Cat Resources

Basic Cat Information -

There are many sources of information about cats in books, and on the Internet. Which one(s) you choose depends upon the type of information that is sought, and what best suits your needs. There are many sites you can visit. Of course, each major cat food brand have their own web site, such as Purina® and Iams®. They include information on cat care, the various breeds, how to choose a cat, etc.

Alternately, Animal Planet has a very comprehensive cat resource guide at their web site. The "Guide To Your Cat" covers a range of topics from the history of the domestic cat to their health care. It also provides information on adoption, breeds, how to choose a cat, commitment, visiting the vet, and habits. This site is easy to navigate, very concise, and thorough.

For very specific information, using a search engine will likely return many links to your query. But, it will depend upon you to determine which links are relevant.

Cat Recommendations -

A few recommendations for consideration ...

Declawing. It is not recommended. Simply, the procedure is an amputation and an unnecessary surgery. It deprives the cat of their ability to defend themself, especially if they are outdoors (by choice or by accident). If the concern is to limit the scratching on furniture, there are many other alternatives. Soft Paws®, for example, is placed over the claw. It will remain on the claw until it is shedded.

Indoors. It is the most effective way of keeping them safe, and extending their life. A cat that wanders outside is more likely to contract an illness or become hurt. Indeed, the outdoors is a fantastic stimulant for cats. If your cat goes outside, escort them and monitor their activity - especially if they are primarily an indoor cat.

Commitment. It begins with neutering or spaying. Not only does it help with the overpopulation problem, it also improves the quality of life and reduces the likelihood of certain diseases. It also means making a lifetime commitment to care for their every need and want. Taking on a cat, or any companion animal, is a responsibility. It's a job that must be taken seriously. They are depending on you.

Feline Veterinary Information -

Veterinary information is readily available on the Internet as well. The manner in which you use this information is your personal choice, but should not be a substitute for your veterinarian when you have specific concerns or questions about the health of your animal companion.

If you wish to use online resources, there are several sites available. The most comprehensive site of veterinary information is VetInfo. Here, you can search an extensive index that is compiled in a question and answer format. It also has a veterinary encyclopedia as well for both cats and dogs.

Cat Books -

You may own them, read them, or know of them. Here's a short list of cat books we have enjoyed.

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Your Kitten's First Year by The Ralston Purina Company.

This is a booklet developed by the Purina Pet Care Center to provide easy to understand information about kittens. Topics include choosing a kitten, adoption, commitment, health, and daily care. A good source for children to read before a kitten or adult cat is adopted into a household.

Published by Professional Marketing Group, Ralston Purina Company, St. Louis, MO in 1981.

© Copyright 1981, 1982 - Ralston Purina Company.

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The Japanese Cat At Home by Nobuo Honda.

A collection of photographs of cats in a Japanese home setting, taken by award-winning photographer Nobuo Honda. The photos will produce many smiles.

First published in the United States by Chronicle Books, San Francisco, CA in 1989.

© Copyright 1988 - Nobuo Honda.

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Great Cat Tales edited by Lesley O'Mara.

A collection of cat stories written by various authors. They include James Herriot, Mark Twain, P.G. Wodehouse, and Rudyard Kipling. Very enjoyable reading.

Published by Carroll & Graf Publishers, Inc., New York, in 1989.

Collection copyright © 1989 by Michael O'Mara Books Limited.

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Oscar, Cat-About-Town by James Herriot.

The story about Oscar the cat living, with the Herriots in the English countryside. If James Herriot sounds familiar, think "All Creatures, Great and Small." Though a children's story, "Oscar" is a good story for all ages.

Published by St. Martin's Press, New York.

© Copyright 1977, 1990 - James Herriot.

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The Cat Who Said Cheese by Lillian Braun Jackson.

Part of "The Cat Who" series of mystery novels featuring Koko and YumYum, the siamese cat detectives, who solve puzzling crimes with their human.

Published by G. P. Putnam's Sons, New York (hardcover) and Jove Books, New York (paperback). Both are part of The Berkley Publishing Group, New York.

© Copyright 1996, 1997 - Lillian Jackson Braun.

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