Board-certified veterinary behaviourists explain why cats do what they do, from scratching and litter box troubles to aggression and anxiety, and how to help
Why cats do what they do
Written by members of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists and edited by three specialists, this guide explains common cat behaviour using current research. Chapters cover how cats communicate, how kittens develop, why they scratch, climb and hunt, what causes litter box problems, how to handle fear and aggression, and how to introduce new pets. Each section explains the reasons behind a behaviour and offers practical, humane ways to prevent or change unwanted habits.
Who will enjoy it
Cat owners dealing with behaviour problems, new cat parents who want to start well, and anyone curious about feline behaviour from a scientific point of view.
What you will get
A practical, science-based guide from veterinary behaviour specialists explaining why cats behave as they do and how to address common problems kindly.
Decoding Your Cat Facts: Pages, Genre and Setting
Genre
Nonfiction · Cat behaviour · Problem solving · Veterinary advice
Length
368 pages · ≈ 11 h
More about this book
The great strength of the book is its authority. The contributors are veterinarians who specialise in animal behaviour, and they explain clearly how medical problems, stress and the home environment can all affect how a cat behaves. Their emphasis on understanding causes, rather than simply punishing symptoms, is sensible and kind.
The chapters on litter box problems and aggression are particularly useful, as these are among the most common reasons owners seek help. The advice is practical, from setting up the home to reducing conflict between cats, and the book is good at explaining when a problem needs a visit to the vet. The appendix on introducing cats and dogs is a handy reference.
Because many contributors wrote different chapters, the tone varies and there is some repetition. The book is more of a reference to dip into than a narrative to read straight through. Owners of cats with serious problems will still need professional help. As a reliable, humane guide to understanding cats, it is very good. About 368 pages in the Houghton Mifflin Harcourt hardcover; some catalogs list 342 numbered pages.
Decoding Your Dog
Cat Sense
Inside of a Dog
The Genius of Dogs
Cook with Jamie
The Martha Manual
Ortho's Home Improvement Encyclopedia
Start Here
Baking Illustrated
The Complete Mediterranean Cookbook
Good Eats: The Early Years
The Joy of Vegan Baking