When I look at cat care guides, I typically review them to see if they are something I would recommend to other cat owners. I?ve spent?almost three decades either caring for cats, working with cats, or writing about cats. I spend a good part of each day educating myself about the lastest in cat health and cat care. I love to learn about cats, and I learn something new every day -? but I?don?t expect to learn much I haven?t read or heard about before from a basic cat care book.
At the same time, I knew that Your Cat: The Owner?s Manual: Hundreds of Secrets, Surprises, and Solutions for Raising a Happy, Healthy Cat wouldn?t be just another cat care book. After all, it was written by America?s veterinarian, Dr. Marty Becker, the veterinary contributor to ABC?s Good Morning America and The Dr. Oz Show, and his writing partner, Gina Spadafori, a veteran journalist who has been writing about pet care for decades.
I had the good fortune of meeting Dr. Becker at a veterinary convention in the late 90?s/early 2000?s. I?m sure Dr. Becker doesn?t remember meeting me, but I will always remember his lecture from that convention. Even though I?don?t remember what it was about, I do remember that it stood out among all the other lectures because of the enthusiasm Dr. Becker brings to his work as a veterinarian, his dedication to the human animal bond, and his passion for sharing his knowledge about pets with others so their lives, and the lives of their pets, can be richer for it.
This?passion comes through in every page of the book. From how to select a cat or kitten (or what to do when one selects you) to how to keep your cat happy and healthy throughout her life by providing proper nutrition, health care, environmental stimulation, and even training, the book covers all aspects of cat care.
Dr. Becker?addresses a few topics I have not seen in other cat care books. ?Financial Planning for Pet Care? covers pet insurance, setting up a dedicated savings account for pet care, explains why veterinary care costs what it does, and offers money saving tips that won?t compromise your cat?s health. ?In Sickness and in Health? includes everything from finding the right veterinarian for your cat and getting the best medical care to what to do in an emergency.
The book is written in a highly engaging and entertaining style, sprinkled with a dose of humor, which makes?for a thoroughly?enjoyable reading experience.
I loved almost everything about this book. The one area that didn?t resonate with me was the author?s take on nutrition.? While Dr. Becker stresses that cats are obligate carnivores and that they need moisture in their diet, and while I didn?t expect him to endorse a raw diet, I would have preferred to see a stronger emphasis on feeding canned food.
Even though I respectfully disagree with Dr. Becker on this one area, I highly recommend this book. If you?re only going to get one cat care guide, this is the one to get.
We?re giving away one copy of Your Cat: The Owner?s Manual to one lucky reader!
To enter the giveaway, tell me in a comment why you would like to win. For an additional chance to win, tweet about this giveaway or share on Facebook, and post the link in a separate comment. This giveaway ends Friday, May 25.
This book was sent to me by the publisher. Receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
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