I volunteer in the cat rescue field, working with feral and tame cats. We end up with many different cats and also see a variety of ailments. This book, along with internet searches and calling others in the field, are my first resources on what to do when I run into something new. It's a great book to have on hand.

A great reference book for any of your cat issues. Sensible, readable, informed. Every cat owner should read Chapter 10 -- "Nutrition," FIRST. Folks, we are damaging our cats with dry food -- There are many inexpensive wet-food options available (even in the grocery store) that will not contribute to your cat's development of urinary or kidney problems and will not contribute to the development of diabetes in your cat. Spend a little more on food and save on vet bills. We need to change the way we feed our cats for their health and our wallets.

This book directly contradicts itself about raw diets and flushable cat litter, making these two confusing subjects even more confusing. Did an actual editor read this before it was printed? Overall, the information in this book doesn't rise above "obvious" very often.

The Cat Bible reads like a text book and isn't something I see us keeping. I'd rather have a cat guide that was easier to read and proivded information in a cleaner manner.

While I've had cats before, this book is incredibly valuable. We just got a new kitten and found great info on training him with techniques we've never considered before. I recommend this for anyone getting a kitten regardless of your history of having cats.

While I've had cats before, this book is incredibly valuable. We just got a new kitten and found great info on training him with techniques we've never considered before. I recommend this for anyone getting a kitten regardless of your history of having cats.

I bought this book hoping to find good, practical advice about owning my first cat. Instead, I found the book to be extremely condescending and preachy. Rather than giving truly practical advice about cat-related matters, I was treated to Ms. Hotchner's personal diatribes on issues such as declawing, cat food, spaying/neutering, etc. I would have vastly prefered a more dispassionate discussion of the pros and cons of these issues rather than Ms. Hotchner's one-sided opinions.

Good but it lacks some schematic drawings of a cat's anatomy.

Sandra

This is a handy-dandy guide to almost everything you need to know about your cat. It covers everything from kitten behavior to most common medical problems. If you're looking for a guide specifically on how to raise a kitten or what to do in a medical emergency, I'd go with something else. This is more of a guide on basic questions you might have for your cat. It covers a lot of areas , but nothing too terribly in depth. I recommend it for general feline questions.

The author has very strongly stated opinions, but she is not always consistent. For example: she goes through a list of all the "bad" things that can be found in cat food, then gives a list of "recommended" brands and flavors. One of the recommended flavors--which happened to be the only one I had on my shelf--is full of the "bad" and has none of the "good" ingredients she talked about.

The author claims that "The Cat Bible" is all-inclusive. However, she intentionally does not address the issues of pregnancy and birth because she feels that ALL cats should be neutered with the exception of purebred breeding stock. (p. 321) I love cats, but I don't particularly want to own a purebred cat. The book definitely does not help me with the care of the pregnant stray I just took in.

I'm sure there is a lot of good information in this book. However, I would want confirmation from another source rather taking taking this literally as my "Cat Bible." Therefore, I feel that this has been a waste of money.

I found this book to be the most comprehensive cat care reference tool I've ever read. The glossary is extremely well organized, helpful and time-saving.

Whoa. I am a cat lover. In fact, I am a lover of all animals. Anyone who "gives away" their animals, as far as I'm concerned, might as well be abandoning their children. And that's why I cannot recommend this book.
On page 252, Hotchner blithely discusses giving away 2 cats, Bert and Ernie, after acquiring a third dog. Huh? This is the same woman who chides the reader for not understanding that a cat is a 10 to 20 year commitment? I don't get it.
Well, apparently she acquired a puppy, which then created a pack mentality among the dogs. "So I gave the cats to a friend."
She was about as emotional as discussing discarding day-old bread.
So the cats had been living happily with your two dogs before you brought a new puppy into the home? Wouldn't it make sense to find the relatively emotionally unattached puppy a new home rather than destroying the lives of your two devoted cats?
Bottom line: I wonder if the DVM who endorsed this book thoroughly digested that heartbreaking nugget...ditto the humane society endorser.
The subhead of this book should be altered to read: Everything your Cat Expects You to Know: Please don't Abandon Me. I will Bond to You. I need to Know You are There for Me forever.
If someone writes a "Cat Bible" it would help if 1) they actually had credentials in the veterinary field and b) they actually liked cats.

Being a cat lover, I also love books about cats. This one has lots of great information and is a handy reference. Well written and logically ordered.

This is an excellent source of information for anyone sharing a home with a cat/cats. They are NOT just small dogs, but have a unique, completely different personality. Dogs are pack animals, cats are not. This simple difference explains volumes! Spraying, peeing on a comforter may have nothing to do with the cleanliness of the litter pan. Lots of information!!

Demystified my cats and helps me when they are behaving strangely/not feeling well.
Indespensable.