Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats by Richard H. Pitcairn and Susan Hubble Pitcairn

Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Cats, Third Edition. Richard H. Pitcairn, DVM PhD and Susan Hubble Pitcairn. Emmaus, Pa: Rodale Publishing, 2005.  large paperback, 466 pages, including end notes, index, and recipes.


Although some of the general suggestions in this book are okay-- home cooking for animals, paying attention to the conformation of an animal when picking one out to take home, description of medical problems-- I am wary of many of the specific ideas in this book.


Rabies vaccinations or titres showing immunity are practically a must. There are no [non-alternative] peer-review journal articles to my knowledge that establish the effectiveness of Bach Remedies [r, tm etc, no copyright infringement intended] or coffee enemas for dogs or cats or human beings for that matter. And there is no way that I am adminstering any concoction containing deadly nightshade to any animals in my charge, period. I am just not doing that. Period. End of discussion.


sapphoq reviews says: It is dismaying that the Pitcairns do not footnote the research studies that they base their conclusions on. For this alone, I recommend giving Complete Guide a miss.

The Sun Trail by Erin Hunter and Wayne McLoughlin

The Sun Trail (Warriors: Dawn of the Clans Series #1), Erin Hunter and Wayne McLoughlin. New York: HarperCollins Publishers, 2013. e-book, 249 pps.


     I read The Sun Trail with delight. Once again, this Erin Hunter book following the development of [fictitious] cat clans captivated me.

     A group of cats taking refuge in a cave are barely surviving due to lack of food. There is a discussion and then some more discussion. Finally, the group splits into two. One group stays in the cave. The other group sets off along the sun trail to find a new place to live that can sustain it. A young male kit sneaks off with the second group and his mother is forced to send the kit's older brother off to ensure his safety.

sapphoq reviews says: This book traces the early history of the cat clans. There is much to like about The Sun Trail. For those parents who monitor what books their kids are reading, I think this one is suitable for teens and pre-teens. The series has attracted fans which include adolescent boys. And who doesn't love cats? These cats are more rugged than adorable. Yet the magic of kittens is found in the pages along with the charm and dignity of older cats. Highly recommended for pre-teens, teens, and those adults who love cats.

Grumpy Cat by Grumpy Cat

Grumpy Cat: A Grumpy Book, Grumpy Cat.  San Francisco:  Chronicle Books, 2013, 75 pps. E-book.


http://www.grumpycats.com/

@RealGrumpyCat  [on Twitter]

note from and quoted from the book:  copyright (c) 2013 by Grumpy Cat Limited.  Grumpy Cat Images Copyright and "Grumpy Cat" Trademark are the exclusive property of
Grumpy Cat
Limited, Ohio, USA

Grumpy Cat lives in Arizona with is bio-bro Pokey and a dog.  He professes to not even know the dog's name.  His book is full of pictures of Grumpy Cat looking-- well-- grumpy; and some witty captions which clearly illustrate the value of grumpiness over other mood states.  There are a few quizzes and word games as well as a recipe for litter box cake. 

sapphoq reviews says:  If you love @RealGrumpyCat on Twitter, you will love this book!  I've added this book to the collection of things I read to make me laugh on an emo-sad day.  Sorry Grumpy Cat, you make me smile!

OF CATS, DOGS, AND FROGS 12/27/06

CATS:

1. don't have to be walked or obedience-trained in classes.
2. can be left up to 3 days alone comfortably.
3. won't eat all of the cat food left out in 1/2 hour.
4. will amuse themselves easily.
5. can settle their own territorial disputes with other catmates.

DOGS:

1. are genuinely happy to see ya.
2. can be taught to be good canine citizens and to do tricks.
3. know that petting them makes their humans feel better.
4. can be included in walking excursions and car travel easier than cats.
5. will listen to the dominant cat of the household.

FROGS:

1. settle territorial disputes by eating the offensive tankmate.
2. don't usually talk back to their humans.
3. are easily contained in a tank environment.
4. some will sleep for several months at a time, thereby saving on the cost of food.
5. don't get into power struggles with the resident cat or the resident dog.

sapphoq reviews