Let’s Talk About Cats ~ A Review
Introduction
Let’s Talk About Cats: Conversations on Feline Behaviour, features 16 unique in-depth conversations with devoted feline experts. Each chapter answers a particular question about cats. There are many useful takeaways for cat owners to improve their own every-day connection with their cats.
This book, the first of its kind, presents the combined wisdom of experts from all over the world, on the psychology, behaviour, diet and training of cats. Contributors include Jackson Galaxy, star of My Cat From Hell, and composer David Teie, whose ground-breaking album, Music for Cats, was released by the Universal Music Group.
The pages are filled with helpful advice, guidance, and true stories from the author’s own professional experience of cat care. It explains a range of cat concepts, expanding on some of the most important issues and debates in the cat world.
Review
I’m a cat lover. We’ve had cats in the family for as long as I remember, and continue to share our home with a number of rescue cats. A book promising a wealth of fascinating cat facts and tips was always going to appeal, and I was not disappointed. This is easily one of the best books about cats which I have read.
In sixteen wonderfully full chapters, Anita takes us on a journey of exploration through cat psychology, physiology, and behaviour. Drawing on her expertise in cat behaviour, and with insights from other professionals, Anita presents an intricate study into our feline friends.
From the outset, Anita’s approach appealed to me. She talks of cats – indeed, all animals – as sentient beings, who deserve our love and respect. Throughout the book, her words are underpinned by a message of responsibility. When we choose to share our lives with cats, we take on a commitment of care towards them.
I particularly enjoyed the chapter on whether cats like music. Having used the Music for Cats CD with our own cats, it was interesting to have an in depth perspective of the research behind the music. The sections on communication were also fascinating, covering a range of different approaches towards better understanding of our cat companions.
The penultimate chapter, which considers how to care for elderly cats is particularly moving. Anita covers practical issues, such as grooming, feeding, and warning signs of illness. She also discusses the difficult stage of saying goodbye to a dearly loved companion. As is clear throughout the book, Anita doesn’t just understand cats, she understands their people too.
Punctuated with interviews, case studies, and photographs, Anita’s book is an accessible read for all. Whether or not you share life with cats, this book is a must have for any cat lover.
Chapter Seven:
“All animals, including humans, have a right to dignity and respect, without forced intrusions”.
Marc Bekoff
Purchase Links
About the Author
Anita Kelsey holds a first class honours degree in Feline Behaviour and Psychology (work based BA Hons) and runs a vet referral service dedicated strictly to the diagnosis and treatment of behaviour problems in cats. She is also a qualified cat groomer and specialises in grooming aggressive or phobic cats. Anita writes for Your Cat Magazine and is on their experts panel answering readers questions on cat grooming. She also advises on feline behaviour for the CFBA (Canine and Feline Behaviour) magazine as well as being a full member. Anita, a strong advocate of a vegan lifestyle, is based in London but consults all over the UK as well as international requests. She lives with her husband, a music producer, and two Norwegian Forest cats, Kiki and Zaza.
Her debut book ‘Claws. Confessions Of A Professional Cat Groomer‘ was published by John Blakes in 2018. Her second book ‘Let’s Talk About Cats, Conversation On Feline Behaviour’ was published at the end of November 2020.
Connect with Anita online:
Website
Twitter
Instagram
Facebook
Many thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for hosting this blog tour, and offering me the chance to review Let’s Talk About Cats. Thank you to Anita Kelsey for gifting me a copy of the book, in return for an honest review. All views expressed are my own.
