The Cat Whisperer: Why Cats Do What They Do--and How to Get Them to Do What You Want
As one of the nation’s leading cat behaviorists, Nagelschneider provides excellent information on feline behavior and the effects of changes in the feline environment. She wrote the book that she felt cat owners need, as well as the one she always wanted to read. Starting with the basic tenet of “no punishment, no reprimand,” the author then defines her C.A.T. plan: Cease the unwanted behavior (make the behavior or its location less attractive); Attract the cat to a desirable behavior, location, or time (redirecting the behavior); and Transform the territory (change specific physical properties). One of her main pieces of advice for any training or retraining of cats is to go very slowly, at the cat’s preferred pace. Using the author’s methods, readers learn how to successfully introduce (or reintroduce) cats, curb feline aggression, retrain cats who eliminate outside their litter boxes, reduce excessive meowing, stop destructive behaviors (like scratching furniture), and curb compulsive behaviors. Full of “think like a cat” advice, Nagelschneider’s work will make for happier human-feline households. --Nancy Bent