Books on Animals
Cat behaviour
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See also:
Cats:
General
Books on single breeds
Fiction dealing with cats
Books on cats health and nutrition
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Cat Detective
Another book from Vicky Halls, renowned and respected feline behaviour therapist, or as she describes herself ‘a cat shrink’. This book delves further into the realms of cat behaviour, helping the reader to become ‘detective’ so that problems can be resolved. The idea is that once you know why your cat is exhibiting worrying or inappropriate behaviour, the solution is often much easier to come by. Vicky also discusses other therapies such as homeopathy, Reiki and acupuncture that can be used in conjunction with a behaviour therapy programme. As always, there are fascinating case histories which bring it all to life.
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Cat Counsellor
The latest from Vicky Halls, and another gem for those who love to explore the mind of the cat. Vicky provides important insights into how the feline/human relationship has changed and grown over the centuries. Each section looks at the different problems that can occur in the relationship supported as usual, by detailed and intriguing case studies. The book also includes the results of a nationwide relationship survey and the findings are fascinating.
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Getting in TTouch with Your Cat
This book explains the use of Tellington TTouch, a special method of touch that can be used on cats to influence health and behaviour, as well as strengthening the bond between cats and humans. The specific Tellington TTouch movements are all explained in detail and there are beautiful photographs that demonstrate each touch. This lovely book is a must for cat owners, and indeed, anyone involved in the animal profession, such as groomers, rescue workers and vets.
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Communicating with your cat
This is more than just a book about cat behaviour and problem solving; it delves deep into the psyche of the cat to give you a greater understanding of your pet. It gives an insight into the body and vocal languages of the cat, enabling you to understand and resolve problem behaviours and also to teach your cat essential behaviours such as using a litter tray, staying out of no go areas, such as cookers, and getting used to the dreaded cat carrier – normally associated with a trip to the vets! Excellent book for those owners who want to better understand their cat and who want to resolve existing problem behaviours or teach new desirable behaviours.
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Why Cats Do That
This is a delightful little book for both new and seasoned cat owners alike. Quirky cat behaviours are presented in a factual but lighthearted way and there are attractive illustrations throughout. Obviously written by a cat lover and more to the point a cat watcher. It’s a quick read, but nevertheless informative. Cat behaviours are presented in a question and answer form, and even experienced cat owners would benefit from keeping this in their libraries of cat volumes. It would also be suitable for older children, as an introduction to cat behaviour, because it is presented in a jargon-free and often humorous style. You could just dip in and read one or two facts, but you’ll probably find you won’t be able to put it down until you’ve gone on to read the lot.
Review by Gillian Harvey
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Cat Confidential - The book your cat would want you
to read
Vicky Halls is a well-known cat behaviour specialist and in this book she discusses all sorts of odd behaviours (both cat and human!), and gives practical advice and methods on how to resolve feline behavioural issues. Anecdotes about her own cats are nicely interspersed with the fascinating professional case studies. Vicky believes in adapting a programme of behavioural reform to suit the particular cat, rather than offering a single standard programme for resolving a behavioural issue, which is refreshing, and her methods help cat owners achieve a better understanding of their feline friends. This book goes beyond the usual problem solving and delves into the bond between people and their cats. Highly recommended.
Review by Gillian Harvey
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Twisted Whiskers: Solving Your Cat's Behavior Problems
This book is a very readable guide to feline behaviour problems, with insights from ethology. That means that many traits which annoy owners are explained in terms of what cats like to do, because they are cats. The advice to owners on how best to tackle problems such as aggression, is guided by what fits in with feline instincts, or what cats are programmed to do. There is also useful help with toilet training and spraying, and there is some good advice on introducing new cats to households which already have resident cats.
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Cat Behaviour
Cat behaviour authority Roger Tabor provides an insight into how cats think, in this fascinating book. It covers subjects such as the senses, territory, hunting behaviour, play and learning and the human cat relationship. It also looks at some common behavioural problems and solutions, and there are many delightful photographs throughout.
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The Cat Who Cried for Help
Dr Dodman discusses some of the cases of problem behaviour in cats he has treated at the behaviour clinic of Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine. He uses case studies to illustrate his points, and demonstrates that problem cats can be treated successfully using up to date breakthroughs in feline nutrition, behaviour modification and pharmacology. There is quite an emphasis on the use of drugs to treat behaviour problems, but in many cases they are either a last resort, or used in conjunction with other treatments.
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Why Does My Cat?
This book will give pleasure to cat owners who want to understand their pets' behavioural quirks. The book is divided into three sections. The first deals with general issues relating to behaviour, including diet and the environment, and the second with normal cat behaviour, and how this is affected by domestication. The third section deals with with specific cat problems and accounts for about two thirds of the book. This section is arranged in alphabetical order, by topic, such as 'fear aggression', and 'phobias'. Old age, and other aspects of cat care are also covered. The book is well written and is very funny in parts. Non cat lovers may wonder why we put up with some of the behaviour described, but cats have a special magic and dignity that is all their own, which is captured by this book.
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Manual of Feline Behaviour
This is intended as manual for veterinary surgeons, but it is written in such a way that would appeal to many others, such as animal nurses wishing to specialise or animal behaviour students. Cat owners who wish to have a better understanding of their cat's behaviour will also benefit from reading this book. It first considers normal feline behaviour and then goes on to discuss the diagnosis and treatment of behavioural problems, incorporating interesting case studies.
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The Domestic Cat The Biology of its Behaviour (Second Edition)
This second edition (2000) incorporates new research, results and theoretical ideas into the various reviews which were first published in 1988. It covers behavioural development, social life, predatory behaviour and the human-cat relationship. It aims to be an up to date reference source for vets and zoologists, as well as cat owners and breeders. Each chapter is self contained and there are many references to previous studies and the authors of those studies throughout, which, while of great interest to professionals, can be a bit irritating to the more general reader. However, it is worth persevering because the book is a mine of information and will be of great use to both those studying cat behaviour, and the general reader.
The Behaviour of the Domestic Cat
This book about cat behaviour begins with the physiological, developmental and psychological aspects, following on with chapters about social behaviour, welfare and interactions with people. There are references to scientific literature at the end of the book which avoids the numerous citations throughout the text which other books like this often include. The book will be of use to students of cat behaviour, but will also appeal to the general reader with an interest in cats.
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How to Talk to your Cat
This handy and informative little book by animal therapist and veterinary journalist Claire Bessant, explains about aspects of cat behaviour in a straightforward and very readable way. There are many good books about cat behaviour, but this one cleverly approaches the subject from the perspective of communicating with cats via a thorough understanding of their natural behavior. There are tips on choosing the right cat for you, along with a useful A-Z of behavioural problems and solutions. It is the perfect book for cat owners wanting to understand more about their pet's behaviour, without being bombarded by scientific jargon.
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Illustrated Catwatching
Desmond Morris's exploration of cat behaviour is presented in question form - Why does a cat purr?, How does a cat fight? etc. The answers provided are simple and straightforward, often amusing , but always informative. The accompanying photographs are stunning, capturing cats of all shapes, sizes and colours in many different situations.
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Psycho Kitty
This is an entertaining book on cat behaviour problems and how to solve them. It's written by an American feline behaviour consultant, who intersperses her advice with amusing anecdotes from her case histories. She believes in using reward-based methods to train cats, as well as interactive toys to encourage them to form a closer bond with their humans. Reading this book is an enjoyable way to learn to tame your 'psycho kitty', and persuade him to become a more civilised companion.
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Is Your Cat Crazy?
Animal care students will find a great deal to interest them in this book, which presents case studies for readers to think about, before explaining the solution that the authors decided on. It's also gripping enough for non-specialist cat owners, who want to gain new insights into cat behaviour. There is also general advice on how to deal with and prevent cat behavioural problems.
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The Perfect Kitten
Peter Neville and Claire Bessant are highly respected in the field of cat behaviour, and here they set out guidelines for bringing up kitties, based on the latest research. This book is beautifully illustrated, as well as being full of practical advice. This is a very gentle and helpful introduction to the more theoretical aspects of cat behaviour, which should be required reading for anyone taking on a cat.
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What Is My Cat Thinking?: The Essential Guide to Understanding Pet Behaviour
Gwen Bailey is well-known for her popular writing on pets, and here she gives a brief account of cat behaviour, with a view to helping owners to persuade their cats to do things that owners would rather they did, and not do things that owners would rather they didn't. It's good as far as it goes, and certainly an excellent introduction for someone who has never read a cat behaviour book before, because it's so clearly written. However, many readers might prefer something a bit meatier.
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The Cat Whisperer
Claire Bessant is a highly respected cat behaviour expert, despite this trendy title! Much of this book covers the same ground as her earlier book 'How To Talk To Your Cat' - though if you enjoy her work, it's still worth getting both books. She is very good at explaining complex ideas in a way that is easy to understand, and you can pick up far more from twenty minutes dipping into her easy-to-read explanations than from spending two hours on some weightier tomes. Her books are a great help for frustrated owners, and give pleasure to owners who are happy with their cats, but would just like to understand them a bit better.
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Collins Cat & Kitten Behaviour
This is a very good guide to cat behaviour from Sarah Heath, who not only helps you to understand your cat, but also gives training tips. People who think that the only creatures being trained in human-cat relationships are the humans can take heart - some training is possible, and probably much more than you think. It's an entertaining book, and packs in a lot of information, though it is fairly short.
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The Nine Emotional Lives of Cats
Jeffrey Masson's enchanting book is written from the heart, and here he talks about his life with cats in a deeply personal account which rings true in a way that every cat owner will recognize. Masson has already studied emotion in other animals, and here he focuses on Love, Contentment, Jealousy, Curiosity and other emotions he sees in his cats. This is a feel-good book, which also teaches you a lot about your feline companion.