Rating:  Summary: What a difference in my cats since I read this book! Review: My two 8 month old Maine Coon kittens weren't doing very well. They were having bowel problems and had become very finicky eaters. So I bought this book because the holistic approach appealed to me. The diet section was a wake-up call. Never again will I feed my cats supermarket cat food. I made several of the changes the author suggested: went to a combination of raw food and all-natural commercial cat food with no animal by-products, mixed up her vita-mineral mix, and took away all food between meals. What a difference! Three weeks later and I have two sleek, shiny energetic, healthy little (well, big) kittens! The rest of the book is an excellent reference guide to cat health and care, with sections on behavior, grooming and common illnesses and their symptons. A must have for every cat owner!
Rating:  Summary: Great Info on Natural Cat Care Review: The love, admiration and compassion Anitra Frazier feels for cats is evident all throughout this 448 page book. She covers everything you need to know about having cats in your life. And most importantly, she deals with it all in a holistic way. The day-to-day realities are explored and discussed in detail. These topics include diet, litter box habits, grooming, scratching, etc. In the section on diet, Frazier gives detailed instructions on what and how much to feed your cat. She even gives great tips on how to switch finicky eaters over to a healthier, natural raw diet, including bribe foods. If you aren't ready to make the leap to preparing your cat's diet, she gives great advice on how to supplement high-quality commercial food. The last three chapters on health issues are what make this a must-have for your bookshelf. Chapter 8 provides excellent information on what symptoms to look for, how to choose a vet, and deciding when to take your cat to the clinic. The next chapter gives tips on taking care of an ill cat, including how to use various medications. It also has a very helpful list of items to have on hand for home care. The final chapter gives an alphabetical listing of common injuries and health problems. Frazier provides lists of symptoms and recommendations for treatment. This part of the book is very thorough and written in an organized and easy to understand format. This book will not only help you develop a more understanding and loving relationship with your cat, it will also help you provide the best in natural care.
Rating:  Summary: Get a second opinion, for your cat's sake Review: There is a lot of information here, some of it very good and very helpful. But there is some information here, especially that on diet and vaccinations, that I would advise getting second opinions on. I'm sure that everything here has worked for cats that Anitra's worked with, but different authorities have had different experiences, and especially these recommendations on nutrition and medical treatment are challenged by other authorities. The book is obviously written with love, and this lady exhibits a true passion for her feline friends. She does bring home the fact that these precious pets are dependent upon us for proper care. But I would get a veterinarian's views before following some of her advice and if there's a conflict, go the way that you're sure is the very best and safest for your cat.
Rating:  Summary: Just one word of caution Review: This book is great for anyone who truly loves their cats. i only have one concern: Ms Frazer advocates feeding cats baby food, which is generally acceptable in certain circumstances. However, she does not clarify that owners should not feed baby food that contains onion powder, as it is highly toxic to cats. So please be warned, fellow cat lovers.
Rating:  Summary: A book that no cat "parent" should be without! Review: This is a common sense guide to parenting a cat or cats. The book is so easy to read and it is full of things that a pet owner should know. The first day I received it I read 121 pages of it. Anitra's book was recommended to me by my homeopathic vet and it has helped me tremedously. If you already have cats or if you are a new "parent" or considering getting a cat, please read this book first. I feel so much better now knowing that I am doing the right thing to help my cats lead a healthier, happier and more content life. Wonderfully written, easy to understand and very practical.
Rating:  Summary: WOW! What a GREAT book! Review: This is THE best book on this topic that I've read, & I've read several. This book is loaded with usable, understandable information with how-to explanations. NO prior knowledge of natural-care-giving is needed to understand Anitra's writings. Even the page layout is pleasant, with lots of white space surrounding the text; it's easy on the eyes. I rescue dogs/cats, find appropriate homes for the healthy and adopt the "unadoptable." I am permanent guardian to almost 30 nonhumans. Since a child (now mid-aged), I've never had less than 8 cats & 2 dogs. I know animals & animal books. If you can only afford 1 book, or perhaps don't care to read lots of books, BUY THIS ONE! I am thoroughly impressed. If you can buy/read two books, get "Dr Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats." These 2 books are referenced in many other books of this type. Having read both, I understand why: They're both GREAT! My ONLY COMPLAINT with the text: Anitra refers to us as "pet owners." We do not "own" our pets (nor our children). Therefore, we are not "pet owners" but are "pet guardians." I'll write Anitra :)
Rating:  Summary: WOW! What a GREAT book! Review: This is THE best book on this topic that I've read, & I've read several. This book is loaded with usable, understandable information with how-to explanations. NO prior knowledge of natural-care-giving is needed to understand Anitra's writings. Even the page layout is pleasant, with lots of white space surrounding the text; it's easy on the eyes. I rescue dogs/cats, find appropriate homes for the healthy and adopt the "unadoptable." I am permanent guardian to almost 30 nonhumans. Since a child (now mid-aged), I've never had less than 8 cats & 2 dogs. I know animals & animal books. If you can only afford 1 book, or perhaps don't care to read lots of books, BUY THIS ONE! I am thoroughly impressed. If you can buy/read two books, get "Dr Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats." These 2 books are referenced in many other books of this type. Having read both, I understand why: They're both GREAT! My ONLY COMPLAINT with the text: Anitra refers to us as "pet owners." We do not "own" our pets (nor our children). Therefore, we are not "pet owners" but are "pet guardians." I'll write Anitra :)
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