Books on Cat behaviour

Johnson-Bennett Pam (Author)
Publisher: Penguin Books (30 Jun 2004)
Language English
ISBN-10: 9780142004753
ISBN-13: 978-0142004753
ASIN: 0142004758

Cat vs Cat is a very handy book for people with more than one cat. You may think you have seen it all, but introducing a new cat can bring about unexpectedly difficult situations. Here you have help with both preventing and tackling problems that can arise when cats don't get along. Please read this book before you decide to bring home a darling kitten to keep your existing cat company, or to take on more than one cat for any reason. It can save you a lot of head scratching ...!

 Vicky Halls
Hamlyn (4 Oct 2010)
ISBN-10: 0600621383
ISBN-13: 978-0600621386

"The Secret Life of your Cat" is beautifully written and illustrated, and is a joy to read, as well as bringing insights into what your cat is up to. Understanding your cat better can help you with with forming a more harmonious relationship with your feline companion, as Vicky Halls explains. She has many years experience as a Pet Behaviour Counsellor, tackling behaviour problems in cats, so she well knows that prevention is better than cure. Personally I just love this book for the very expressively feline illustrations.

Arden Moore
Storey (10 Oct 2007)
ISBN-10: 9781580176743
ISBN-13: 978-1580176743
ASIN: 1580176747

The Cat Behavior Answer is especially useful for people who have indoor cats, because it is American, and in the US, owners often have to keep their cats indoors, because of dangers from large carnivores like coyotes, and from large feral cat populations. This means that the book is especially geared to people with indoor cats, which can behave in different ways from outdoor cats, or cats given the freedom to come and go as they please. There is plenty of advice about dealing with feline stresses, cats that make a lot of noise, toileting problems, and other behavioural issues that are perhaps more common among indoor cats.

Vicky Halls
Bantam Books
ISBN 0-553-81645-4
ISBN 978-0-553-81645-7

Another book from Vicky Halls, renowned and respected feline behaviour therapist, or as she describes herself ‘a cat shrink’. This book delves further into the realms of cat behaviour, helping the reader to become ‘detective’ so that problems can be resolved. The idea is that once you know why your cat is exhibiting worrying or inappropriate behaviour, the solution is often much easier to come by. Vicky also discusses other therapies such as homeopathy, Reiki and acupuncture that can be used in conjunction with a behaviour therapy programme. As always, there are fascinating case histories which bring it all to life.

Vicky Halls
Bantam Press
ISBN 0-593-05564-0
ISBGN 978-0-593-05564-9

The latest from Vicky Halls, and another gem for those who love to explore the mind of the cat. Vicky provides important insights into how the feline/human relationship has changed and grown over the centuries. Each section looks at the different problems that can occur in the relationship supported as usual, by detailed and intriguing case studies.

The book also includes the results of a nationwide relationship survey and the findings are fascinating.

Linda Tellington-Jones
Kenilworth Press
ISBN 1-872119-76-X

This book explains the use of Tellington TTouch, a special method of touch that can be used on cats to influence health and behaviour, as well as strengthening the bond between cats and humans. The specific Tellington TTouch movements are all explained in detail and there are beautiful photographs that demonstrate each touch. This lovely book is a must for cat owners, and indeed, anyone involved in the animal profession, such as groomers, rescue workers and vets.

J Anne Helgren
Barron’s
ISBN 0 7641 0855 7

This is more than just a book about cat behaviour and problem solving; it delves deep into the psyche of the cat to give you a greater understanding of your pet. It gives an insight into the body and vocal languages of the cat, enabling you to understand and resolve problem behaviours and also to teach your cat essential behaviours such as using a litter tray, staying out of no go areas, such as cookers, and getting used to the dreaded cat carrier – normally associated with a trip to the vets!

Excellent book for those owners who want to better understand their cat and who want to resolve existing problem behaviours or teach new desirable behaviours.

Karen Anderson
Illustrations by Wendy Christensen
Willow Creek Press
ISBN 1-57223-405-9

This is a delightful little book for both new and seasoned cat owners alike. Quirky cat behaviours are presented in a factual but lighthearted way and there are attractive illustrations throughout. Obviously written by a cat lover and more to the point a cat watcher. It’s a quick read, but nevertheless informative

. Cat behaviours are presented in a question and answer form, and even experienced cat owners would benefit from keeping this in their libraries of cat volumes. It would also be suitable for older children, as an introduction to cat behaviour, because it is presented in a jargon-free and often humorous style. You could just dip in and read one or two facts, but you’ll probably find you won’t be able to put it down until you’ve gone on to read the lot.

Review by Gillian Harvey

 Vicky Halls Language English ISBN-10: 0553816446 ISBN-13: 978-0553816440

Vicky Halls is a well-known cat behaviour specialist and in this book she discusses all sorts of odd behaviours (both cat and human!), and gives practical advice and methods on how to resolve feline behavioural issues. Anecdotes about her own cats are nicely interspersed with the fascinating professional case studies.

Vicky believes in adapting a programme of behavioural reform to suit the particular cat, rather than offering a single standard programme for resolving a behavioural issue, which is refreshing, and her methods help cat owners achieve a better understanding of their feline friends. This book goes beyond the usual problem solving and delves into the bond between people and their cats. Highly recommended.

Review by Gillian Harvey

Pam Johnson
Crossing Press
ISBN: 0895947102

This book is a very readable guide to feline behaviour problems, with insights from ethology. That means that many traits which annoy owners are explained in terms of what cats like to do, because they are cats. The advice to owners on how best to tackle problems such as aggression, is guided by what fits in with feline instincts, or what cats are programmed to do. There is also useful help with toilet training and spraying, and there is some good advice on introducing new cats to households which already have resident cats.

 Roger Tabor
David & Charles (24 April 2003)
ISBN-10: 9780715315897
ISBN-13: 978-0715315897
ASIN: 0715315897

Cat behaviour authority Roger Tabor provides an insight into how cats think, in this fascinating book. It covers subjects such as the senses, territory, hunting behaviour, play and learning and the human cat relationship. It also looks at some common behavioural problems and solutions, and there are many delightful photographs throughout.

 Nicholas Dodman
Bantam Books
ISBN 0 553 37854 6

Dr Dodman discusses some of the cases of problem behaviour in cats he has treated at the behaviour clinic of Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine. He uses case studies to illustrate his points, and demonstrates that problem cats can be treated successfully using up to date breakthroughs in feline nutrition, behaviour modification and pharmacology. There is quite an emphasis on the use of drugs to treat behaviour problems, but in many cases they are either a last resort, or used in conjunction with other treatments.

Sarah Heath
Souvenir Press
ISBN 0 285 63542 2

This book will give pleasure to cat owners who want to understand their pets' behavioural quirks. The book is divided into three sections. The first deals with general issues relating to behaviour, including diet and the environment, and the second with normal cat behaviour, and how this is affected by domestication. The third section deals with with specific cat problems and accounts for about two thirds of the book. This section is arranged in alphabetical order, by topic, such as 'fear aggression', and 'phobias'. Old age, and other aspects of cat care are also covered. The book is well written and is very funny in parts. Non cat lovers may wonder why we put up with some of the behaviour described, but cats have a special magic and dignity that is all their own, which is captured by this book.

Valerie O'Farrell and Peter Neville
British Small Animal Veterinary Association
ISBN 0 905 214 24 2

This is intended as manual for veterinary surgeons, but it is written in such a way that would appeal to many others, such as animal nurses wishing to specialise or animal behaviour students. Cat owners who wish to have a better understanding of their cat's behaviour will also benefit from reading this book. It first considers normal feline behaviour and then goes on to discuss the diagnosis and treatment of behavioural problems, incorporating interesting case studies.

Editors Dennis Turner & Patrick Bateson
Cambridge University Press (2013)
ISBN 10 1107025028 

This is the third edition (2013) of a classic which first came out in 1988, updated with new research and new approaches to understanding cat behaviour. It covers behavioural development, social life, predatory behaviour and the human-cat relationship. It aims to be an up to date reference source for vets and zoologists, as well as cat owners and breeders. Each chapter is self contained and there are many references to previous studies and the authors of those studies throughout, which, while of great interest to professionals, can be a bit irritating to the more general reader. However, it is worth persevering because the book is a mine of information and will be of great use to both those studying cat behaviour, and the general reader.

John W.S. Bradshaw, Rachel Casey, Sarah Brown
CABI Publishing (2012)
ISBN 10 1845939922

This book about cat behaviour is the second edition of a classic by John Bradshaw, which has been updated. It begins with the physiological, developmental and psychological aspects of cat behaviour, following on with chapters about social behaviour, welfare and interactions with people. There are references to scientific literature at the end of the book, making it easier to read than books with numerous citations throughout the text. This book is especially useful for professionals who are interested in cat behaviour. It will also appeal to people who are interested in ethology and who love cats. 

Claire Bessant
Blake Publishing; New edition edition (30 April 2004)
Language English
ISBN-10: 9781904034742
ISBN-13: 978-1904034742
ASIN: 1904034748

Claire Bessant is a highly respected cat behaviour expert, despite this trendy title! Much of this book covers the same ground as her earlier book 'How To Talk To Your Cat' - though if you enjoy her work, it's still worth getting both books. She is very good at explaining complex ideas in a way that is easy to understand, and you can pick up far more from twenty minutes dipping into her easy-to-read explanations than from spending two hours on some weightier tomes. Her books are a great help for frustrated owners, and give pleasure to owners who are happy with their cats, but would just like to understand them a bit better.