The Cat Lover's Dictionary: The Easy Reference Guide to Cats and Cat Care

Discusses diet, exercise, rest, play, behavior, grooming, common ailments, and first aid, with a focus on natural health care

McHattie, author of many cat books including The Cat Maintenance Manual, Problem Puss, and Supercat, sounds like a kindly aunt offering advice in The Cat Lover's Dictionary. Originally published in Great Britain in 1989, it covers cat psychology, explaining "mad moments" when cats explode into action for no obvious reason, and why mother cats will chew off obstreperous kitten whiskers. British philosophy (antideclawing) and a good dose of McHattie's practical experience and common sense give the book a personal touch. Offering facts and advice on cat health, breeds, colors and marking patterns, habits, and cat shows, this book is not comprehensive and does not attempt to be. It is aimed at informing, not overwhelming, the pet owner or prospective pet owner and does this very well.

Cat books are almost as plentiful as cats themselves, so why consider this one? Next to the encyclopedic tomes on cat breeds and cat care, this small book has found its niche by offering instant access to the topic in question. The alphabetical arrangement avoids paging through an index or contents to find out what to do, especially useful in an emergency, such as bleeding when time is of the essence. As a dictionary, it is not meant for reading straight through, but the author's style and humor make it a pleasure, and readers may not be able to stop themselves. With more than 30 handsome color photographs of different breeds, this book is appropriate for school and public libraries where readers are satisfied with the basics.