Decoding Your Cat

January 27, 2020
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.

Starred review from June 1, 2020
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.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)