With cats now outnumbering dogs in the U.S. pet population, it's only right that manuals on feline care proliferate. By no means should British editor (of Your Dog magazine) and journalist Davis' reference be purchased as the one and only cat book; information from specialized cat-fancy and veterinary associations are much more detailed in terms of, say, characteristics of different breeds and symptoms of various illnesses. For the new cat owner, though, she provides ample data in the tables and comparison charts, Q and A's, top tips, and good color photographs. For instance, an upfront checklist in every chapter summarizes major points to remember; the right environment, for instance, includes safe territory, sense of security, personal space, toys to satisfy the hunting instinct, and so on. And an at-a-glance vacation checklist. A sensitive introduction to America's top domestic animal. --Barbara Jacobs Copyright 2004 Booklist

Reader's Digest books are recognized for their visually appealing layout and photographs, and that is what sets this work apart from the multitude of other cat books. In a readable style, Davis, a British freelance pet journalist, covers the usual topics, e.g., feline behavior, healthcare, reproduction, first aid, illness, and aging. Numerous checklists, sidebars, and tips and remedies supply the reader with a wealth of quick information. Hundreds of delightful full-color instructional photographs provide clear steps for tasks such as feeding, grooming, giving medications, bathing, and even brushing a cat's teeth. Wendy Christensen and others' The Humane Society of the United States Complete Guide to Cat Care is solid but lacks the detailed visual instructions of this work. Highly recommended for all types of libraries needing another cat care book.-Eva Lautemann, Georgia Perimeter Coll. Lib., Clarkston (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

This richly illustrated, clearly and succinctly written guide is a feline reference for the whole family, basic enough to engage younger readers but comprehensive enough to offer plenty of information for adults, even those with previous cat experience. From choosing a cat to creating a healthy environment for it, from feline behavior to health care and reproduction, Davis, a freelance pet journalist and co-author of Dog Training in No Time, dispenses her advice with the calm frankness of a seasoned animal lover. She provides tips on introducing new pets to resident animals, be they cats, dogs or small mammals, on grooming (and tooth-brushing!), on praising and punishing (rewards work but punishments don?t) and countless other matters small and large. And in the extensive sections on cat health, she defines common problems as well as conventional and alternative therapies (magnotherapy, iridology and even feng shui). Anyone picking up a kitten for their home should consider picking up this book as well. (Jan.) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.