I recently received a review copy of Dr. Marty Becker’s new book, “Your Cat – The Owner’s Manual: Hundreds of Secrets, Surprises, and Solutions for Raising a Happy, Healthy Cat.”
Of course I was intrigued. Dr. Becker is one of the nation’s best known veterinarians and I was curious to see what he had to say about, you got it, LITTER BOX ISSUES.
I’ve learned a lot on this topic but always hope there is more for me to discover so I can share with you guys!
Dr. Becker didn’t disappoint. There’s a whole chapter devoted to litter box issues. Of course he offers the standard good advice: if litter box behaviors change, VISIT YOUR VET.
As most experts do, Dr. Becker encourages readers to consider the number of boxes, their locations and to keep them clean for dang’s sake. But I love Dr. Becker’s ABCs of litter box management: Accessible, Big, and Clean. Good way to remember!
What I liked most about this book is that Dr. Becker makes numerous suggestions about the reasons why your kitty might be having issues. He talks about things like senior cats and litter box challenges they might have, litter preferences and the difference between spraying and marking. Most importantly, he offers ideas about how to solve the problems.
For example, here’s some advice that I found particularly interesting: If your cat is peeing on a hard surface (instead of the litter box), try putting litter in one end of the box and keep the other end litter-free. Interesting. This will help you determine if the issue is a surface preference. Being a “detective” is the first big step in solving your cat’s litter box problems.
There are tons of great little ideas and tips like that throughout the book on topics like bringing home a new kitten, making food choices, training, caring for special needs kitties and much more.
The book is well-written and definitely has personality. Some cat care books are downright BO-RING. This one isn’t.
I’d say it’s absolutely worth a read. Check it out at amazon
or your local bookstore! Here are the deets:
Your Cat: The Owner’s Manual
Hundreds of Secrets, Surprises and Solutions for Raising a Happy, Healthy Cat
By Dr. Marty Becker, with Gina Spadafori
Forward by Dr. Jane Brunt (executive director of the CATalyst Council)
Copyright 2012 by Marty Becker
Let us know what you think!
P.S. I received a complimentary copy of the book for review but no further compensation. My opinions here are my own!
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
I love being cat detective. I prefer a certain kind of litter, it’s easier for me to scoop, but the cats are not as fond of it. The solution? Mix in both kinds–the cats use it and it’s still not as heavy for me to scoop.