Decoding Your Cat

by American College of Veterinary Behaviorists

[annieb123]

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Decoding Your Cat is a reference guide to cat behavior and health written under the auspices of the ACVB. Due out 21st July from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, it's 448 pages (ebook edition), and will be available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.

This is a lavishly illustrated and well structured book of essay chapters written by experts in behavioral science. The topics are wide ranging and include identifying and interpreting body language, non-vocal signals, and interpreting and modifying undesirable behaviors. Training is a two-way street and the contributors do a good job of explaining how we, as pet owners, can also change our own behavior and expectations to help our feline companions succeed.

Terminology and concepts are well defined in text sidebars as they appear in the chapters. Illustrative photographs also show postures and behaviors along with definitions and explanations. The concepts are factual and science based. The early eARC of the book which I received for review purposes did not contain the table of contents or index, but these will obviously be included in the release copy.

This would make a superlative reference for pet owners as well as in a more professional setting (for veterinarians, students of animal behavior and similar professions). Five stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.