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Owner’s/Instruction Manuals #3
The Cat Owners Manual Operating Instructions, Troubleshooting Tips, and Advice on Lifetime Maintenance by Brunner, Dr. David, Stall, Sam [Quirk,2004]
The Cat Owners Manual Operating Instructions, Troubleshooting Tips, and Advice on Lifetime Maintenance by Brunner, Dr. David, Stall, Sam. Published by Quirk,2004, Paperback
Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
April 28, 2019
I got this as a birthday present. My best friend thought it was utterly appropriate now that I'm a cat mum. It's not like we never have had cats in the family before but it was still informative and, most importantly, quite amusing.
The book is written like a manual, much like the ones you get for computers. Thus, the author talks about your cat as a "model" as well as its software and hardware.
There are 9 chapters overall:
1. Overview of brands and models
This chapter mostly talks about the different types of cat like short hair, long hair and the different breeds.
But it also shows a little of the history of cats and their domestication.
2. Installation and startup (told you it was like the manual of a computer)
This chapter talks about where the cat is going to live, what one must take into consideration regarding the furniture of the house
and how to get your cat used to the new environment (the house or apartment as much as other pets and even babies).
3. Daily interactions
Here, the author talks about cats' ways of communication with their owners, proof of love, the difference between indoor and outdoor cats, scratching etc.
4. Basic programming
Here, the reader is introduced to different kinds of playing, the tricks you can teach your cats (yes, the author is talking about clicker training) and even taking your cat outside on a leash like the now very "hip" adventure cats.
5. Power supply of your cat
This chapter talks about the different kinds of foods availabe (can, BARF etc), what is good for a cat and what isn't or can even kill them. The chapter also gives tips on how to feed your cat, how much and when, and how you keep track of your cat's weight.
6. Outer maintenance
This chapter is about grooming your cat and the difference between indoor/outdoor as well as the difference between taking care of a long-haired vs a short-haired cat.
7. Growth and development
Here, the author explains the three different periods in a cat's life, what they mean regarding sexual maturity and bodily functions. As such, we're also told of the advantages of castration (and the different advantages for male and female cats).
8. Maintenance and repairs
This basically talks about how to find a good vet, why every pet owner needs a vet and, in this vein, what illnesses or parasites might befall your cat.
But we also learn how to properly give medication such as pills and what every cat owner should have at home in the first-aid-kit for their cat.
9. Emergency supplies and care
Here, the book talks about allergies, chronicle and genetic diseases and even traumata and behavioral disorders (which immediately made me think of the upcoming movie Pets 2 *lol*) and tells the reader what to do if your cat is choking on something or displays certain types of distress.
Last, but not least, there is an index. Basically, it's a long table with a number of potential problems, what they mean / what caused them and what to do about it.
Sadly, some of the information is outdated or at least disputable. Especially in the chapter about the food where the author says pasta is no problem for cats despite grain/corn NOT being good for a cat's digestive system at all. Also, I'm not supporting the sub-chapter talking about bathing cats. Too many people constantly bathe their cats and dogs and it's NOT good for their skin, no matter how expensive the shampoo one uses.
However, the chapter about food also talks correctly about the general needs of cats when it comes to a high protein percentage and the information about general grooming is correct so those were minor disagreements I had with the author.
Overall, the book is VERY informative and basically covers everything one should know. What sets this apart from oh so many other books one can find in the stores is the way this is presented. You can see from the illustrations I included when describing the chapters that it is partly simply cute. The other part is simply funny - not always laugh-out-loud hilarious but it makes you chuckle, especially when certain quirks of our furballs are described as software glitches.
I'm really happy with this book and would recommend it to beginners as much as to people who've already had cats before. There are probably some details not everyone knows but even if you already know about everything that can be found in this book, the presentation makes it worth it.
The book is written like a manual, much like the ones you get for computers. Thus, the author talks about your cat as a "model" as well as its software and hardware.
There are 9 chapters overall:
1. Overview of brands and models
This chapter mostly talks about the different types of cat like short hair, long hair and the different breeds.
But it also shows a little of the history of cats and their domestication.
2. Installation and startup (told you it was like the manual of a computer)
This chapter talks about where the cat is going to live, what one must take into consideration regarding the furniture of the house
and how to get your cat used to the new environment (the house or apartment as much as other pets and even babies).
3. Daily interactions
Here, the author talks about cats' ways of communication with their owners, proof of love, the difference between indoor and outdoor cats, scratching etc.
4. Basic programming
Here, the reader is introduced to different kinds of playing, the tricks you can teach your cats (yes, the author is talking about clicker training) and even taking your cat outside on a leash like the now very "hip" adventure cats.
5. Power supply of your cat
This chapter talks about the different kinds of foods availabe (can, BARF etc), what is good for a cat and what isn't or can even kill them. The chapter also gives tips on how to feed your cat, how much and when, and how you keep track of your cat's weight.
6. Outer maintenance
This chapter is about grooming your cat and the difference between indoor/outdoor as well as the difference between taking care of a long-haired vs a short-haired cat.
7. Growth and development
Here, the author explains the three different periods in a cat's life, what they mean regarding sexual maturity and bodily functions. As such, we're also told of the advantages of castration (and the different advantages for male and female cats).
8. Maintenance and repairs
This basically talks about how to find a good vet, why every pet owner needs a vet and, in this vein, what illnesses or parasites might befall your cat.
But we also learn how to properly give medication such as pills and what every cat owner should have at home in the first-aid-kit for their cat.
9. Emergency supplies and care
Here, the book talks about allergies, chronicle and genetic diseases and even traumata and behavioral disorders (which immediately made me think of the upcoming movie Pets 2 *lol*) and tells the reader what to do if your cat is choking on something or displays certain types of distress.
Last, but not least, there is an index. Basically, it's a long table with a number of potential problems, what they mean / what caused them and what to do about it.
Sadly, some of the information is outdated or at least disputable. Especially in the chapter about the food where the author says pasta is no problem for cats despite grain/corn NOT being good for a cat's digestive system at all. Also, I'm not supporting the sub-chapter talking about bathing cats. Too many people constantly bathe their cats and dogs and it's NOT good for their skin, no matter how expensive the shampoo one uses.
However, the chapter about food also talks correctly about the general needs of cats when it comes to a high protein percentage and the information about general grooming is correct so those were minor disagreements I had with the author.
Overall, the book is VERY informative and basically covers everything one should know. What sets this apart from oh so many other books one can find in the stores is the way this is presented. You can see from the illustrations I included when describing the chapters that it is partly simply cute. The other part is simply funny - not always laugh-out-loud hilarious but it makes you chuckle, especially when certain quirks of our furballs are described as software glitches.
I'm really happy with this book and would recommend it to beginners as much as to people who've already had cats before. There are probably some details not everyone knows but even if you already know about everything that can be found in this book, the presentation makes it worth it.
August 15, 2018
From the The Humble Book Bundle: Pawsitively Clawsome Cats.
Yes, I got a bundle about cats because now I'm a newbie cat owner.
Yes, I got a bundle about cats because now I'm a newbie cat owner.
January 7, 2012
Highly informative. Cute, yet smartly, written as a IT manual for Cats. Best line is the ending. Last of the troubleshooting guide:
Malfunction: Cat displays complete lack of autonomous function, refuses to clean itself, and displays subpar intelligence.
Cause and Solution: Consult your veterinarian. You may have accidentally acquired a dog.
Too funny, and I'm bi-partisan.
Malfunction: Cat displays complete lack of autonomous function, refuses to clean itself, and displays subpar intelligence.
Cause and Solution: Consult your veterinarian. You may have accidentally acquired a dog.
Too funny, and I'm bi-partisan.
April 14, 2024
Hilft
May 8, 2014
El mejor final: " El gato parece haber olvidado algunas funciones autónomas, no se acicala y a muestras de falta de inteligencia. Consulte a su veterinario. Puede que haya adquirido accidentalmente un perro".
July 29, 2017
It's a basic instruction manual for cats. Written in the style of a (well-written) tech manual. Illustrations are clear. Cross-referencing is good. Instructions are excellent. File under: reference.
July 27, 2011
I've been reading this off and on for a week or so and though it has good basic information about raising cats, the different breeds, etc. the humor of it escapes me. It's written in the tone of a user manual and every now and again the author will write something such as referring to training as a "software downloads" or "add-on" which always managed to throw me right out of the book and break my concentration which I don't was the intent of the author.
Despite the overly cutesy manual style which I'm doing my best to ignore, the book does have interesting tidbits. Never knew you could train a kitty "sit", "down" and leash walking. I thought my mom was the only nutty who walked cats and ferrets on a leash around the neighborhood!
Despite the overly cutesy manual style which I'm doing my best to ignore, the book does have interesting tidbits. Never knew you could train a kitty "sit", "down" and leash walking. I thought my mom was the only nutty who walked cats and ferrets on a leash around the neighborhood!
January 11, 2015
comprehensive, time saving way of telling interested people and cat guardians most of the important stuff about daily life with one or more cats. Another positive aspect of the book is the betweeen the lines hidden humor, like it's done in the title. What I found most glorious was that all of the esoteric junk you'll find so often in cat literature is compeletely missing here. No assumptions on how cats moods depend on star constellations and electroesoteric yoga-ish cat energies. I hope this offends no one, I'm just writing it to let you know how sharp, clear and easy the "instructions" and advice is you get here. It's a rewarding read.
December 25, 2017
Did you ever buy a cat and asked yourself what all those things on it are for? And why it is making those weird sounds? Is it broken already?
Then you need this Manual, a simple manual for Cat Owners that make sure their Cat Unit is kept happy and healthy. And that they hopefully understand what it is doing. Written by Cat Technicians (Vets) it will help you keep your cat a happy unit.
Joking aside, it is a basic book how to keep your cat healthy. Done in the way of a manual as if you just bought a new Washing Machine. Hey what more do you need?
Then you need this Manual, a simple manual for Cat Owners that make sure their Cat Unit is kept happy and healthy. And that they hopefully understand what it is doing. Written by Cat Technicians (Vets) it will help you keep your cat a happy unit.
Joking aside, it is a basic book how to keep your cat healthy. Done in the way of a manual as if you just bought a new Washing Machine. Hey what more do you need?
March 17, 2013
Finalmente un libro semplice ed esaustivo sul mondo felino e gli umani che vogliono prendersene cura. Tralascia tutta la parte dedicata alle razze, assolutamente inutile, e sono 216 pagine di consigli, spiegazioni, psicologia, aiuti validi. Mi sono trovata benissimo, ed � il primo libro che consiglierei a chi vuole cercare di capire il proprio micio, anche se convivono da tanto tempo.
August 12, 2013
Very funny approach about having a pet, in this case a cat. It gives you the essential information in a plain language with wit. I read it in a few times, because it just keeps you interested in knowing what comes next and that isn't very common in these type of books.
January 23, 2015
Nice, concise and useful book for learning about and understanding cats. Especially for someone like me who knows almost nothing about cats and plans to get one. Though I should admit that the sense of humour used throughout the book somewhat irked me.
May 31, 2020
Funny approach to very useful informations. I love it and still refer to it when I deal with my Schroedy!
June 25, 2013
You don't really "finish" a book like this, but it's a great little reference book for when you've got random questions about felines, or when your little furry unit starts malfunctioning.
December 26, 2013
accurate, succinct information presented in a fun format.
February 7, 2014
It's hillarious
February 19, 2014
Es perfecto! Todo lo que un dueño de gato debe saber de ellos. Aprendí muchas cosas nuevas.
March 14, 2014
Lo amé <3 recomendado a todos los dueños de gatos. Amo como está escrito :3
June 26, 2014
Finished in an hour or so. I have learned so much from this little book! It tells you a lot on understanding the feline.
December 25, 2015
Review
This manual has much practical advice, excellent illustrations, and a unique point of view that make it useful, entertaining, and definitely worth reading.
This manual has much practical advice, excellent illustrations, and a unique point of view that make it useful, entertaining, and definitely worth reading.
July 3, 2015
Very funny but not a good source for actually learning about how to take care of cats. Very basic info
August 5, 2016
Gatos. Manual de usuario orientado a ingenieros :)
February 4, 2018
Very informative and pleasant to read.
I liked it. As at first time cat owner I found it useful and easy to read. I also liked the graphics
I liked it. As at first time cat owner I found it useful and easy to read. I also liked the graphics
September 13, 2022
Feel as though this book earned a great rating, since I don’t think it is intended to be read straight through; however, I could not help myself! It contains adorable illustrations, funny language, and useful insights :)
January 16, 2022
where do I find a cat now?!
December 30, 2022
Don't know much about cats but it seemed to cover most of the bases!
November 4, 2020
Easy. Great pics or diagrams. Good reading and learned things that I didn't know after having three cats over 14 years and a pair over twelve.
I may need to buy book. Read ebook from library.
I may need to buy book. Read ebook from library.
November 27, 2020
Fajna, ciekawa i z przyjemnym humorem.
July 25, 2017
I'm 69 and have lived with cats all my life, except about 6 yrs starting when I married and ending when daughters were old enough to reinforce my position. If I had followed the recommendations I would not have chosen any of the cats I have had as an adult, especially Mr Max, who was one of the most loyal and loving. I got Mr Max from a shelter. He was cowering in the back of his cage. The card on the cage listed his name as the generic "grey cat" which he was not, he was tiger striped. The space for litter trained was empty because he had not used the litter box in the multi-cat household of his origin. During the interview in the shelter office, he hid under the desk.
Following instructions in the book would turn one into the helicopter mom of cat owners. perhaps this is because the author is a veterinarian and has seen the worst that can happen.
Following instructions in the book would turn one into the helicopter mom of cat owners. perhaps this is because the author is a veterinarian and has seen the worst that can happen.
May 22, 2017
Interessantes Buch, das auch einen Katzenbesitzer zum schmunzeln bringt.
Den Ansatz der immer technikaffineren Gesellschaft die Katze so näher zu bringen, finde ich stellenweise ganz witzig. Es sind wirklich gute Tipps vorhanden.
Bedenklich finde ich aber, dass beim verschlucken/fressen von potenziell giftigen Dingen das Erzwingen von Erbrechen mit Wasserstoffperoxid empfohlen wird. In der Humanmedizin wird schon lange vom Erbrechen abgeraten, warum ist die Veterenärmedizin noch nicht so weit :(
Aber alles in allem ein unterhaltendes Buch mit guten Praxistipps :)
Den Ansatz der immer technikaffineren Gesellschaft die Katze so näher zu bringen, finde ich stellenweise ganz witzig. Es sind wirklich gute Tipps vorhanden.
Bedenklich finde ich aber, dass beim verschlucken/fressen von potenziell giftigen Dingen das Erzwingen von Erbrechen mit Wasserstoffperoxid empfohlen wird. In der Humanmedizin wird schon lange vom Erbrechen abgeraten, warum ist die Veterenärmedizin noch nicht so weit :(
Aber alles in allem ein unterhaltendes Buch mit guten Praxistipps :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews