"Let's Talk About Cats:Conversations On Feline Behavior" by Anita Kelsey #LetsTalkAboutCats

 "A Wealth of Fascinating Cat Facts and Tips"

FROM AMAZON.COM: "features 16 unique in-depth conversations with devoted feline experts, each chapter answering a question about our cats. An abundance of catty conversation points with many useful takeaways for cat owners to improve their own every-day connection with their cats.

This book, the first of its kind, presents the combined wisdom of experts from all over the world on the psychology, behaviour, diet and training of cats, in a relaxed and conversational style.Contributors include Jackson Galaxy, star of My Cat From Hell and composer David Teie,whose ground-breaking album, Music for Cats, was released by the Universal Music Group.Each illuminating chapter exudes a love for cats and a wealth of fascinating insights.

This book also includes advice and real case studies that offer the author’s own professional guidance on cat care topics, explaining the most important cat concepts, giving food for thought and expanding on all the most important issues and debates in the cat world."

Just when you think you have read it all in reference to caring about, caring for and bonding with your cat, you discover you indeed have NOT read it all! Such was the case when I was sent the book "Let's Talk About Cats: Conversations On Feline Behavior by Cat Behaviorist, Anita Kelsey. There is ALWAYS something NEW to learn!

FROM THE AUTHOR: "All cat lovers can say, with hands on hearts, that we've had our lives changed by cats. Cats are masters at weaving their way into the very core of our souls without changing many of their own distinct characteristics"

Author Anita Kelsey's work with cats started ten years ago when she experienced the death of a close friend. She had never experienced grief like that before. She says, "The truth is that cats  saved me."

She continues: "the book itself is not only about cats but also our relationship with them. I hope within its pages the reader will discover a variety of perspectives and approaches that will help them find something new in the relationships they enjoy with their darling mogs."

The conversations with the featured cat experts (one of our favorites, Kate Benjamin of Hauspanther is also featured in this book in the section that involves Catification.), make you feel as if you are sitting on a comfy couch in the company of these wise souls, listening to the years of wisdom that they share on these pages in a warm and professional way. Author Anita Kelsey's knowledge of and love for cats shines throughout the pages of this book. It is a worthy addition to the library of any cat lover.

Each chapter is divided by topic, some of the topics are

• Do Cats Like Music?
• Can Our Cats Talk To Us?
• Do Cats Grieve?
• Can Cats Communicate Telepathically?
• and  many, many more!

The book also includes advice featured in a box called "A Catty Sum Up" and true stories, "Cat Chat",  that offer the author's own professional guidance on cat care topics  explaining the most important cat concepts,  that encourage one to think about and expand upon the most important issues and debates in the cat world.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Anita Kelsey holds a first class honours degree in Feline Behavior and Psychology (work based BA Hons) and runs a vet referral service dedicated strictly to the diagnosis and treatment of behavior problems in cats. She is also a qualified cat groomer and specializes in grooming aggressive or phobic cats. Anita writes for Your Cat Magazine and is on their expert panel answering reader's questions on cat grooming. She also advises on feline behaviour for the Canine and Feline Behaviour magazine as well as being a full member. A strong advocate of a vegan lifestyle, Anita is based in London but consults all over the UK and internationally. She is also the author of Claws, Confessions of A Professional Cat Groomer published by John Blake.

Visit the author's website www.catbehaviourist.com

Follow Anita Kelsey:

Twitter @catbehaviourist

Instagram: cat_behaviourist

Facebook: www.facebook.com/catbehaviourist

Mailing list: www.catbehaviourist.com/subscribe

Available on Amazon, click here

Cat Life: Celebrating the History, Culture & Love of the Cat by Award-Winning Author, Amy Shojai

Courtesy of Amy Shojai

It is with great delight that I was able to get my paws on  an advance copy of Cat Life:Celebrating the History, Culture & Love of the Cat by renowned pet expert/author, Amy Shojai. I have always been smitten with Amy's writing, as well as her musical talent and her knowledge of cats and dogs. I have had the pleasure of meeting her in person on several occasions, and she is as delightful, brilliant, colorful, exciting and knowledgeable in person as she is through her writing.

It is easy to become smug when you have been reading cat books for over 10 years as I have (and many of you have as well),  thinking "What more could ANYONE possibly have to say to enlighten me further about cats?"

Well dear readers, Amy Shojai has done it again. Her expository book about cats has taught me more than I  could have imagined! 

Courtesy of Amy Shojai

The 150+ stunning color photographs, are captivating and simply exquisite. You will want to look at them again and again. This book reveals virtually everything needed to appreciate this mysterious, lovable companion. It is a book that you will want to re-visit on numerous occasions. 

From shojai.com "Though a cat may choose to share her affection with a human or two, she will always remain that quixotic mix of unpredictability and individuality that challenges the understanding of the most patient among us. It is as if they know that when they first stepped into the human ring of firelight, they forever altered our history, influencing our religions, our literature, our art—our very lives.” –From the Introduction

Chapter One, “Evolutionary Cat,” traces the domestic feline back to the Paleocene Era, then introduces its big cat relatives. Many of us know that several cats together is called a "clowder", but I never knew they can also be called a "cluster" or "clutter" of cats as well! Even Cody was captivated by the information!

I also never knew that the African wildcat is considered the most like our own domestic breeds "and is probably the founding father of the cat that is even now warming on your hearth."

Chapter Two, “Cultured Cat,” "is a survey of artistic homage paid to the cat. From Aesop’s fables to Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland, cats have been featured as analogy, metaphor, and hero."

"There used to be a kind of cheese made in Cheshire marked with a grinning cat face on one end. Is this where Lewis Carroll's wonderful Cheshire Cat came from?"

There are references to cats in Television, in ads, lore and legend about cats, and a plethora of other information about cats in culture.

Chapter Three, “Physical Cat,” is a guide to understanding and caring for your cat. There is information about the cat's eye, their hunting instinct,  feeding, play, health issues  I learned so much about a variety of health issues that cats may have that I had never known before. 

Cat Life closes with a “Gallery of Breeds,” a parade of fascinating cat types with descriptions of their unique personalities and special characteristics. There is also a listing of various cat associations and you can find a fabulous reading list so you may purchase other books that Amy has written as well.

Check out the beautiful Cat Life video, you will want to order your copy NOW!!

 FROM THE INTRODUCTION:

This book is for cat lovers everywhere. It is intended as both a basic guide for the neophyte cat addict and a supplement for veteran feline fans. It is my hope that these pages will delight and amuse, surprise and educate, and, most of all, celebrate the mysteries and marvels of all the wonderful cats that share our lives.

FROM THE BACK COVER:

"informative and fun, Cat Life celebrates your love and affection for big cats, stray cats, pedigree beauties, and everything CAT."

That it does Amy, that it does, and sooo beautifully! Cat Life is a book that all of YOU, my fellow cat lovers MUST have as part of your cat library. It's just in time for holiday gifting too!

Set to release in December. It will be available in paperback, hardcover on DECEMBER 1.

Amazon and Barnes & Noble for pre-order

It will be available on KINDLE on DECEMBER 8 and is already on KINDLE pre-order at this link:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YDYQLX5

Preview of Amy Shojai's latest gift book for cat lovers, with interior page spreads--and audio from her original show STRAYS, the Musical. https://shojai.com/books/cat-life/ (you can order the book there as well!)

Author: Amy Shojai
Genre: Cat Books
Tags: cat behavior, cat care
ASIN: B07YDYQLX5
ISBN: 9781948366144

Courtesy of
https://shojai.com/

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Award-winning author Amy Shojai is a certified animal behavior consultant, and the award-winning author of more than 30 bestselling pet books She is also a playwright and co-author of STRAYS, THE MUSICAL and the author of the critically acclaimed September & Shadow petcentric thriller series. 

I was not compensated for this review. I was sent an advance copy of Cat Life in exchange for my always honest review.

Cat Book:Total Cat Mojo The Ultimate Guide To Life With Your Cat By Jackson Galaxy with Mikel Delgado, PhD (Give-Away)

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Total Cat Mojo, I was not compensated for this book feature. 

Jackson Galaxy products as well as his books have appeared frequently on our blog. I have reviewed all three of Jackson Galaxy's books that came before his latest, Total Cat Mojo, and I have reviewed a slew of his products. I love all things Jackson Galaxy, and am pleased to be among a number of bloggers who have presented Jackson Galaxy's latest book: Total Cat Mojo: The Ultimate Guide to Life With Your Cat, to all of YOU!

 Jackson Galaxy’s new book, Total Cat Mojo (TarcherPerigee). In his book, Jackson reveals how to understand cats better – from cat behavior to basic cat care. "This ultimate guide to life with your cat will help you eliminate feline behavioral problems by understanding cats’ instinctive behavior."

Before you can truly appreciate Jackson's book you have to understand what "Mojo" means.  From Urban Dictionary: Mojo is a noun originally used to mean a magic charm or spell or an amulet, often in the form of a small bag containing magic items worn by adherents of hoodoo or voodoo, or it could mean a quality or some ability that brings good luck or helps you be good at something.  it has entered the English language and has also taken on an additional meaning of personal confidence and charisma. 

Jackson Galaxy defines "Mojo" in PEOPLE AND CATS, as having a swagger, confidence, "you have it going on and don't have to prove yourself to anyone!" Jackson Galaxy further defines Cat Mojo "as the confidence that cats exhibit when they are at ease in their environment and in touch with their natural instincts to hunt, catch, kill, eat, groom and sleep." 

The word mojo first received widespread exposure in the song Got My Mojo Working which was written by Preston Foster.

Jackson traces the lineage of cats (From "Raw Cat to Your Cat") to show us and to have us understand the connection between cats "then" and "now", and to show us (as if WE didn't know!) how lucky we are to have cats in our lives.  Most of us reading this KNOW how lucky we are to have cats in our lives, but it is Jackson's hope that this comprehensive tome will reach the hands and eyes of those who DEEPLY need to learn all that is written in Total Cat Mojo to help prevent cats from being returned to shelters, deserted and worse.

 

Total Cat Mojo will answer questions such as:

• Who is the raw cat?
• Take away the cat beds, toys, etc. and you will find the "Raw Cat" The "Raw Cat" is your cat's ancestral twin. You can learn more by purchasing the book!
• Which mojo archetype is my cat?
• Spoiler Alert! I learned that my Cody (who possesses TONS of "Cat Mojo") is a "Mojito Cat" The "Mojito Cat" is social, a true "people" cat. He has to greet everyone who enters his environment. He eagerly seeks to be petted and welcomes being petted. He walks with a "swagger" and is loaded with confidence. That's my Cody! There is sooo much more but once again, you will have to read the book to find out!
• 
  

FROM THE PUBLISHER: This comprehensive guide helps cat parents avoid common issues that arise in homes today by helping them understand their cats' innate drives (what he calls the "Raw Cat") and offers the tools and knowledge to create a healthy family dynamic. 

Jackson Galaxy Also Discusses:

Cat Communication: what the trills, purrs yowls, meows etc. mean. "What is the talkative cat saying?"

How to be the ultimate cat parent: the vital role we play in our cats' quality of life, how best to approach dreaded activities (trips to the vet, etc.)

Strengthening Your Mojo Toolbox: the main goal is not about "fixing your cat," it is about exploring cat guardianship as a two-way street, a relationship where compromise achieves harmony.

"Whether addressing the optimal diet, tackling common social challenges, or getting the most out of your daily playtime routine, this book covers the head-to-toe physical and emotional needs of all cats, from kittenhood to the senior years and every life state in between. Total Cat Mojo is the must-have cat care bible for any cat lover."

INTRIGUED?

Purchase a copy  or ENTER TO WIN OUR GIVE-AWAY!!!! SIMPLY LEAVE A COMMENT ON THIS BLOG POST STATING THAT YOU WISH TO BE ENTERED. IT'S THAT EASY!! ONE PERSON WHO RESIDES IN THE U.S.A WILL RECEIVE A COPY OF TOTAL CAT MOJO....

About the Authors: Jackson Galaxy is a cat behaviorist and the host of Animal Planet's hit show

 My Cat from Hell and their upcoming show Cat Meets Dog. He is the coauthor of the New York Times bestseller Catification: Designing a Happy and Stylish Home for Your Cat (and You!). Jackson is also the author of Cat Daddy: What the World's Most Incorrigible Cat Taught Me About Life, Love, and Coming Clean. 

Mikel Maria Delgado is co-owner of Feline Minds, a San Francisco Bay area based cat behavior consulting business. She is currently working on her doctorate in psychology at the University of California at Berkeley, studying animal behavior and human-animal relationships.

Catio Spaces "Life is GOOD in a Catio!!"

Disclosure:We were compensated to share info about Catio Spaces with our readers, as you know, we ONLY share information about products that we currently use, have used, that we would LOVE to use, and that would be of interest and value to YOU, our valued readers.

There is nothing I would love more for Cody than for him to have his own catio. I lust after catios that I see on various blogs that I read and on websites such as Catio Spaces. Sadly, I live in a condo that is a part of an apartment/condo complex and we have "association rules" that prevent us from changing the outside of the building. So, for now, unless our life situation changes, I will have to lust over the catios by Catio Spaces that you can also lust over (and, if you are luckier than I am, you just might be able to have one built or build one yourself! Read on!!)

Cats, whether living mostly indoors or outside, enjoy the stimulation of being outdoors, but responsible owners know danger lurks. Seattle cat-lover Cynthia Chomos has built a business to help cat guardians balance their pet’s natural curiosity and craving for outdoor stimulation with concerns for animal safety.

“Indoor-only cats like fresh air and the stimulation of nature, just like their outdoor counterparts,” Chomos said citing early rising, sun worshipping, and nocturnal scampering around the house as some of the telltale signs of this desire. “Once outside, cats pursue squirrels, birds or a mate and there are many hazards outdoor cats can encounter, including vehicles, predators, parasites and poisons,” she explained. In a quest to protect Serena, her own beloved tabby, she built a catio (cat patio).

Courtesy of Catio Spaces

Soon thereafter, Chomos realized she could combine her passion and skills as a designer, feng shui professional and general contractor to launch Catio Spaces. Her company designs spaces for safe, healthy and happy cats, offering both custom catios and several downloadable “DIY” plans for those who want to build their own catio (or hire a carpenter to build the plan).  

“I understand the importance of creating environments for well-being, so it seemed like a natural extension of my design services to create visually appealing catio havens for both feline and human enjoyment,” she said, adding, “It’s a joy to be involved every day with cat safety and enrichment while also protecting birds and wildlife.” (She donates a portion of each catio plan purchase to support animal and wildlife organizations.) 

Chomos cites many benefits of catios and it turns out some of the biggest fans of them are bird-watchers who want to keep their feathered friends safe from their natural predators. (Housecats that venture outdoors and feral cats are blamed for killing between 1.3 billion and 4 billion birds annually, according to a recent analysis by Peter Marra of the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute.)

Initially focused on designing and building custom catios in the Seattle metro area, Catio Spaces® also offers Do It Yourself (DIY) catio plans in a variety of designs and sizes for patios, decks, gardens or yards. 

Courtesy of Catio Spaces

 

Current DIY plans include the compact Window Box™ or Haven™ and two larger options, the Sanctuary™ and Oasis™ that Chomos describes as “purrfect choices” for guardians who want space for human seating and enjoyment.


Prices for the DIY catio plans range from $39.95 to $69.95; gift certificates are also available. 

Cat Enclosure Interior Black
Photo Courtesy of Catio Spaces

Along with easy-to-follow instructions and illustrations to eliminate guesswork, each set of DIY plans is designed for ease of assembly (or removal if relocating) and to complement a home’s design and aesthetics. 

Bonus information includes guidelines for acclimating a cat to a cat door and the new space, plus tips for cat-safe plants, décor, and accessories to promote cavorting, exercise and enrichment.

Straightforward assembly was an early goal of Chomos’ DIY concepts. “You don’t need to be an expert carpenter,” she emphasized. “Even novices will find the plans easy to follow and rewarding to build.”

Since launching Catio Spaces, Chomos has built and installed numerous custom catios around Western Washington, including ones with clever themes and décor, and even catwalks and tunnels! 

  Projects have included:

• a Seahawks-themed catio for a fan of Seattle’s NFL team and his game day lap cats;
• a haven for an highly active and “determined door dasher;”
• a window box veranda for a sun-loving “wildlife window watcher;”
• a spacious patio makeover for a pair of felines who love scaling fences to watch wildlife.

10 BENEFITS OF CATIOS:

• Protection from vehicles, predators, poisons, diseases or getting lost or stuck in a tree
• Reduce vet bills from cat fights or injuries.
• Protect birds and wildlife
• Help reduce the roaming cat populations in local communities.
• Provide a healthy outdoor lifestyle with fresh air, exercise, bird watching and sunbathing.
• Reduce indoor multi-cat issues by adding more territory.
• Enjoy feline and human interaction surrounded by nature and fresh air.
• Help reduce indoor odors with an additional outdoor litter box.
• Good neighbor relations (keep your cat out of their gardens and yards).
• Peace of mind knowing your cat is in a safe and protected place.

Cat Enclosure Exterior Black
Photo Courtesy of Catio Spaces

"CATIMONIALS" FROM SATISFIED KITTIES AND THEIR HUMANS!

DIY CATIO PLANS:  

“Your DIY Catio Plans were a perfect solution for us and the directions are great! Every detail was considered and the plans were easy to follow. The catio is so beautifully professional and secure. I feel safe giving my cats permanent access, even at night. People just can’t believe we built it ourselves!”

-Emily S., OR

“I’m a 55 year old nurse, and if I can do it, anyone can! I priced out several pre-built options from other companies, and just couldn’t afford it. I investigated your website and with my home improvement skills I realized I could do this. I had my husband help with holding panels for the joining panels step, but I essentially built it myself. I think it’s a fantastic option for people who really love their cat companions!”

Jacki H., WI

Catio Ledge
Photo Courtesy of Catio Spaces

“I just finished building the window box catio and within 10 minutes my cat Dagny was out there enjoying some fresh air! I used the wire mesh roof option and added a plant and a small covered shelter inside for her. Thanks so much for the great do-it-yourself plans!”

Chris D., AZ

“Thank you for creating your detailed DIY Catio Plans and offering them at an affordable price! My cat Sissy wants to enjoy the sun and watch birds so I’ve built the catio with her happiness in my mind. Cats everywhere are thanking you!”

Zoey C., CA

“Cynthia and her carpentry crew took a dream I had for my cat and brought it into reality. Not only does the enclosure enhance my home, my cat Monty has a whole new world to explore and I have peace of mind which is priceless. Cynthia knows her craft, understands cats and I can’t praise her enough!”

Scarlett - Custom Catio

Catio Haven Exterior white
Photo Courtesy of Catio Spaces

Cynthia Chomos
Photo Courtesy of Catio Spaces

Chomos has also become a go-to “CATalyst” and resource for feline owners. (Website visitors can request her free tips for considering and planning a catio.) “On a daily basis, I work with cat guardians, locally and globally on a variety of issues,” she stated. Recent calls and email queries have ranged from questions on protecting cats who were attacked by coyotes to creating a retreat for cats that were living in an upstairs bedroom fearful of a newly adopted dog.  Additionally, bird organizations and wildlife rehabilitators seek her advice on educating their communities on the benefits of catios. 

Click to read more "Catamonials!!"

Be sure to give them a LIKE on FACEBOOK too!

CAT BOOK REVIEW/GIVE-AWAY:CAT FACTS The Pet Parent's A-to-Z Home Care Encyclopedia by Amy Shojai

Kitten to Adult, Diseases & Prevention

Cat Behavior

Veterinary Cat Care, First Aid

Holistic Medicine

Courtesy of Amy Shojai

Have you ever read a book and when finished,  you found yourself saying "WOW!" out loud?

That is how I felt after I perused one of author Amy Shojai's latest books, CAT FACTS The Pet Parent's A-to-Z Home Care Encyclopedia.

If I sat here telling you I read EVERY PAGE of this OVER 500 PAGE INVALUABLE RESOURCE THAT SHOULD BE A PART OF EVERY HOME WHERE CATS ARE IN RESIDENCE, I would be lying. THIS BOOK IS "HUGE!!" When I say "HUGE" I mean it is chock-full of information/resources that are needed and information/resources that those who share their lives with cats DON'T EVEN KNOW THAT THEY NEED!!!!

Think you have read every standout cat reference book that exists? THINK AGAIN! I have read many cat care/cat reference books,  and in my opinion more are "so-so" than not. This book reigns as one at the TOP of my list!! 

FROM CAT FACTS:The Pet Parent's A-to-Z Home Care Encyclopedia:

More than 86 million pet cats today are kept in forty-five million U.S. households. Now, from one of the most trusted cat care authors of the last twenty-five years comes the definitive reference for adopting, keeping, and maintaining a healthy, happy cat.

CAT FACTS: The Pet Parent's A-to-Z Home Care Encyclopedia is designed to answer all your questions. How do I choose the right cat? What holistic help and preventive care should I give? Why do cats act the way they do, and what cat behavior indicates illness? What constitutes an emergency, and how/when can I safely treat my cat with home care and first aid?

CAT FACTS: The Pet Parent's A-to-Z Home Care Encyclopedia is written in a easy-to-reference form that is 

Alphabetical A-to-Z listings

Each letter of the alphabet that begins a section, is attractively drawn and eye-catching.  There are  more than 200 entries, covering everything from abscesses and hairballs to whiskers!!! Do you know what Nutrigenomics is? Or Jacobson's Organ? (Be honest, and don't Google it!) What about zoonosis? I didn't either, but I do now!

Courtesy of Amy Shojai

There are charts (many cat lovers have requested repeatedly that there be a chart showing poisons, from plants to household items. Now you have it!), that list symptoms for a particular condition, the corresponding home care or first aid, the comparative veterinarian and holistic treatments, and preventive advice.

As I mentioned above, it is virtually IMPOSSIBLE  to list EVERYTHING of importance that is in this book. I went through it page by page and read about topics that interested me, or that I have experienced with my own cats such as:

Acne

Territorial Aggression

Allergies, Cat

(which Cody experiences)

Artificial Respiration

Cancer

Cardiomyopathy

(which my Bobo suffered from)

Catnip

(did you know that catnip can be overused? I didn't either! "Overindulgence causes cats to lose their response to the plant. An occasional treat, perhaps once every two or three weeks is plenty." If you are like me, and I have a feeling you are, that is a fact that you DID NOT know!

Dermatitis

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

I know many of you have cats who have this and can use more info!

There is More!!

 Also Included:

A symptoms/conditions table

that helps you identify what ailments might be bothering your cat,  

a Breed-At-A-Glance chart to compare personality, looks, care challenges and other issues for if you choose to have a pedigreed cat.

Easy-to-use Index

The comprehensive, easy-to-use index makes quick reference a snap !!!!!!

Contact information for dozens of cat organizations

 and veterinary resources!!!!!!! 

CAT FACTS: The Pet Parent's A-to-Z Home Care Encyclopedia is

Courtesy of Amy Shojai

FROM CAT FACTS:The Pet Parent's A-to-Z Home Care Encyclopedia: the author has taken great pains to compile the most up-to-date information currently available for cat lovers on the care of their cat; however, veterinary medicine is constantly improving. Please consult with your veterinarian on a regular basis to provide the best care for your cat.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Amy Shojai, CABC is a nationally known authority on pet care and behavior, a certified animal behavior consultant for cats and dogs, and a former veterinary technician. She is a founder of the Cat Writers’ Association and the author of more than 30 award winning pet care books including pet-centric thriller series. She shares her North Texas home with a 20 year old Siamese wannabe, delinquent silver shaded tabby, and smart aleck German Shepherd.

CONNECT WITH AMY! Drop her a line at her blog  or her website . Follow Amy on Twitter (@amyshojai) and like her on Facebook.

 CAT FACTS: The Pet Parent's A-to-Z Home Care Encyclopedia by Amy Shojai makes me, and will make ALL cat lovers  feel secure/comforted to have so much information available at their fingertips. It  is yet another vital "tool" to add to my responsible cat owner tool box, and I can't stress enough that it is one that should be a part of yours as well! 

GIVE-AWAY!! ONE lucky reader who is 18+ and who resides in the U.S. (apologies to our International readers, but the size/weight of this MUST HAVE RESOURCE makes shipping out of the country cost prohibitive), will win a copy! (An approximate $25 value which is a BARGAIN for all of the information that is in this book!)  Entering is easy! Simply enter on the Rafflecopter below and good luck! a Rafflecopter giveaway  

DOG LOVERS!! Look for my review (and hopefully give-away!) of DOG FACTS The Pet Parent's A-to-Z Home Care Encyclopedia by Amy Shojai,  that will publish on Dakota's blog, on Monday, April 11th!!!!

In full disclosure: I was not compensated for this review. I was sent a copy of CAT FACTS: The Pet Parent's A-to-Z Home Care Encyclopedia in exchange for my always honest review.

Preventing Common Behavior Problems – What Every Cat Needs, a Guest Post by Nancy Peterson, Cat Programs Manager for The Humane Society of the United States

I adopted my first kitty, Shasta, shortly after moving into my new apartment. The furnishings were bare, so I let Shasta use a decrepit upholstered chair for scratching. It was shredded when we moved two years later. To prevent Shasta from destroying the sofa in the new place, I covered it with a tight-fitting sheet and provided her with a catnip-seasoned scratching post. Once she was using the post consistently, I slowly uncovered the sofa. Mission accomplished.

Nancy's First Cat "Shasta"
Photographer:Nancy Peterson of the HSUS

Your cat has probably scratched something or “misbehaved” from your standpoint, but everything cats do makes perfect sense to them. Tragically, cats who “misbehave” may lose their homes if their owners can’t stop an undesired behavior. Nationwide, 70 percent of cats – community (feral and stray) cats as well as owner-surrendered cats – who enter shelters are put down. However, many common “misbehaviors” can be resolved so that cats won’t be given away, surrendered to an animal shelter, made to live outdoors or abandoned.

For example, scratching is instinctive for cats. They scratch to remove the dead outer layer of their claws, mark their territory, or just to have a good stretch. Your job is to provide them with appropriate items to scratch – like a scratching post or pad. If you don’t give them a suitable object, they will find their own – like Shasta did.

Photographer, Mike McFarland of the HSUS

Many owners plan to have their cats declawed during their spay/neuter surgery and so don’t bother to provide scratching objects prior to the procedure. Guess what? Their cat scratches the furniture because there is no other option. A well-placed scratching pad or post would have saved both the furniture and the cat’s claws.

In July, the American Veterinary Medical Association strengthened its policy on declawing. The procedure is now considered a major surgery that should only be performed to prevent destructive scratching after veterinarians have informed their client about the true nature of the procedure and the possible complications, as well as the many available alternatives.

Really, it’s not hard to train your cat. Just observe. Some cats prefer standing up and scratching vertically on the front of a sofa arm, some horizontally on the top of the sofa arm and other cats are equal opportunity scratchers. The key is making your furniture and other possessions undesirable and providing several desirable scratching opportunities throughout your home. For example, a tall scratching post will be an attention grabber for cats who like scratching vertically. They’ll be able to stand on their hind legs, stretch their body to its full length, and sink their claws into the material covering the post.

The Humane Society of the United States has a Cat Answer Tool and cat care tip sheets that will help you prevent or stop destructive scratching, as well as other behavioral issues. Avoid encouraging any behaviors you don’t like. It’s easier to prevent behaviors than stop them once they’ve become a habit. Here are other tips for having a great relationship with your cat.

Spay or neuter your cat before four months old when kitty hormones kick in and undesirable behaviors may occur – such as spraying urine to mark territory or trying to escape to find a mate. Spaying and neutering will not change your cat’s personality, but may make him or her calmer and less aggressive.

Take your cat to the veterinarian at least yearly for wellness examinations and whenever you notice unusual behavior. For example, you land a new job and your cat stops using the litter box. Your cat isn’t mad because you’re away from home more; he or she is stressed because the routine has been disrupted. There could also be a medical cause for the litter box avoidance, like arthritis or feline lower urinary tract disease. Always have your veterinarian rule out any medical issue that could be causing your cat’s unusual behavior.

Help relieve stress and boredom with toys that your cat can play with independently and kibble dispensers which act as invitations to work for food. Teach your cat to play nicely by playing together.

Photographer Mike McFarland of the HSUS

Give your cat his or her own high place to survey the world. A tall cat tower by the window provides a nice place to hang out above the action where cats feel safe and have a better view. If you don’t choose the place, your cat is likely to find one– such as the kitchen counter or dining room table.

Introduce your cat to other pets in your home very gradually. Imagine if someone you didn’t know showed up at your house with no warning. I bet you’d be upset. Proper introductions between pets are so important to maximize the chance that they will get along or at least learn to tolerate each other.

Adopt a cat if you’re thinking of adding another to your household. Animal shelters and cat rescues can help match your cat’s personality and activity level to a new cat. Kittens are adorable, but their activity level may upset your older cat. A relationship with a veterinarian and shelter or rescue group can help you eliminate unwanted behaviors so your cat remains a cherished family member.

Read a good book about cat care and behavior. Studies have found that people who read even one book that explains normal cat behavior and helps people prevent or resolve unwanted cat behaviors are less likely to surrender their cats to shelters.

There are bound to be some bumps in the road, but thanks to our better understanding of cats, improved veterinary care and indoor lifestyles, we can keep our cats on their best behavior.

Book:The Cat's Guide to Human Behavior: As told to Xina Marie Uhl ENTER TO WIN!!!

Hi my furiends!  It's Cody! It is my pleasure  to  present to you,  a book FOR CATS about understanding your HUMAN'S behavior! It's about time, isn't it?

There are countless books available for humans to learn about US, but it is super hard for US to get our paws on books that help US to understand THEM! Well, HERE YOU GO!

The Cat's Guide to Human Behavior is the FIRST EVER GUIDEBOOK for CATS!! We now have a source that explains their strange behavior, and who better to explain their behavior, than CATS!

Kitties you can FINALLY understand:

How Humans Groom Themselves
I know many of you kitties out there are bathroom peeping Tom's and will be able to relate to the strange rituals that your humans perform while attempting to keep their fur in place. Not only will you be able to understand their bizarre bathroom rituals, you will learn how to RESPOND to them in ways that only kitties can!

You Can Learn How to:

Chase away a human's annoying romantic partner. (Thankfully this isn't something that I have to contend with but rumor has it that my Grandpa Bobo had to do this rather frequently!
Check out this excerpt!

When humans mate, they tend to live together even when the female is not in heat. Because of this, you may be present for the introduction of a new potential mate for your human.  This can be an unsettling time, since the new person can cause great changes in the den, sometimes for the worse. In general, the introduction of a female to the den is a good thing for both you and the male.The female,  usually worships you as you deserve, offering you tidbits and speaking pleasingly to you.

When your single female brings an unfamiliar male around, however, you may encounter difficulties. The male may disdain your company, fear your hold over the female, or step on you when staggering through the den after a night of feasting and/or coupling. In the event that the male does not show sufficient signs of respect on account of your superiority, you may need to take action. This can be accomplished in various ways. More effective methods include: leaping at him unexpectedly from atop the food box, doors, drapes, or shelves; climbing up his bare leg and scratching whatever dangly bits you encounter along the way; peeing on the windshield of his moveable den; and sinking your razor-sharp fangs into his nose and refusing to release them until his screams of pain become whimpers of terror and he runs off into the night, never to return.

Note: these techniques may also be employed towards unfriendly visitors, mean neighbors, or humans who get on your bad side for specific reasons, or, let’s face it, no reasons whatsoever.

Also....you will finally learn how to respond to their
UNEXPLAINED DISAPPEARANCES !

What I purrticularly love about this book is not only is it hilarious, it is written in an intelligent form of cat speak! This book was dictated to Xina Marie Uhl by one intelligent kitty named Professor F.L. Uffy. He not only reveals the mysteries of understanding our humans but he does it by using clear and intelligent "catspeak", that  kitties understand!  After all, we aren't babies or DOGS!

Kitties, this is one book that you will want to hide from your humans, but you will want to stash it within a paws length reach for YOU as a handy reference!

Kitty furiends, I know you have a ton of super impawtant things to do during the day, so you will be happy to hear that this is a QUICK read (approx 50 pages), and it also contains some wonderful full-color photos of, what else? CATS!

You will purrticularly LOVE the Frequently Asked Questions section in the back. There you will find answers to pressing questions such as:

How can I get away with counter-surfing?
Why do humans respond to alarm clocks but not to YOU?
Why does my human get upset when I knock plants off of the windowsill?
Just exactly WHERE does my human go when she leaves all day?

And many, many more!

About the Author

Photo courtesy of
http://xuwriter.wordpress.com/

Xina Marie Uhl is an animal lover and freelance writer living in Southern California. She is available for interviews and appearances, and can be contacted through her blog at xuwriter.wordpress.com or via XC Publishing.net.

I know you want to know where you can pawchase this MUST- GET- YOUR- PAWS- ON GUIDE BOOK! Well, stop pacing and I'll tell ya!

 Readers can purchase the title directly through XC Publishing.net or via online outlets such as Amazon.com.

Guess what my kitty furiends! Professor F.L. Uffy is GIVING AWAY TWO COPIES of The Cat's Guide to Human Behavior! Yep! There will be TWO winners! (READERS LIVING IN THE U.S. AND CANADA ARE ELIGIBLE). Just enter on the Rafflecopter below!
 GOOD LUCK!!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


In full disclosure: we were not compensated for this review/give-away. We were given a copy of The Cat's Guide to Human Behavior in exchange for our honest review.