Friday, November 13, 2015

CATIFY TO SATISFY: Simple Solutions for Creating a Cat-Friendly Home by Jackson Galaxy and Kate Benjamin, Enter to Win!

"Design Your Way to Feline Bliss!!"

FROM THE PUBLISHER:Animal Planet host JACKSON GALAXY, and cat design wizard KATE BENJAMIN, of Hauspanther.com, , with their #1 New York Times bestseller Catification, showed cat lovers across the nation that it's possible to create cat-friendly but also chic homes! The DIY projects and design ideas from the book inspired a community-what Galaxy and Benjamin have dubbed the Catification Nation.

Ideas and inspiration
for creating
the ultimate
cat-centric pad!!

Now, melding the inspired ideas from that community together with Galaxy and Benjamin's expertise CATIFY TO SATISFY:Simple Solutions for Creating a Cat-Friendly Home (Tarcher Perigee paperback; on sale Nov 17, 2015) offers 20+ new projects and more design tricks to help cat guardians address everyday cat care issues.  Whether you have a feline friend who likes to pee everywhere BUT his litter box, a cat who wants to cocoon in the most inconvenient places, or you just want to create an attractive as well as safe outdoor space for your kitty, CATIFY TO SATISFY walks you through the basics with gorgeous full-color photographs, how-tos from Benjamin and the Catification Nation, and insights from Galaxy on decoding your furry friends!

FROM JACKSON GALAXY AND KATE BENJAMIN: One thing that makes us giddy is seeing projects that were directly inspired by ideas in the first book, which you'll find throughout the chapters. 

FROM CAT CHAT WITH CAREN AND CODY: My initial impression of Catify to Satisfy is that I am LOVING that there is a heavy focus on cat behavior, the "whys" behind what cats do.  "Jackson takes you deeper into the world of thinking, feeling and living like a cat, more than ever before." These tips are in the "Jackson Talks About" sections found in each chapter.

Also in each chapter you will find "Kate's Pro Tips"  that will help you as you start planning your projects, "as well as tips and tricks from cat guardians whose Catification trials, errors and ultimate successes can help get you to the feline promised land with less frustration."


Excerpted from CATIFY TO SATISFY: Simple Solutions for Creating a Cat-Friendly
Home by Jackson Galaxy and Kate Benjamin, with the permission of Tarcher
Perigee/Penguin, a division of Penguin Random House. Copyright Jackson Galaxy
and Kate Benjamin © 2015. Photo credit (Jeff Newton)
For Peter Cohen in the photo above, "animals are family."  In 1995, when he first started catifying his home in Goleta, California, he never imagined that twenty years later he'd still be adding catwalks and passageways-and more cats."

FROM CHAPTER 4:CAT SUPERHIGHWAYS:
NAVIGATING THE VERTICAL WORLD
Excerpted from CATIFY TO SATISFY: Simple Solutions for Creating a Cat-Friendly
Home by Jackson Galaxy and Kate Benjamin, with the permission of Tarcher
Perigee/Penguin, a division of Penguin Random House. Copyright Jackson Galaxy
and Kate Benjamin © 2015. Photo credit (Maggie Swanson)
FROM CHAPTER TWO:SCRATCHING SOLUTIONS

Excerpted from CATIFY TO SATISFY: Simple Solutions for Creating a Cat-Friendly
Home by Jackson Galaxy and Kate Benjamin, with the permission of Tarcher
Perigee/Penguin, a division of Penguin Random House. Copyright Jackson Galaxy
and Kate Benjamin © 2015. Photo credit (Lisanne Bouwman)

This Chapter focuses on topics such as:
  • The mark of ownership
  • Why Does My Cat Scratch on the Sofa?
  • Scratching and YOUR Cat
  • Materials for Cat Scratchers
  • The Angle YOUR Cat prefers to scratch
  • Step-by-step instructions on how to make your own Scratchers



There is even a chapter titled "Let's talk about litter boxes" and in this chapter you will find info such as where to put the litterbox, how many boxes you should have, types of litter boxes and I was thrilled to read that like me, Jackson DOES NOT LIKE AUTOMATIC SELF-CLEANING LITTER BOXES. Why? because "monitoring your cat's waste is a crucial part of parenting." You will not be alerted to a possible health problem with an automatic self-cleaning box. I agree with Jackson when he says "on a more personal, pet peeve level-I don't like them because they are just a symbol of lazy guardianship. Spend a few minutes a day and SCOOP THE BOX."

Kate's Pro Tip in this chapter :Easy Litter Catcher----she suggests using perforated decking tiles that can be bought from flooring supply stores or online, and they come in a wide variety of colors. All you have to do is vacuum up the litter that falls under the tiles, and if necessary wash in the sink or with a hose. Brilliant!!

Catify to Satisfy is Superb!!!


I didn't think it would be possible but Catify To Satisfy has surpassed by leaps and cat superhighways the first book, Catification. Catify to Satisfy has information that is beneficial to every type of cat owner from the owner who just acquired his/her first cat, to the life-long cat owner who has had multiple cats for years. It is 240-something pages long and is printed on high quality paper. It is just gorgeous!

The photos are incredible, there is so much information that I must sit down and read it again and again. It is the kind of resource that won't be left on a shelf collecting dust, this should be kept out so that you can make periodic checks of your environment and make adjustments when necessary/needed or just to be creative!

IMPORTANT!  Cody and I want to make sure everyone knows that they need BOTH books!
The second book doesn't replace the first. All of the important concepts are introduced in the first book, and then are expanded and built upon in the second!! Think of it as your own "Catification" resource center!! Right at the tip of your paws!!

FROM JACKSON AND KATE: We've been honored to help guide you deeper into your home to uncover the treasures that were waiting for both you and your cats. Keep checking back at www.catificationnation.com for what comes next. As for the larger world of cats, and making that world better for all of them, go to www.jacksongalaxyfoundation.org. Compassion begins at home; it should never end there. 

Until we catify again, here's to you and your cats!

Jackson and Kate



THE HOLIDAYS ARE COMING!!!!

Catify to Satisfy would make the purrfect gift for your cat loving friends and family who are looking to design their way to feline bliss!! "Catify to Satisfy shows how a little creativity can go a long way in keeping your home stylish and your cats happy and healthy!!"


ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Jackson Galaxy is a cat behaviorist and the host of Animal Planet's hit show My Cat from Hell. He is also the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller, Catification, and another of Jackson's books that we had the honor of reviewing: Cat Daddy:What the World's Most Incorrigible Cat Taught Me About Life, Love, and Coming Clean.

Recently, Jackson established The Jackson Galaxy Foundation. The Foundation focuses on programs that drive innovation in care and housing of sheltered animals, promotes improved shelter design and construction, and provides "Elevation through Education"-increased knowledge that inspires and empowers animal advocates to effect real change and raise the status of rescued animals.

Kate Benjamin is the founder of the popular cat design website Hauspanther.com and the co-author of Catification. She makes frequent guest appearances on My Cat from Hell, helping Jackson Galaxy create stylish cat-friendly environments.


GIVE-AWAY!!! The publisher has generously agreed to a give-away!! If you are 18 and over and reside in the U.S., you can enter to win a copy of Catify to Satisfy:Simple Solutions for Creating a Cat-Friendly Home by Jackson Galaxy and Kate Benjamin. (A $21,95 value!!) THERE WILL BE TWO WINNERS! Entering is easy, simply enter on the rafflecopter below. Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway







I was not compensated for this review/give-away. I was sent a copy of Catify to Satisfy in exchange for my always honest review. I have also admired many of my blogging friends who weren't tongue-tied like me, when presented with a chance to interview Jackson Galaxy. I was afforded that chance a few years ago, along with a number of other bloggers. I am the ONLY one who didn't grab the opportunity because to me, Jackson has "rock star status", and for once, I was actually too shy! I HAVE had the pleasure numerous times of being in the company of the fabulous Kate Benjamin whom I also hold in high esteem. I consider Kate to be a friend, and her support of me numerous times in my blogging career has touched me more than she will ever know.

58 comments:

  1. This looks like an awesome book - my human needs to get to work on making more kitty friendly space for us! (Maybe she can start by clearing off her desk, MOL!)

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  2. I like to make puzzle boxes and hiding spots with boxes and bags, some in the past were like little mazes and apartments, MOL!

    Amazing to be able to win this book! Thanks!!

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    1. You know, there was an article about this book in our local newpaper today! OMC!!

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  3. Seriously, Mom wanna book but we know the rule..." Get it by yourself "...MOL
    Cody, do I ever tell you ? My parents plans to move to Thailand. and this could be their project !

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    1. Oh Puddy!!!!! Thailand? That is sooooooooooooooo exciting!!! When are you moving? YES you need this book! xoxo

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  4. Great review, Caren! This is a book that belongs in every cat guardian's home.

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  5. I am always looking for more interesting ways to make my cats happy. I have some that like up high and a couple that are ground kitties. Thanks for the chance.
    Sue

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  6. It looks awesome...Does it come with a handy person who can do the work in our homes? :-D

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    1. It IS "awesome!!" BWAH!! LOVED your comment! You know how they have "Cabana Boys?" there should be "Catify Boys" that we could rent out to assemble things for us lol!!! Well, you could do what I did when I had to assemble Cody's Pet Tree House (which we adore) and didn't have a power screw driver...I paid a maintenance person at our apt/condo complex to put it together. I tried for HOURS with just my manual screwdriver (which I was strongly advised not to do, but stubborn cuss that I am, I thought I could do it), when I finally caved and called him, he had the entire thing masterfully put together in approx an hour. It was worth every penny that I paid him!

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    2. Now that's a million dollar idea: Catify Boys who look like the french guys in Men With Cats book!

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  7. That was such a good review. Looks like a good book too. Most of us get to go outside so we get our entertainment out there. Have a great day.

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    1. thank you Marg! The book, in my opinion completely surpassed the first one. It is superb. Everything from the size, layout, the depth of the behavioral info (that, in and of itself is a reason to enter this contest) There are tips for other issues that don't involve major "catification" that DOES pertain to all cats! You have a great day too!

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  8. With 3 cats, these would be so much fun!

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  9. Great review Caren. We are always adding changing projects with dimensions for the kitties so they are challenged and don't become bored.

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  10. I'm always looking for ways to make Thunder's life more satisfying.

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  11. Oh wow, this is so cool! Good luck everyone!
    ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!

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  12. You do the very best reviews. The very best.

    Have a terrific day. Scritches to Cody. ♥♥♥

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    1. Oh my Sandee!! Thank you!!! You just totally made my day, week, month and probably YEAR!!! Thank you! Sending much love and have a great weekend! xoxo

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    2. I put both of your blogs in my Featured Sites in my navigation bar. Just so you know. ♥♥♥

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    3. THANK YOU!!!!! You are sooo sweet! I used to have a blog roll list of blogs that I follow, but I stopped it a while back, mostly because I follow well over 100 and there just wasn't room.....plus, I didn't want anyone to feel bad if they weren't on the list. Thank you so much! xoxoxo

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  13. Awesome. We are sharing this with our kitty friend
    Lily & Edward

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  14. I would love to win this prize. According to Rosie, my whole life is a Catification project!

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    1. P.S.: This is Kristin from The Daily Pip just signed in as myself not Ruby and Rosie!

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    2. well...Rosie would be the authority, she KNOWS you! :) Good luck!

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  15. I have been looking forward to this book for a long time! I just adore Jackson and the awareness he's bringing to cat behavior.

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  16. I would love this because Jackson Galaxy really is the cats meow.

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  17. This book looks awesome. I too have a kitty that likes it high and one that is a ground dweller. This book will give me some ideas that I maybe could try for the kitty that likes it up high. I've got places for my ground dweller since I've had him for 16 years. The tree dweller is a little over a year old and we've had him for 5 months So we are getting use to his need for high places. Caren thanks for the giveaway.

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    1. It IS awesome! (they both are!!) Think about a companion set, but in the meantime, good luck with the give-away! Cody is basically a "tree-dweller" too, so we have a large cat tree in our living room and two smaller ones in 2 other rooms.

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  18. Katie wants me to have lots of green papers and get this!!

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  19. Oh my goodness. As a dog, I would have to move out if my house was "catified". I could see where they would love it, though.

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  20. Mum has pre-ordered the book on Amazon as soon as she heard of it, and she can't wait to receive it ! That's a pawsome giveaway, good luck to our US friends ! Purrs

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    1. you are going to LOVE it! With all of the improvements you have been doing, it is right up your alley! Do you have the first book too? If not, I would definitely get it. Purrs back!

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  21. This book looks great. I want to get it and make my hubby catify the house. :)

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  22. Oh Meow what pawsum fotos. We luv da furst book and wuld sure luv this one. Fanks fur sharin'. Hope y'all have a gweat weekend.

    Luv ya'

    Dezi and Lexi

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  23. I haven't built anything for my cats yet, but am quite blown away from just what I've seen here.

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  24. I can't wait to see this book!!! I have some photographs in it that I took at PAWS of the work my husband Rick did for the shelter cats!
    Wahoo!
    xxoo

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    1. Maggie you will LOVE IT!!!! I know!! The photo of the tree above is YOURS!!!!! xoxoxo

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  25. No, no cats here... but this would make a wonderful gift for my cat friends!

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  26. Hmmm! I think I know what the Staff is getting for Christmas!!! ;)

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  27. Many years ago there was a couple in San Diego who catified their house before it was so popular (The Cat House). They used vivid colors, had cat walks, holes through the walls and floor-to-catwalk climbing poles. They published a couple books about it, and even helped catify their local shelter. That inspired me to put catwalks in my first house, and the kitties loved them. Our current house has lots of perches and window seats, but no catwalks. It is wonderful to see that catification is becoming more mainstream, and even if you don't build fancy walkways, there are easy ways that you can enrich your cat's life and reduce or eliminate unwanted behaviors by providing climbing areas, perches, scratchers, etc.

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    1. Thank you so much for sharing that and you are EXACTLY right! What I LOVE about both books (among many other reasons), is many of the suggestions are quite affordable, and as you said there are "easy" cost effective ways to enrich your cat's life that don't have to be super fancy! Thanks so much for sharing!

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  28. Wow! This looks like a fab book. We're moving next year and Mommy promised us lots of shelves and furniture!

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  29. I can totally understand being too shy to do that interview. I am the same way with some people that I admire so greatly...I'd be afraid my questions would be stupid! LOL
    Both books sound great, and I absolutely love some of the things people do at their houses to make such great environments for cats!

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    1. you hit it on the head! I become tongue-tied with certain people! :)

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  30. Great book! I love all the ideas and suggestions - Jackson and Kate make the purrfect team! Purrs from Deb and the Zee/Zoey kitties!

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  31. Great review! Already have the first book so am looking forward to getting this one.

    Purrs xx
    Athena and Marie

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  32. We are so excited for this book! And we are extra excited to see the pictures that our pal and fellow PAWS volunteer Maggie took of the awesome rooms she and Rick designed!

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  33. This book sounds great. I loved all the pictures you posted - specially the one from chapter 4 - Cat superhighways!

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  34. I am currently putting up several scratch posts around my house for my fur kids.

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