“Time spent with cats is never wasted.” ― Sigmund Freud
It is always good to get some reading done when a cat adds itself to your family. By doing this, you will know how to take care of it well and avoid trips to the vet. Out of the hundred-odd cat care books available in the market, I have shortlisted the ten best ones in this list.
10 Recommended Books on Cats
1. ASPCA Complete Cat Care Manual ― Andrew Edney
The ASPCA Complete Cat Care Manual is endorsed by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and is an important book to read for every cat owner. It gives you all the details on how to look after cats, with images, anatomical diagrams, handling, feeding, exercising, step-by-step instructions on nursing sick cats, day-to-day care of kittens and adult cats, etc. This book covers everything there is about tending to cats and is thoroughly detailed.
2. Cat Care: 101 Essential Tips ― Andrew Edney, David Taylor
Cat Care: 101 Essential Tips is a book that sums up how to look after a cat in 101 tips and pointers. This book gives you all the information regarding cats―right from selecting the perfect cat for your household to caring for it throughout its lifespan. It has been presented in easy-to-understand English, with lots of good pictures. The tips provided are practical and very straightforward.
3. The Complete Illustrated Guide to Cat Care & Behavior ― Bruce Fogle, Andrew Edney
All cat lovers will surely love this book as it highlights important points in communicating with cats. Apart from that, it also elucidates the grooming, handling, emergency first aid, traveling, breeding, routine care, and an in-depth insight into the psychological and physical well-being of your cat.
4. The Cat Whisperer: The Secret of How to Talk to Your Cat ― Claire Bessant
This book specializes in understanding and reacting to certain types of behavior displayed by your cat. It helps you to effectively communicate with your feline pet, as it explains all the likes, dislikes, problems, and solutions regarding cats. It concentrates on indoor cats, and elucidates feline traits and intelligence that have been determined by its genetics.
5. The Stray Cat Handbook ― Tamara Kreuz
A comprehensive work that concentrates on how to care for street cats is very helpful for those who are dedicated to rescuing stray cats. This book describes the plight of such cats, and gives very useful tips and pointers in caring for them. This book is based on firsthand experiences and has beautifully described what to look forward to when you adopt a street cat into your family.
6. House Cat: How to Keep Your Indoor Cat Sane and Sound ― Christine Church
This book has beautifully explained personal experiences that aid cat owners in looking after their cats. This book covers everything regarding cats, like health, nutrition, safety, medical information, recipes, coping with your cat’s emotions, etc.
7. Why Is My Cat Doing That?: Understand Your Pet’s Troubling Behavior ― Sarah Heath
This book covers everything you need to know about the behavior of cats. It gives you information regarding why your cat exhibits certain behavioral patterns, like drinking from the toilet, scratching the couch, littering inside the house, etc. This book really helps one understand the meaning behind your cat’s bad behavior, and what you can do to help it.
8. The Cat Owner’s Veterinary Handbook ― John Bower
This book concentrates on the health of the cat. It helps cat owners choose healthy kittens, love and care for sick cats, cope with behavioral problems during travel, understand the internal functioning of the cat, and know instructions on when to seek professional advice regarding the health of the feline. It is presented in simple English, and has very useful advice on treatment and diagnosis of any health concerns a cat may face.
9. Catlopaedia: A Complete Guide to Cat Care ― J. M. Evans and Kay White
Catlopaedia is like an encyclopedia on cats, as it has all the information regarding sickness, health, behavioral patterns, advice on diseases, aftercare, etc. J. M. Evans is a veterinary surgeon who is also a prolific writer and lecturer on animal care, and Kay White is a journalist who actively supports pet care.
10. Clicker Training for Cats ― Karen Pryor
Karen Pryor is a behavioral biologist who elucidates the methods of clicker training cats. This book is very useful for those who want pointers on how to calm down aggressive cats, make their older cats playful, isolate good behavior, and get rid of bad behavior in their cats, etc. This book has a new and unique approach towards understanding a cat’s problems, and has an equally unique way of addressing and solving these problems.
Honorary Mentions
- Guide to a Healthy Cat ― Dr. Elaine Wexler-Mitchell
- Cat Confidential: The Book Your Cat Would Want You to Read ― Vicky Halls
- One Hundred Ways for a Cat to Train Its Human ― Celia Haddon
- Cats on the Couch: The Complete Guide for Loving and Caring for Your Cat ― Carole Wilbourn
- Claws and Purrs: Understanding the Two Sides of Your Cat ― Peter Neville
- Do Cats Need Shrinks? Cat Behavior Explained ― Peter Neville
- Dr. Pitcairn’s Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Cats ― Richard Pitcairn D.V.M. and Susan Hubble Pitcairn
- Know Your Cat: An Owner’s Guide to Cat Behavior ― Bruce Fogle
- The Cat Psychologist: Understanding Your Cat ― Mardie MacDonald
- The Cat’s Mind: Understanding Your Cat’s Behavior ― Bruce Fogle
- The New Natural Cat: A Complete Guide for Finicky Owners ― Anitra Frazier with Norma Eckroate
- With Your House Cat ― Bill Fleming and Judy Petersen-Fleming
- You’re Ok, Your Cat’s Ok ~ How to establish a meaningful relationship with your cat ― Marcus Schneck and Jill Caravan The
- Cat Who Cried for Help: Attitudes, Emotions and the Psychology of Cats ― Dr. Nicholas Dodman
- Psycho Kitty? Understanding Your Cat’s Crazy Behavior ― Pam Johnson-Bennett
- Twisted Whiskers: Solving Your Cat’s Behavior Problems ― Pam Johnson-Bennett
- Think Like a Cat: How to Raise A Well-Adjusted Cat -Not a Sourpuss ― Pam Johnson-Bennett
It’s always good to know as much as we can about our feline companions, and the books mentioned above strive to educate us about them. Give them a read, and have a blast looking after your cat.
