Good discussion but not everything applied to my cats, especially in the section that translated behavior/signals

I have been a cat owner for over 20 years, have taken undergraduate and graduate courses in animal behavior, and have extensive experience in psychiatric (human) nursing. My first cat was a stray whose long-term companion was a terrier mix with a history of physical abuse. We had challenges rehabilitating the dog, but never had any behavioral problems with the cat who lived to be thirteen. My next cat was a 1.5 year-old spayed female adopted from the humane society who was joined 6 months later by a 4-month-old rescued and neutered male kitten. I remarried a few years later and my 1-child/2-cat household was increased by 1 adult male and an English Springer Spaniel. Again - no behavioral problems. A few months ago, our now 13-year-old female cat died from long-term chronic renal failure. Our now 11-year-old male cat became withdrawn and lost weight. We decided to adopt a 1.5 year-old recently spayed female cat. We did the standard isolation and gradual introduction of the new cat into the household. Despite this the new cat is over-grooming to the point of self-mutilation and began spraying a few weeks ago. We had been back to the vet and I was feeling desperate. I updated my cat-health-care library when my former female cat became ill. I recently added this book, Cat vs. Cat: Keeping Peace... It has provided several new insights and problem-solving techniques. I introduced the interactive (human-cat) parallel (cat-cat) play experiences. The cat vs. cat stress has improved significantly and the cats now seem to enjoy hanging out together in the same room. So long as the distance between them is 2 feet or greater there is no hissing and spitting. We are still working on the spraying and over-grooming... I highly recommend this book for anyone who is sharing their life with more than one cat!

I started to read and I'm learning pretty much even though that I allready act according to tips in the book but it is nice to read again and fix things. I have 2 cats that are not friends and I live in 2 room apartment so I manage to hang some high perches on the wall so they less stress this way.

This book is great. I got it because I was interested in understanding my cats, not for any problems, because my cats are pretty good with each other.

Reading the book, I realized I got lucky by just chucking my cats together when I adopted them.

This book has lots of great tips, like placement of food, and even how to play with your cats. (I wasn't letting them catch the rope enough)

It deals with all sorts of issues: hierarchy, toys, food, scratching posts, going outside, cat tree placement, etc etc.

And the photo on the front is freaking hilarious. I laugh every time I look at the book. The cat on the right could have a thought bubble above... "Step off, chump!"

Last but not least, I'll say that I'm really really tempted to get another of this author's books, but this book is so good, I'm not sure what the other books will have that this book doesn't. It's that good.

I have learned so much about cats after reading this book that my three cats are much happier now. By the way, I am also very happy, since they are not scratching our furniture any more. This book is also very well written, making the reading experience pleasant and easy. Thank you so much, Pam. You are awesome!

Before I purchased this book, I was at my wits end. I have 8 cats and my husband and I were seriously considering getting rid of at least half of them. It was the last thing we wanted to do and we really struggled with it. We had a HUGE litterbox problem (among other things) and I'd become embarrassed to have anyone over because the urine smell in the house was just awful. Some cats had stopped using the box altogether even though I was cleaning them regularly. Everything I'd read about online and discussed with other cat owners and even veterinarians wasn't working. I tried different litters, moving the boxes, buying more boxes and anything else I came across but nothing was working. We also had an issue where 2 of the cats weren't getting along at all. They couldn't even be in the same room together or there'd be a violent confrontation. Also, my carpet, wallpaper, furniture and even door frames were being shredded on a daily basis. About a month ago, I came across this book online and decided to purchase it as a last ditch effort. We decided this would be our last attempt at correcting the problems and the next step was getting rid of them. The day I received the book, I immediately began reading it. There was one suggestion the author gave about litter box problems that I'd never heard before. In fact, I'd always heard the opposite! Anyway, I put this suggestion into play the very next day and I've never looked back! All of my cats are using the boxes and my house smells fresh and clean again. In fact, the problem was fixed immediately. I used to clean up urine and feces several times a day and I swear, I haven't had to clean up either since I got this book! Also, the issue with the 2 feuding cats has improved greatly and all the cats are now scratching where they're supposed too. The 2 cats still don't get along but we've found away around it (as suggested in the book) and everybody is much happier. I don't think I could even put a price on this book for what it's done for our family. With what I was paying for carpet cleaners, steam cleaning, paper towels, litter, more boxes...etc., this book has paid for itself a hundred times over!

I've always had cats and thought I knew them well. Not so much, lol. I got this book when I introduced two new cats. It's really helped my cats (and my sanity). It sounds funny, but it helps you to think like a cat which makes understanding and dealing with them a lot easier.

This is a great little book full of information on cats. It has especially good information for introducing a new cat into the household. It's a must have in order to avoid commom mistakes most of us make when bringing a new kitty home.

I've been rescuing cats for years and saw it all. I can say both of Pam's books are right on target. If you REALLY love cats, read her books. Pam's suggestions take extra time and effort. But, Pets require a lifetime commitment so the extra effort pays off. So many people just throw new cats together and then wonder why they don't get along. Her book also will help if you have dogs and cats.

I had 2 cats that were slowly learning to hate each other so I bought this boo. Actually worked! Gave me ideas I never would of thought of and give it high praise!

This book is very informative and will be useful for any home with more than one cat. Most of the recommendations would only be followed by the most devoted humans, but your consideration of this book probably means you're one of them! If nothing else, this book will help you understand why your cats feel the way they do in various situations. Excellent and very quick read. I strongly recommend it to all cat parents.

If you have more than one cat, you must own this book. Useful tips and suggestions for maintaining peace in a multi-cat household, that I haven't found online or anywhere else. Even better knowledge and advice than some of our vets have given us!

A lot of wonderful information. Would recommend to anyone trying to incorporate a new "member" to the family.

Holy cow. In the midst of a dark depression this summer, I rescued a stray also having a rough time; his old lady mommy died and he was thin and mangy and no one wanted him. He is seven and my current cats are 6 and 4. I figured it would work out fine. We've been miserable ever since. The new kitty, Annakin Skywalker, lives his life in a perpetual state of fear and anxiety. He spits, growls and marks. He quivers at the site of my alpha, Doug, and I have spent over 2500 bucks in vet bills, furniture, capret steamers, cleaners, and whatnot. I bought this book, and I'm halfway through it. As the author said, I tossed out the lids on my litter boxes, put some of my clothes where Anni-Sky hides, bought a cat tree all yesterday. I woke up to a peaceful house this morning. Anni-Skye was on my sweater in his corner. Doug was in my bed. And my other guy, Jack, was in the cat tree. There was no mess, no growling and no grief for the first time in months. Anni-Sky even looks different; he is holding his fur out bigger and his pupils look friendlier. Holy cow.

IN ONE DAY!!! This author knows her stuff!

I volunteer at a cat shelter and am often in the position of trying to help people who have cats with behavioral problems. Of course, many of them really don't want solutions, all they want to do is dump the cat. Okay, off the soap box. This book was very interesting to me and it is written in a way that I found informative, understandable, and useful. With a multi-cat household, there are always squabbles going on and the suggestions in the book are all things that are fairly easy to do. As a result of this book, I have relocated some litterboxes and added some cat trees (try the ones from Ware Manufacturing; they're very sturdy and well-constructed. The one I bought is made in the USA, too!)

I have many other cat books, but this is by far my favorite. I even recommended it to a vet friend.

I bought this book based upon the positive reviews here. I've had cats all my life, but recently adopted a third one and wanted to make sure the integration into my two-cat household went as smoothly as possible.

Johnson-Bennett's book doesn't offer any new information or approaches that an informed cat-lover wouldn't already know. I was disappointed that there was only one chapter on the actual introduction of another cat - that was the main reason I bought the book!

If you don't know much about cats, it is a good book. It's easy to read and contains good information. However, if you already know a lot about cats, save your $15 (which I also think is a bit pricey for a 224-page paperback).

I was first introduced to Pam Johnson-Bennett's books when I bought "Think Like a Cat," which I highly recommend as a cat owner's BIBLE. After being a die-hard dog owner, I read that book and found it to be extremely useful! It's the only how-to book you will ever need on the subject. One year ago, I adopted two kittens and I've been very successful with them from day one thanks to that first book.

And now, I bought this book because it takes cat ownership a step further by discussing feline personalities and interaction in greater detail. Once again, her book is packed with a wealth of intelligent, common sense information. I cannot recommend her books highly enough!!

This is a good book for homes with more than one cat. I am a first-time cat owner who has adopted a 5-year-old brother and sister cat. This book helped me understand the communication, often unnoticed by humans, between 2 or more cats. It also illustrates the dynamics of the different "zones" that cats need to define their indvidual space in the home. Now I can look at my kitties with more understanding, find ways to reduce any conflict, and to nurture the behaviors that are more conducive to harmony in the home. This book is also good for any cat owner who is considering adopting another cat, in showing reassuring ways to gently introduce the cats to each other. There are so many good tips, I truly recommend it, whether one is a first-time cat owner or long-time cat owner.

Even if you don't have a fighting situation on your hands, you will learn something valuable about cats from this book. Such sensible, practical advice and very welcome.

This book has opened my eyes and has given me a new perspective on feline behavior. She explains the behavior of a cat to a T and gives expert advise on keeping the peace in a multicat household. Too many times have I seen cats dumped because their human guardians fail to realize their natural behavior. Cats are too often punished for behavior that is completely natural to them (ie. scratching). She explains de-clawing alternatives and gives great insight on litterbox issues. I highly recommend this book.

I found this book to be both informative and entertaining. I thought I already knew a lot about cats (having them for about 15 years), but even I learned quite a few little tidbits I did not know. And Pam informs you of all this information with a sense of humor. Great little read for anyone interested in cats.

While there is some useful information in the book, my opinion is that I understand cats as well as this woman, which is to say nobody really understands them very well at all.

As an example, every cat of hers (3) gets its own litter box in its own space. And you must sift and scoop each box a minimum of twice a day. And no automated boxes, God forbid! She makes a good point that you're not as on top of any medical issues with an automated box, but the same thing is true with your kids, and you don't keep them in diapers! Another example is clearing off vertical spaces for your cats, or get cat trees. I have neither the space nor the time for this kind of nonsense, nor do most of the cat owners I know. Especially the space!

The other thing that annoyed me was the tendency to over-complicate some of the issues: "it could be this ... or that ... or ..." to the point where it's not even helpful. More important, making a major production out of processes like bringing a new cat into the environment. Operation Enduring Freedom this ain't! Yes cats are complicated little animals (aren't we all), but they take their cue from how much nonsense you're willing to tolerate from them, and if you make a big production out of things, they will certainly push that envelope.

For someone new to cats, this could be a good book, but if you've already had cats successfully for some time, save your money and trust your instincts.

Up until now I had not much use of the advice contained in the book as I have only one cat. However I am now well informed in case I decide to have more purring around me. The book is well written and informative. In my opinion it is a good reference book. Well worth having. For some funny cat stories consider the series of Why Some Cats are Rascals, Book 2. For more books with cats check the series:
Sunset (Warriors: The New Prophecy, Book 6)

Pam Johnson-Bennett's main message, to think like a cat, is as simple as it is invaluable. Once you get good at this, you can't go very wrong when it comes to your cats. This particular book by her contains a good amount of information on cat behavior and tips for avoiding potential problems in multi-cat households.

I would recommend though to take many things in this book with a grain of salt. Cats can be highly idiosyncratic, they will each have things that are important for them, each their likes and dislikes. Every cat I knew or know, deviates in some way or another from what is described as normal feline behavior. Some cats for instance *will* in fact prefer the cheap carpeted scratching posts and not touch the more expensive sisal covered ones. Also, based on my own experience, some of PJB's tips and checklists are just unnecessarily work intensive. For example, I don't know anyone who scoops the litterbox several times a day (and I know some big cat lovers). You may need to do it for a special case, but most cats will be fine with scooping less frequently than that.

Overall I would highly recommend this book for anyone looking for good information about living with more than one cats.

The book helped me understand and improve a lot of the issues I was having when I addopted a second cat. I specially appreciate all the pointers and references the author gives... the interactive toys she suggests are just amazing! My cats love the play sessions and now sleep hugging each other very often... Even though they might still play rough sometimes, I believe my cats started to enjoy having a feline friend...

If you're having "unsolvable" cat problems BUY THIS BOOK!!!! It will allow you to keep your cat if you're at your wits end. I work at a large animal shelter and Pam Johnson-Bennett's books have made life for the cats much easier. Applying her teaching means we can house 4 adult cats (who didn't know each-other before) in a 5x7 foot room without incident and our volunteers are safer because we can explain many of the quirks of our "moody" kitties. We're also able to give better troubleshooting advice and have been able to prevent several relinquishments simply by recommending Pam's methods. If you work in cat adoption, if you're having behavior problems, or if you're adding a new cat this book will be you & your cats' best friend.

I buyed this book because I got a new cat that until now can't get aquainted with my old cat, they fight a lot, the hiss with each other, and I became desperate about those behavior, since my old cat was so quiet and gentle. And all of a sudden became a brat. At least I am trying to understand why and discovered what we did wrong in the beginning with the meeting with the little kitten. So I am trying to do all over again with the knowledge that we got from this book.

If you're having "unsolvable" cat problems BUY THIS BOOK!!!! It will allow you to keep your cat if you're at your wits end. I work at a large animal shelter and Pam Johnson-Bennett's books have made life for the cats much easier. Applying her teaching means we can house 4 adult cats (who didn't know each-other before) in a 5x7 foot room without incident and our volunteers are safer because we can explain many of the quirks of our "moody" kitties. We're also able to give better troubleshooting advice and have been able to prevent several relinquishments simply by recommending Pam's methods. If you work in cat adoption, if you're having behavior problems, or if you're adding a new cat this book will be you & your cats' best friend.

I buyed this book because I got a new cat that until now can't get aquainted with my old cat, they fight a lot, the hiss with each other, and I became desperate about those behavior, since my old cat was so quiet and gentle. And all of a sudden became a brat. At least I am trying to understand why and discovered what we did wrong in the beginning with the meeting with the little kitten. So I am trying to do all over again with the knowledge that we got from this book.

I received this book as a gift after expressing to my friend my frustrations with my two cats getting along. It has been a great help and we are slowly implementing new techniques to help them get along. I have learned so much about my cats behavior that I was previously misinterpreting. This is a must read before adding a cat to your home!

More information that I ever dreamed of. If one follows her suggestions it would take an incredible amount
of time and energy to bring a new cat into the house where there are already one or more cats. Ultimately,
I decided my kitty would be an Only Child!

CAT vs. CAT is essential reading for all multi-cat households and everyone who cares for more than one cat. Concise, informative, easily-understood chapters cover broad topics such as litterbox issues, fighting, etc. A must-have for the multicat household's library.

Anyone that has more than one cat in their household would benefit from this book. It's well written and talks about everyday happenings in a multicat home. One example, if you're not sure which one of your kitties is the Alpha cat, just watch them and see which one it at the TOP of the cat tree, most of the time. Which cat tends to be in the highest place, anywhere, most of the time. This is a sign of an Alpha (the Boss) cat. Knowing some of these things will help you understand some of their behavior...which is natural.

Put me midway between those praising this book for its valid observations (how cats determine their heirarchy) and those disparaging it for its suggestions that would indeed chew up most of your spare time.

I eagerly sought out this book to explain why our older cat, Casey, disliked our younger cat, Olivia. Well, there is an incredibly tedious description on how to introduce new cats to each other involving many days of separation and gradual contact. This may be valid in part but I really think kittens and young cats drive dowagers crazy no matter what you do.

When we next bought baby Hanno home, he and Olivia hissed at each other for one day and then began best play buddies. Casey is allowed to retire to her favorite blanket in relative peace while the "young people" wrestle and romp.

Do read this book but realize it may not solve personality problems or conflicts when one cat has vastly higher energy than another.

This book made me see my cats in a new light. I originally picked it up because our first cat (Shadow) has never accepted our second cat (Parker), and it's not a passive kind of rejection unfortunately. Shadow was relentless in attacking Parker, and Parker could never relax while both cats were out and about in the house. We were planning a move, so I picked this book up thinking we could take advantage of the change in territory to give the cats a fresh start, and I'm very glad I read it. Every person with a cat in their family should read this! I actually developed more respect for their cat-ness because of this book.

While we're not quite doing everything the author suggests (it's a struggle to fit in just one interactive play session on weekdays let alone multiple), we're still learning. We plan to get a cat tree to increase vertical territory and maybe some nice window perches since our new home doesn't have windowsills wide enough to sit on.

The good news is that the new home has served as a more neutral territory, and I think our daily play sessions have helped stimulate both kitties so they're not so anxious. We haven't had any fights in the new home, and I'm crossing my fingers that it'll stay that way!

The "HOW-TO BOOK FOR MULTIPLE CAT OWNERS!" This book has lots of valuable information for the multiple cat owner! I've had cats for 35 years and I wish I knew the helpful hints included in this book years ago. It is heartbreaking to hear of people who have to give up their newly adopted felines because they can't get along with the established household cats. This book will help prevent these types of problems. I have two eight-year-old cats and four two-year-old cats. This book is very helpful even now but I wish I had it when I adopted my four "newbies." It helps you understand how a cat thinks and why they react like they do in different situations. I haven't tried the feliway plug-in yet but I intend to. SUPER GREAT BOOK!

Love this book. Great information about dealing with cat confrontations with each other. Good book for those of you with multi-cat families. I have three males and one female, and things get pretty hectic at times with them all vying for my attention at once and getting into spats with each. Highly recommend this book.

Good advice in this book, even if you already have experience with cats. I have kept cats for many years and have previously tried some of Ms. Johnson-Bennett's suggestions for keeping them sane and happy, but this book helped me to understand WHY some of things I did were welcomed by my kitties as well as why some backfired. The author's explanations helped me to get a better grasp on my cat's view of the world.

Your mileage may vary but I have to disagree with the negative reviewers' conclusions. First, the reading level is appropriate for the general public. Second, you don't need to take this as a title of biblical importance; it's a guide.

Most important to this reader, as noted previously, was not so much that the author recommended some techniques I already knew, but that she offered me a better understanding of why those techniques worked, why my cats are doing what they are doing, and for good or bad, why they react the way they do to what I'm doing.

Up until now I had not much use of the advice contained in the book as I have only one cat. However I am now well informed in case I decide to have more purring around me. The book is well written and informative. In my opinion it is a good reference book. Well worth having. For some funny cat stories consider "Why some cats are rascals"

I have two adult female cats who don't like each other. This book didn't give me any new ideas about how to overcome this problem, and for anyone who knows their pets well, this is a complete waste of money. What REALLY irritated me is that there was a section devoted to male-male aggression but nothing about female-female or male-female problems!!

There were so many glaring omissions about basic cat "body language" and behavior, that I became more annoyed the more I read. I was VERY disappointed.

My cat had taken a serious disliking to my boyfriend: clawing, biting, and hissing at anyone nearby, provoking brawls with his littermate, howling through the night and urinating in all his hiding spots. He'd rub against our legs one moment but lash out violently when we reached for him. I was crushed at the thought of having to give away my beloved pet; then I found this book.

Author Pam Johnson-Bennett knows cats. She offers a complete dictionary of how cats communicate their mood, where problem behavior starts, and simple solutions to ease tension and modify behavior. She offers several strategic checklists for anticipated situations as well as existing problems. Don't be fooled by the title either; Pam offers excellent advice on cat-human interactions, too.

We made three little changes and enjoyed INSTANT success. The urinating stopped immediately. Within a week, the violence decreased to a minimum. A month later, the cat was taking treats from my boyfriend's hand and, two weeks after that, sleeping in his lap. It has been several months now without repeat of a major incident. There is no silver bullet, but with this book, you will be well-armed.

we have three cats in our house hold because we just added a new kitten. Since the older one didnt take the last new cat too well. we thought we better look into this. I found out that for the last two cats we indroduced them very well. however there was a lot of insight about hierarchy, toys, and food and litter preferances that we didnt know about. Also the feliway plug in thing is a LIFESAVER!!! Our old grumpy cat has turned into a calm cat who we rarely ever here hiss anymore. He used to hiss when he thought about the other cats. Now he even lets them sniff him and he doesnt mind. He also stopped spaying inside. Now he still gets into fights outside, but while he is inside we know he is happy!

One of the best feline books I have ever read! Gives a lot of insite into the Feline behavior, , and social structure. I have YEARS of animal experience and I walked away with a lot of new knowledge from this book. Definatly a must have or must read for any multi cats household!!!!

This book saved my sanity, and probably avoided at least a couple of hair-raising cat fights when I recently adopted feline #2. Well organized and includes some very useful tips.

Up until now I had not much use of the advice contained in the book as I have only one cat. However I am now well informed in case I decide to have more purring around me. The book is well written and informative. In my opinion it is a good reference book. Well worth having. For some funny cat stories consider "Why some cats are rascals"

I was so disappointed after reading this book because it didn't solve one single issue I have with my three cats. They were all introduced properly but yet one of them has a tendency to play fight with the other two but they're too laid back to play. This book may be helpful if you have multiple cats who are very domineering but for the most part, I'd just get this book at the library and save your money.

Bought this book when I introduced a new cat into my household and my existing cat, a little timid already, just was not adapting very well. The author does a great job of explaining cat behavior and various specific problems (e.g., spraying, aggression). This book plus "The Cat Who Cried For Help" have been invaluable. It's a small investment for helping an owner understand how his/her fur critters are thinking.

I really enjoyed this book. It explained a lot of the strange behavior I've witnessed in my own feline companions (all 4 of them). I never knew how important vertical space was to cats. I learned all sorts of interesting stuff. So if you're looking to understand the hierarchy of the multi-cat household, this is definitely one of the books you'll want to read.

This book was extremely helpful to me!! Though I have owned cats my whole life and consider myself very knowledgeable about them, I still learned a lot!!Plenty of practical tips and tricks and insights. Above all, I have a better understanding of the way cats think and the whys to all their mysterious behaviors. This book has truly given me a better relationship with my 7 cats. This is a must read if you have multiple cats. I love the product recommendations also. My furniture has been saved since getting Pam's recommended cat scratcher.

I am struggling with a number of feline behavioral disorders in my own family, but this book truly shed light on methods to correct these issues. From the beginning, Johnson-Bennett takes the standpoint of analyzing cat behaviors in the context of a multicat household. She covers issues such as litterbox use, timidness, aggression and dicipline.

From reading this book, I added many new regimes to my treatment plan for remeding with cat-cat interaction - using catnip, increasing playtime, training methods, etc. Armed with the knowledge from this book, I went forth and began working to help my cat through her behavioral problems, and after only a few short weeks the issues were resolved! I completely credit this book with giving me the knowledge and understanding to better tackle this problem and create a peaceful environment for both my cats and my family.

The book is an easy read and chocked full of information for multi-cat households. I would recommend it to anyone struggling to find resolve to behavioral issues of their feline friends. If you're looking for books specific to single cat families, she has also written "Think like a cat: How to raise a well-adjusted cat, not a sour puss" which contains training information from kittenhood to senior life (also a great read).