Outsmarting Cats
How To Persuade The Felines In Your Life To Do What You Want
By (author) Wendy Christensen
Publication date:
05 May 2013Length of book:
392 pagesPublisher
Lyons PressISBN-13: 9780762782796
While cat owners adore their purring, fuzzy friends, cats can have another, rather unpleasant, side. Some pee on carpets, shred upholstery, chomp houseplants, caterwaul at all hours, and scratch and bite. Skeptics will claim that it’s impossible to train a cat. Happily, Wendy Christensen knows they’re wrong. True, cats are intelligent, adaptable, patient, independent, stubborn, observant, and extremely quick learners. But they're also remarkably self-interested and quick to exploit a good deal. Outsmarting Cats enables you to persuade your cat that what you want is also what she wants. Whatever your specific cat problem, Wendy Christensen gives all the latest information on what works, and what doesn't. She shares tried-and-true tips and resources for resolving even the thorniest behavior problems. And she'll tell you how to head off future problems, simply by understanding how your cat thinks.
"No need for a cat at my house -- I do all the napping, laying around, and turning up my nose at perfectly good dinners. However, this book is a pretty good guide to outwitting me." --P. J. O'Rourke
"Never before has so much feline wisdom appeared in one place. Outwitting Cats is to most cat books what War and Peace is to Dick and Jane. Bastet herself might have written it. As the owner of four formerly destructive cats (three quite bad, one not so bad) I greeted Outwitting Cats with a certain skepticism but nevertheless put Christensen's advice to the test. The results were amazing. In very little time my four demons became sweet tempered pussies, my marriage was saved, and when I enter a room people no longer sniff the air and ask how many cats I have. All of us are living happily ever after, and we have Wendy Christensen to thank for this." -- Elizabeth Marshall Thomas, author of Tribe of Tiger and The Hidden Life of Dogs
"This book is the answer to the prayers of every cat owner--and every cat. But it's also fascinating reading even if you are unfortunate enough to lack a cat in your life at the moment. Wendy Christensen understands housecats like no other human I know. As a result, her brilliant Outwitting Cats is wise and funny, its advice comprehensive, humane, and marvellously effective." --Sy Montgomery, author of The Good, Good Pig, Spell of the Tiger, Journey of the Pink Dolphins and Walking with the Great Apes
“Christensen takes us into the mind and spirit of the cat as few writers can, leading us deep into the cat’s world, helping us know our cat’s thoughts and know his 'inner wildcat.' With a sure hand she lets us see ourselves through our cat’s eyes, too, and teaches us how to charm him into the behavior we’d like. A delightful read, filled with all the facts you’ll ever need to be a good cat “parent.” A must for every cat lover.” –Shirley Rousseau Murphy, author of the Joe Grey Mystery series
“Wendy Christensen is a talented and lyrical writer. This book is filled with solid information designed to help feline advocates make responsible choices. As usual, Wendy's concern, compassion, dedication and love for cats shine through every word. I am a fan!” -- Amy D. Shojai, president emeritus of the Cat Writers Association and author of over 20 pet books
“Wendy Christensen offers advice in your cat's best interest. She has tips you've never thought of. Wendy is a guardian angel for cats.” -- Steve Dale, Tribune Media Services syndicated columnist, host syndicated "Animal Planet Radio" and "Pet Central" on WGN Radio, senior columnist, Pet Life magazine.
“Libraries with small or outdated collections will definitely want to add this one, while those with more expansive collections should seriously consider purchase.” -- Library Journal