Your Ideal Cat

102 pages. Temps de lecture estimé 1h16min.
For a happy relationship with your cat, go beyond the looks and make your pick based on demonstrated breed behavior. This is the advice of the Harts, two experts in animal communication and behavior, whose new book takes the process of selecting a cat to the next level by offering data-based behavioral profiles of a wide range of cat breeds. Developed over a lifetime of research and through extensive interviews with eighty veterinary experts, the profiles are presented in easy-to-use graphical form. A history of the development of different breeds is presented, and then breed-specific differences across a range of variables are discussed. These include twelve behavioral traits, in areas such as affection, sociality, activity level, and litter box use. After giving guidance about choosing a cat, the authors present some strategies for avoiding problem behaviors and resolving those that emerge. They also share fascinating theories about the origins of various common cat behaviors, including purring, yawning, eating grass, "flipping out" on catnip, and staking out territory. While the focus is on purebred cats, there is also lots of good information for owners of blends. The book ends with helpful guidance on further reading. Based on the latest science, this is a great book for anyone interested in the fundamental building blocks of feline behavior, and an invaluable handbook for cat owners.Preface Chapter 1: How to use this book to select your ideal cat Chapter 2: Choosing and welcoming your new cat Chapter 3: Behavioral differences between male and female cats Chapter 4: Raising kittens to emphasize good behavior and discourage problem behaviors Chapter 5: Historical background of cats Chapter 6: Understanding behavioral characteristics of cats Chapter 7: Behavioral profiles of cat breeds Chapter 8: Why cats do that: Purring, yawning, eating grass, and flipping out on catnip Epilogue Annotated bibliography Index