Let’s Talk About Cats: Conversations on Feline Behaviour features 16 unique in-depth conversations with devoted feline experts, each chapter answering a question about our cats. An abundance of catty conversation points which provide many useful takeaways for cat owners to improve their own every-day connection with their cats.
This book, the first of its kind, presents the combined wisdom of experts from all over the world on the psychology, behaviour, diet and training of cats, in a relaxed and conversational style. Contributors include Jackson Galaxy, star of My Cat From Hell, and composer David Teie, whose ground-breaking album, Music for Cats, was released by the Universal Music Group.
Each illuminating chapter exudes a love for cats and a wealth of fascinating insights.
This book is packed with helpful advice, guidance and true stories from the author’s own professional experience of cat care topics, explaining the most important cat concepts, giving food for thought and expanding on all the most important issues and debates in the cat world.
My Review
I don’t think I can review this book without giving you some background on my experience with cats. Really, I just want an excuse to share them on my blog. I grew up with cats, from a pedigree Siamese to moggies. I’m probably more drawn to cats than dogs and love their unique personalities and character.
My Cats
For a long time, I didn’t have cats due to renting. Then I got Frankie and Ollie, my first kittens just before Christmas. It was chaos and they brought the tree down on more than one occasion.
They lived a very happy 12 years and passed peacefully this year within months of each other. Frankie was the first, she died peacefully in her sleep on her favourite spot on my bed. After she passed, we decided to rescue.
Along came Molly and Preston, Preston is partially sighted and his sister Molly has one glassy eye. They settled in beautifully, unfortunately shortly after they arrived Ollie had to be put to sleep after a short sudden illness. Pets are members of our family and loosing our two cats so close together was devastating. I still very much miss them.
Then on the rescue site Teddy and Tia appeared. They needed a special home due to previous abuse. Ted’s back legs are in a bad way and something about those two cats called to me. I spent an hour at the rescue center deciding whether we were the right home. Ultimately, I brought them back to live with us. Ted is still a work in progress but improving day by day.
So, just like that we ended up with four cats and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
The Book
Interestingly growing with and then owning cats I have never read a book about them. I was very intrigued with what this book could teach me, especially given my rescues all have some level of extra need.
Let’s talk about cats has a very clear layout. Each chapter has a brief introduction on the topic, most have an in-depth interview with an expert in that field and then ends with a real-life case study. I really enjoyed this structure as it brings a unique voice to each area discussed.
My particular favourite was the interview with Jackson Galaxy on bonding with your cats. I’ve always enjoyed watching his programs and his insights into cat behavior. Bonding with Ted has been especially important due to his past and I found some helpful tips in this chapter.
The books covers everything from cat communication, training, cat language and the hardest part of pet ownership, saying goodbye. As this book covers such a vast range of topics nothing is overwhelming but also doesn’t go into too much detail. At the end Anita provides a reference section so if you are looking for more information on a certain area you can find it easily.
I think this is a great book for people new to cat ownership. It will cover everything you need to know, is engaging to read and doesn’t leave you struggling to process the information. Having said that I would say I’m quite an experienced owner and I certainly learnt a few things.
My thanks to Rachel for an invite onto the tour and to Anita for a copy of her book in exchange for an honest review.
Purchase Links:
UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lets-Talk-About-Cats-Conversations-ebook/dp/B08HKNXBFT
US – https://www.amazon.com/Lets-Talk-About-Cats-Conversations-ebook/dp/B08HKNXBFT
If anyone would like the chance to win a free copy of Let’s Talk About Cats plus some fun cat toys from Purrs In Our Hearts and 4Cats then join the Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/letstalkaboutcats
There will be 5 fun cat photo competitions posted on 23rd Nov With the entries closing 4th Dec. Rules and how to enter on the page.
Author Bio
Anita Kelsey holds a first class honours degree in Feline Behaviour and Psychology (work based BA Hons) and runs a vet referral service dedicated strictly to the diagnosis and treatment of behaviour problems in cats. She is also a qualified cat groomer and specialises in grooming aggressive or phobic cats. Anita writes for Your Cat Magazine and is on their experts panel answering readers questions on cat grooming. She also advises on feline behaviour for the CFBA (Canine and Feline Behaviour) magazine as well as being a full member. Anita, a strong advocate of a vegan lifestyle, is based in London but consults all over the UK as well as international requests. She lives with her husband, a music producer, and two Norwegian Forest cats, Kiki and Zaza.
Her debut book ‘Claws. Confessions Of A Professional Cat Groomer‘ was published by John Blakes in 2018 and her second book Let’s Talk About Cats, Conversation On Feline Behaviour is due out November 28th 2020.
Visit http://www.catbehaviourist.com.
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Fab review! I love your photos and stories about your cats!