[.uk] Good Owners, Great Cats (ISBN 0446518077)

Amazon.com Review:
Thinking of getting a cat? Read this book! Brian Kilcommons, an animal trainer for more than 20 years, and Sarah Wilson have written a book addressing all aspects of owning and caring for a cat. They explain the mechanics of cat ownership in a way that encompasses the emotional care necessary for a happy cat/owner relationship. In this lively, easy-to-read book (with a marvelous collection of feline photographs), subjects include taking care of a new kitten, raising a healthy cat, and understanding cat behavior. Scattered throughout are short stories about notable cats and their owners; one such story relates the account of Nermal, whose idea of fun was sliding down the laundry chute. Asides throughout the book relate such information as finding your lost cat, dealing with fleas, and choosing a veterinarian. Also helpful are the "Frequently Asked Questions" at the end of each chapter, which address those questions that one might not feel comfortable asking in a large group ("My kitten likes to chase flies. Is this okay?") Touted as "a guidebook for humans and their feline companions," this book is a must-read for any cat owner.

a must have for your home library:
This is a fabulous book! I had a good cat to start, but I wanted to understand her better. Brian and Sarah's book helped me understand what my cat was trying to tell me with her body language. Consequesntly, my cat has become more outgoing when people come over. In addition, this book was the main reason I was able to keep the peace when I brought a new dog home. I read some other animal training books, and this book manages to cover the core of what you really need to know about cats better than the rest. I liked it so much, I also purchased Good Ownners, Great Dogs - which is also the best in its field.

Great Book:
I am a brand new cat owner and so I checked out 3 books from the local library, this being one of them. In reading each of the books, I realized that "Good Owners, Great Cats," almost always had the best, most common-sense advice written in a very "no holds barred" way. Kilcommons doesn't mince words and he's very opinionated, but his opinions seem to be right on the mark. I've only owned dogs in the past, and without reading this book I think that I would be clueless in how to train/discipline a cat. In the few short weeks that I've had the cat and the book (which I've purchased) I've used its hints and advice innumerable times.

Never Knew There Was So Much To Know About Cats!!!:
A very thorough book on one of America's favorite companions! Great pictures and information. It made a wonderful gift for a friend too!! I highly recommend it! "Good Owners, Great Cats" and GreatPets.com - where else do you need to go to find out about cats?!

One misstep, the rest is good advice:
I really like Kilcommon's advice on behavioral issues and methods to train cats. His advice has a slightly different angle than what you will find in a cat book by a vet. One point he makes, which I strongly disagree with, is his advice that if you can't tame a feral cat, have it euthanised. I presume he wrote this out of ignorance, since TNR (Trap, Neuter, Release) wasn't widespread ten years ago, but since then has become the best and most widely accepted way to manage feral cats. They can live perfectly happy and healthy lives outside if they are spayed, neutered and cared for. Other than this, a solid book and good addition to cat care information.

great advice for my fearful dog:
My husband and I recently adopted a fearful/shy dog from a local canine rescue group. The group recommends this book to "new" parent(s). This book has given me some great advice in understanding, owning, and training a dog, as well as, how my behavior/attitudes/emotions affect the dog's confidence. Originally, I checked this book out from a local library; I am going to purchase this book to have as a general reference.