I do rescue work with stray and feral cats so I really appreciate all of the useful and easily accessible advice and information in this wonderful book. It was written by a leading British veterinarian and the differences in national attitude toward cats is evident and rather interesting (I prefer the more humane British outlook.)
The book contains virtually everything one needs to know to choose and care for a domestic cat as a pet. There is a thorough section with beautiful photographs of all the different breeds, coat and color variations. There is ample information on grooming, feeding and nutrition and everyday care. It has unique diagnostic charts that show how to spot signs of illness and gives practical ideas for first aid and home care as well as advice on when to call the vet. It has a really great section on pregnancy and kitten care. The information in this book enabled me to save the life of a first born kitten born to an inexperienced queen that was abandoned by the confused young mother and left to get very cold and weak. I immersed it up to its neck in a bowl of warm water and massaged it according to the book's directions and "Lazarus" went on to become a very beautiful long-haired charcoal gray cat with four white socks, a plump and happy family pet. When my husband first found him laying on the kitchen floor he thought the kitten was already dead.
This book is chock-full of good advice that is well-indexed and easy to locate. It covers every aspect of a cat's health and life including feline personality and behavior. There are many good books on cat care and I've read a great many of them but this one is still my favorite and has given me the most help in understanding and caring for these delightful animals. ( )

Slightly dated but very readable basic guideline to dealing with your cat. ( )