Decoding your cat : the ultimate experts explain common cat behaviors and reveal how to prevent or change unwanted ones /

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

The cutting-edge, scientifically accurate, definitive book on the most popular behavioral issues that cats face



Every cat owner has wondered: Why is my cat acting this way? Decoding Your Cat, a comprehensive, easy-to-understand guide to decode your cat, likely has the answer. Many have tried to instruct proper cat training, but this is the first book of its kind to provide an in-depth understanding of the underlying reasons for a cat's problem behavior, the essential key to unlocking the best for your cat. Armed with the newest science on cat behavior, effective, veterinary-approved methods, and real-life examples, this must-have book empowers cat owners to understand why their cat acts the way it does, address behavior problems, and ensure a happy life for their pets. Decoding Your Cat gives owners new insight on promoting their cat's physical and psychological health and wellness and maintaining a long and fulfilling relationship together.



Written by the leading experts in cat behavior from the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, with an introduction by animal expert Steve Dale, this book conveys the newest and best information on cat behavioral science in a fun, interesting, and understandable way. Together with anecdotes from real life situations and the science behind how cats relate to their world, Decoding Your Cat empowers owners to provide a home environment that is happy, safe, and functional, to identify and seek treatment for medical health problems, to understand how to deal with unwanted behaviors, and in general to help cats live longer and fuller lives.

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

• Foreword (p. xi)
• Preface (p. xv)
• Acknowledgments (p. xvii)
• Introduction (p. xxi)
• 1 The Language of Meow (p. 1)
• Feline Phonics from Nose to Tail
• 2 Welcoming Your New Best Friend (p. 27)
• Setting Up Your New Cat for a Lifetime of Health and Happiness
• 3 The Feline Dream Home (p. 49)
• Creating an Enriched Environment for Your Cat's Mind and Body
• 4 Social Butterflies (p. 71)
• Cats Are Not Really Solitary Animals
• 5 Living with Multiple Cats (p. 93)
• Creating Harmony in the Multicat Household
• 6 Unlocking the Feline Mind (p. 115)
• What Learning Really Is and How Cats Learn
• 7 Do Cats Mean to Be Mean? (p. 143)
• Understanding Why Cats Aggress Toward Humans and What to Do About It
• 8 My House Is Not Your Toilet (p. 165)
• Feline Elimination Problems
• 9 I'm a Scaredy-Cat (p. 190)
• Please Keep Quiet and Don't Make Me Meet New People or Go Anywhere - Especially to the Veterinarian!
• 10 Oral Obsessions (p. 212)
• Compulsive Grooming and Eating Behaviors
• 11 I Know It's Normal, but How Do I Make It Stop? (p. 228)
• Normal Feline Behaviors That Drive People Crazy
• 12 The Cat Outside: So Close but So Scared (p. 251)
• Getting to Know That Cat You Just Can't Seem to Touch
• 13 Growing Old with Grace (p. 272)
• Old Cats Should Learn New Tricks
• Conclusion (p. 294)
• Appendix A Teaching Your Cat to Like the Carrier (p. 296)
• Appendix B Medicating Your Cat (p. 298)
• Appendix C Tips for Introducing Cats and Dogs (p. 301)
• Recommended Resources (p. 304)
• About the Editors (p. 308)
• About the Authors (p. 312)
• Members of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (p. 321)
• Index (p. 323)

Reviews provided by Syndetics

Publishers Weekly Review

In this savvy guide from members of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, readers are nudged toward better understanding, and thus coexisting with, their feline companions. A chart in the first chapter interprets common emotional cues, from the set of cats' ears (semi-rotated outward, flattened, or relaxed) or their eyes (closed, gazing casually, or slowly blinking). The authors cover everything from temperament testing (not very successful for kittens, more so for adult cats) to, in the most fascinating section, enriching a bored cat's environment to negate bad behavior. Since cats like to view their surroundings from above, the authors suggest creating a raised perch placed safely above the human fray. And as cats are hunters by instinct, owners can provide food-dispensing toys that allow cats to "catch" their meals while working off excess energy. The book also covers auditory stimulation, artificial pheromones, creating play areas and DIY cat toys, and making sure the litter box gets used. Reading this highly informative book will be a good start on the road to making cats happier and more fulfilled at home. (June)

Booklist Review

Following up Decoding Your Dog (2014), the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists doesn't disappoint with this volume devoted to cats. Almost every imaginable mental, physical, and emotional symptom and behavior, from not using a litter box to incessant yowling, is mentioned, analyzed, and when appropriate, illustrated via case study. Seventeen practitioners contribute chapters on feline language, cat acclimation, myth-debunking (for one, felines are not so solitary), multi-cat households, and other topics. A similar structure to each chapter helps sort anecdotes from advice; "What did we say?" at the end of each chapter captures the highlights. Just a few of the facts cat owners will find: Socializing kittens for 15 minutes a day will help develop friendly companions. Straight tails held high are signs of a friendly encounter. And, unfortunately, Alzheimer's can impact cats too --in the form of cognitive dysfunction syndrome, or CDS. Appendices include tutorials on teaching your cat to like the carrier, medicating your cat, and introducing cats and dogs, as well as lists of contributors and recommended resources. Best friends made better.

Author notes provided by Syndetics

DRS. MEGHAN E. HERRON, DVM, DACVB, DEBRA HORWITZ, DVM, DACVB, and CARLO SIRACUSA, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVB, DECAWBM are experts and leaders in the field of veterinary behavior.

STEVE DALE is a nationally syndicated pet journalist, radio host, and author of numerous best-selling books.