The Cat Who Cried for Help: Attitudes, Emotions, and the Psychology of Cats - Softcover

Dodman, Nicholas

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0553378546 ISBN 13: 9780553378542

Publisher: Bantam, 1999

Synopsis

In this groundbreaking book, Dr. Nicholas Dodman does for feline psychology what he did for canines in his widely acclaimed The Dog Who Loved Too Much.  Here he reveals the fascinating, and often frustrating, mind of one of our most popular--and certainly most independent--animal companions, and shows how we can coexist peacefully with even the stubbornest of cats.

What do you do about a cat determined to tear your sofa to shreds?  Or one who gorges himself on your best running shoes . . . or attacks anyone who dares to open the refrigerator door?  Drawing on remarkable real-life stories from his practice at the prestigious Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Dodman shares the unique, compassionate, dramatically successful treatment programs that have given problem cats a new lease on life . . . and their perplexed owners long-term solutions to even the most intractable disorders.

As any cat owner knows, changing a cat's behavior can seem like an impossible task.  But contrary to popular belief, cats can be trained and cured of irritating habits and undesirable behaviors.  The Cat Who Cried for Help shows how minor adjustments in diet, exercise regimen, and environment can effect dramatic breakthroughs in resolving almost any feline problem.  From cat panic attacks to eating disorders, from litterbox aversion to depression and a wide range of feline phobias, Dr. Dodman has successfully treated and resolved these and many other heretofore untreatable behaviors.

Inside, you'll meet Ashley, the boss-cat who literally bites the hand that feeds him; Jonathan, the binge-eater; Rubles, the Abyssinian Jekyll and Hyde, pussycat one minute, man-eating tiger the next; and Thomas, the cat who cried for help--a little too loudly.  Dr. Dodman's techniques are based on the most up-to-date research in pharmacology and feline behaviorism.  Yet the primary objective of his treatments is to respect and protect the qualities of independence and dignity fundamental to a cat's nature.

Including descriptions of symptoms, treatment options, and tips on prevention, The Cat Who Cried for Help provides everything you need to know to ensure both you and your feline friend a long, happy, and healthy relationship.  If you've ever wanted to better understand the nature of this mysterious, enigmatic, and fascinating creature, Dr. Dodman's book provides a penetrating look into the intriguing and intricate world of the cat in your life.

About this title

Review:

Dr. Nicholas Dodman, professor of behavioral pharmacology at Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine and director of the Behavior Clinic, turns his attention to our feline friends and their mysterious minds in The Cat Who Cried for Help. Similar to Dodman's discussion of dog behavioral problems in his popular first book, The Dog Who Loved Too Much, The Cat Who Cried for Help examines aggravating cat habits and undesirable behavior, and shows how modifications in such areas as diet, exercise, and environment cause remarkable improvements in the majority of problem cats. Divided into three sections, Dodman first tackles aggressive behavior, followed by emotional behavior, and compulsive cats. With examples from his own practice, Dodman intelligently communicates symptoms, treatment options, and helpful tips for prevention. Vital to his treatment is maintaining the cat's dignified and independent nature, an objective sure to please those cat owners irritated by certain kitty traits but concerned first and foremost for the health and well-being of their cats. Praised by author Elizabeth Marshall Thomas as "a thoughtful and creative approach to changing detrimental behavior," The Cat Who Cried for Help is perfect for cat owners interested in better understanding their fascinating feline.

From the Publisher:

"A wonderful and splendid follow-up to The Dog Who Loved Too Much, The Cat Who Cried for Help presents a thoughtful and creative approach to changing detrimental behavior in animals who depend on our goodwill. . . . I love Dr. Dodman's work!"
--Elizabeth Marshall Thomas, author of The Tribe of Tiger and The Hidden Life of Dogs

"I applaud Dr. Dodman's approach. His book establishes a new frontier for the veterinary profession and is essential reading for all who live with cats."
--Dr. Michael W. Fox, author of Understanding Your Cat and vice president of The Humane Society of the United States

"The Cat Who Cried for Help is an interesting and timely book."
--Bruce Fogle, D.VM., M.R.C.VS., author of The Cat's Mind and Encyclopedia of the Cat

"There's a new pet savior in town--Dr. Nicholas Dodman brings the same wisdom, warmth, and miracle working to cats that pet lovers cheered in The Dog Who Loved Too Much. Every pet owner who loves their cat should buy this book."
--Michael Capuzzo, author of Wild Things and Mutts: America's Dogs

"The Cat Who Cried for Help is a fine addition to any animal lover's library, but a must for cat lovers."
--Betty White

About this edition

• Publisher: Bantam
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 0553378546
• ISBN 13: 9780553378542
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 256