for such an enjoyable read on all things cats! The amount of research that went into this made for a very accurate description on the human-cat relationship.
I look forward to keeping this on the shelves at our libraries and recommending it to all of our cat enthusiasts.
May 28, 2023
A short little book packed full of information on domestic cat health and behavior, "How to Raise a Happy Cat" is best suited for readers who already have a grasp on the basics of cat caretaking and are looking to expand their knowledge.
Ranging from how to read cat food labels to best practices for scratching post placement and instructions on DIY toy & treat creation, this book has something for new and experienced cat owners alike.
Ranging from how to read cat food labels to best practices for scratching post placement and instructions on DIY toy & treat creation, this book has something for new and experienced cat owners alike.
October 31, 2025
Quick read and it's absolutely jam packed with information. Each section is not overly long and you're on to the next interesting section.
As a long-time cat owner, I found this interesting, fun and informative and willing to try the things I didn't know. Who doesn't want to pamper their cats and make things even better for them, I know I do.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
As a long-time cat owner, I found this interesting, fun and informative and willing to try the things I didn't know. Who doesn't want to pamper their cats and make things even better for them, I know I do.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
March 6, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and publishers for the opportunity to read and review! If you love cats, this book is gonna be one to pick up! The illustrations were gorgeous, the content was sweet and great! There really is nothing to say against it. It's just a fun and great guidebook to care for your kitties!
November 12, 2024
Great read while substituting high schoolers; made me think about my new cat, Castle, a lot more and was surprised at how well he responded to a lot of this books suggestions.
He now loves using puzzle feeders in the morning, playing with a snake toy around dusk, and has many nice places to hide, sleep, and pounce at me from.
He now loves using puzzle feeders in the morning, playing with a snake toy around dusk, and has many nice places to hide, sleep, and pounce at me from.
April 8, 2023
A great resource book for cat owners and cat lovers. Lots of information about how to understand your feline better.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 6, 2024
Cute little book, very informative if you have no idea about cats. Just confirmed that my cats are spoiled, I knew a lot of the info already….lol….cute little read. It does tell you how to grow your own catnip! Who knew?!
February 8, 2023
This is very informative book for cat parents. It’s full of very helpful tips from making toys to proper feeding and training.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews