The Original Cat Bible

Following in the paw- and hoof-prints of I-5s best-selling The Original Dog Bible and The Original Horse Bible comes The Original Cat Bible, the ultimate resource for cat owners and lovers from the editors of Cat Fancy magazine. This new 500-page volume promises to be the most complete and authoritative book of its kind, authored by award-winning writer Sandy Robins with special veterinary chapters by Dr. Arnold Plotnick and an extensive breed section by Sarah Hartwell and Lorraine Shelton. The Original Cat Bible delves deeply into all things feline, from the domestication of cats and the development of pure breeds to the anatomy and genetics of felines. Between its two covers, it bequeaths a wealth of information to the cat fanciers, detailing all aspects of cat care and ownership, bejeweled with fun tidbits and trivia to entertain even the most discerning of feline lovers.
The book begins with a detailed history of the modern cat, including the noble big cats of the wild and the small domesticated cats adored indoors by millions around the world. In her venture into the modern-day world of cats, the author discusses the genesis of cat welfare and rescue, as well as concerns about stray and feral cats in our communities, explaining the problems and offering practical solutions. From a more universal perspective, the text explores the felines place in world religions, the cat-laden folklore of Asia, Europe and North America, cats in religion, popular culture through the ages (literature, art, cartoons, and movies), and contemporary social media (YouTube, blogs, and Facebook).
The Original Cat Bible discusses the development of cat breeds and the genetics of purebred cats. While the establishment of purebred cats is a fairly modern development, some breeds have existed in a "pure form" for many centuries. In order to explain the significance of specific breeds, the author describes the essential physical characteristics of the cat, including body types, coat types, colors, and patterns. Guest authors Hartwell and Shelton, both highly regarded experts in the purebred cat world, present seventy-five breeds of cat from the familiar Siamese and Persian to the lesser known Australian Mist and Pixie Bob, describing their origins, breed standards, personalities, all accompanied by dazzling color photography. The book features expansive coverage of every recognized cat breed in the world, plus many experimental and new breeds that have come and gone.
Robins resumes the discussion of cat ownership, covering important topics such as finding a kitten, choosing between breeders and shelters, achieving the right feline match for your family, bringing the cat into a new home, cat-proofing and safety around the house, and shopping for supplies for the new cat (accessories ranging from litter boxes and beds to harnesses and cat trees). New owners will value the information about introducing the cat to family and other pets, the importance of selecting a qualified veterinarian, securing veterinary insurance, and establishing an immunization schedule with your vet. Information about kitten health concerns, including viral diseases and parasites, and complementary therapies and holistic medicine, diagnostic tests and new technologies available is thorough and detailed.
A user-friendly, very readable chapter on grooming follows, offering advice on caring for the coats of kittens, adults and older cats, purchasing grooming tools, learning techniques, and establishing a regimen for brushing and bathing, nail, eye, ear and teeth care. The feeding chapter begins with a fascinating and entertaining history of pet food in America and then goes on to discuss such important topics as the nutritional requirements of cats at all life stages, the choice between commercial diets and natural foods, food allergies, and special care of obese and pregnant cats.
In introducing the elaborate section on healthcare, renowned veterinarian Dr.