Essential Cat

This richly illustrated, clearly and succinctly written guide is a feline reference for the whole family, basic enough to engage younger readers but comprehensive enough to offer plenty of information for adults, even those with previous cat experience. From choosing a cat to creating a healthy environment for it, from feline behavior to health care and reproduction, Davis, a freelance pet journalist and co-author of Dog Training in No Time, dispenses her advice with the calm frankness of a seasoned animal lover. She provides tips on introducing new pets to resident animals, be they cats, dogs or small mammals, on grooming (and tooth-brushing!), on praising and punishing (rewards work but punishments don't) and countless other matters small and large. And in the extensive sections on cat health, she defines common problems as well as conventional and alternative therapies (magnotherapy, iridology and even feng shui). Anyone picking up a kitten for their home should consider picking up this book as well.