Best Cat Training Books and Guides (2023 Reviews)
#1 Total Cat Mojo: The Ultimate Guide to Life with Your Cat – By Jackson Galaxy
42 used from $6.52
Introduction – This comprehensive cat care guide from the start of the hit Animal Planet show “My Cat from Hell,” Jackson Galaxy. The cat behavior book is a guide that helps to explains how to eliminate feline behavioral problems by understanding cats’ instinctive behavior. The term “Cat Mojo” refers to the confidence that cats exhibit when they are at ease in their environment and in touch with their instincts, e.g. to hunt, catch, kill, eat, groom, and sleep in the condos. Certain problems such as cat litter box avoidance and aggression take place when cats lack such confidence. Author Jackson Galaxy advises his clients to help their cats harness their mojo.
Reviews – The reviews of the book are considerably positive and adhere to the issues related to cats in the book as discussed by the author. The readers have rated the book a 4.9 out of 5 and consider this book to be a bible for their understanding of their cats. One reader wrote “Been following Jackson’s formula for introducing 2 cats and everything has worked so far! It takes time, and every cat is different. This book is my bible” this shows how this book has made a place for itself on every cat owner’s shelf.
The best cat training book should include all the issues a cat faces daily, from the way cat behaves to the way it eats from the food bowl and sits around everyone. When buying a cat guide, one should look into such features and relate it to the daily life habits of their cats.
Conclusion – This book is a comprehensive guide to cat behavior and basic cat care, rooted in understanding cats better. From getting kittens off to the right start socially, to taking care of cats in their senior years, and everything in between, this book addresses the head-to-toe physical and emotional needs of cats whether related to grooming, nutrition, play with intelligent cat toys, or stress-free trips to the vet.
#2 CatWise: America’s Favorite Cat Expert Answers Your Cat Behavior Questions – By Pam Johnson-Bennett
42 used from $1.49
Introduction – The book has some of the most asked questions by confused cat owners. For her book, Pam Johnson-Bennett answers what it is like to own a cat and helps cat owners to understand their cat better. She explains; even those of us who have lived with and loved our cats for decades are constantly stymied by their seemingly inexplicable acts or have questions about why they do what they do and where they do it, and how we can get them to not do it. Hence here, in one complete authoritative guide, she solves those elusive mysteries such as, why does my cat lick my hair? Why does the cat only want attention when I am on the phone? How can I introduce my cat to my new dog? How can I get my cat to like my new husband?
Reviews – The reviews for this book are positive and thus seen as mysteries that no one has before solved. The readers have the book 5 out of 5 and explained how this has helped them understand their cats better and solved many of the issues they have been facing as cat owners. One of the readers explains “Johnson-Bennett answers many popular questions about cat behavior. Her advice is timeless. I see Jackson Galaxy having similar solutions to behavioral issues. This is a must-read if you want to get to know your cat better!”
Pam Johnson-Bennett has all the questions answers that were once considered complex enough to understand cats. Hence a simple guide while looking for the best cat training book is to see whether the guide you are looking for answers the queries that you face with your cat every day.
Conclusion – No one knows cats like Pam Johnson Bennett, whose pioneering thirty-year career as a cat behavior consultant has changed the way cat owners and experts alike view cats. Her cat behavior books are bibles, but her fans and owners still flood her website and social media platforms with questions on topics that perplex them. CatWise combines the questions that come up most often with answers to help you solve your cat’s behavior problems.
#3 The Cat Whisperer: Why Cats Do What They Do and How to Get Them to Do What You Want – By Mieshelle Nagelschneider
Introduction – This fascinating and indispensable book takes you inside the mind of a feline to explain why members of one of the world’s most inscrutable species act the way they do, and how you can convince them to change their behaviors for the sake of your peace of mind and theirs. It is packed with easy-to-implement solutions including how to harness the power of “friendly pheromones” to improve your cat’s appetite, exploration, grooming, and play, where, when, and how to create a litter box environment that will provide ease of access and reduce anxiety for you and your cat, and much more.
Reviews – This simple yet effective guide to understand your cat better has gathered a lot of mixed reviews from the readers and is considered a 4.7 rating out of 5. Many of the readers share similar reviews citing “The author claims a 90% success rate, but only if you follow her methods. She has a lot of good ideas but it would take a hardcore commitment (not to mention money) to follow her requirements.” Similarly, another reader cites “The author does make some good suggestions that I’ve implemented with at least a bit of success (working to create a group scent, distracting my more aggressive cats when they are staring each other down), and a few more that I think will also help, and I think her basic C.A.T. plan is good, but it would be nice if the plan were presented in a way that would make it more doable for the average person, instead of just leaving us feeling guilty for apparently not being truly committed to the happiness of our cats.”
When looking for the best training book for your cat, you should know the challenges that you seem to be facing with your cat so the book you choose, has solutions to most of the issues you face daily.
Conclusion – Cat Whisperer Mieshelle Nagelschneider has been helping people deal with these dilemmas for two decades, achieving a near-perfect success rate. Central to her approach is a keen understanding of the unique way cats see the world—their need for safety and security, their acute territoriality, and their insatiable desire to catch and kill prey. Her proven C.A.T. cat behavior modification plan is a commonsense course of action that can be specifically tailored to your cat in the context of its behavior problems and its particular household environment.
#4 The Cat Owner’s Manual: Operating Instructions, Troubleshooting Tips, and Advice on Lifetime Maintenance – By Dr. David Brunner
Introduction – The book is an introduction in itself to understand cat behavior. The compelling introduction to this best cat guide book explains how the behavior your cat can drive you insane at times; with the dead mice and stray hairs all over the place is enough to make you cry for help. Therefore with the Cat Owner’s Manual, the solution just became apparent.
Reviews – One of the best things that could happen to a cat owner is some sort of guidance and training manual that could easily answer and teach the owner to understand and solve many of the issues that the cat and the owner face on a day to day basis and the Cat Owner’s Manual just does the trick. It has received a positive rating for 5 out of 5 and considered the easiest guide to understand your cat better. One of the readers explains “it helps the cat parent in your life become the ultimate cat master with this step-by-step guide that provides insight into common kitty quirks and what they really mean.”
When searching for a cat manual on “how to train/ handle your cat” one should always keep in mind the quirks and behaviors of their cat. The guide the owners are looking for should discuss the behaviors and quirkiness of the cats and should be similar to the daily routine of their cats.
Conclusion – Through step-by-step instructions and helpful schematic diagrams, The Cat Owner’s Manual explores hundreds of frequently asked questions: Which breeds interface best with dogs? How can I maintain a quality exterior finish? And why does my cat always drink from the bathtub? Whatever your concerns might be, you will find the answers in this guide. The book is written by Dr. David Brunner and acclaimed author Sam Stall. Together, they provide plenty of useful advice for both new and experienced cat owners.
#5 Starting from Scratch: How to Correct Behavior Problems in Your Adult Cat – By Pam Johnson-Bennett
Introduction – If you thought it was too late to correct your cat’s behavior problems or just because your cat is no longer a kitten does not mean you cannot correct problem behavior in your cat, you can now breathe a sigh of relief because help has arrived. Whether you are dealing with a serious problem or just an annoying feline habit that is driving you nuts, Pam Johnson-Bennett’s techniques provide step-by-step solutions to get you and your cat back on track.
Review – The book has received positive reviews for the work done by the author. One of the readers explains “I am an adoption and intake counselor at an animal shelter, and I read this for a class I just finished up. I found it very useful and think the knowledge I gained from this book will help me to help more owners keep their cats instead of surrendering them to a shelter.” This reflects the likeliness the book has gathered with a rating of 5 out of 5.
To know your cat inside out and the behaviors it shows, is a dreadful task in itself but while looking for a guide that could help you understand what the cat wants and why it does what it does, is the goal. Therefore when looking for a guide to understanding your cat better, look for the instructions and tips and tricks mentioned to understand your cat and relate them to your cat’s daily routine, this will help in purchasing a guide that is relatable to you and your cat.
Conclusion – Certified Animal Behavior Consultant Pam Johnson-Bennett is back to help readers bring out their pet’s inner pussycat regardless of the cat’s age. Designed specifically for owners of adult cats, be they recently adopted or long-time family pets, the book illustrates how it is never too late to correct behavior problems. Pam covers every aspect of a cat’s lifestyle, behavior, and environment and gives cat owners specific techniques to help seemingly set-in-their-ways the cats change for the better.
#6 Think Like a Cat: How to Raise a Well-Adjusted Cat–Not a Sour Puss – By Pam Johnson-Bennett
Introduction – Pam Johnson-Bennett will help you understand what makes your cat tick and if you think it is impossible to train a cat, think again! By learning how to think like a cat, you will be amazed at just how easy it is. Whether you are a veteran cat lover, a brand-new owner of a sweet kitten, or the frustrated companion of a feline who is driving you crazy, this book has you covered. The book covers topics ranging from where to get a cat to securing a vet; from basic health care deworming medicines to treating more serious problems; choosing an irresistible scratching post and avoiding litter box problems.
Review – The book has received mixed reviews from the readers, weighing mostly towards the positive. It is rated 4.8 out of 5 with a reader explaining “n almost overwhelming resource. I thought I knew cats pretty well, but this book showed me that I’m a terrible person who doesn’t brush her cat’s teeth and doesn’t spend enough time engaging in interactive play. And the last 40 or so pages terrifyingly catalog every disease that could befall your cat.”
Before looking for any guide to understand your cat, one must think, how it would feel to think like a cat and know what the cat wants and what its interests are and how to know when and why the cat is behaving a certain way. Keeping such things in mind is a great way to know the best cat manual to purchase that will help you understand the nature of your cat.
Conclusion – Pam Johnson-Bennett, feline behaviorist explains how understanding a cat’s motivations, needs and communication, one can modify and prevent behavior problems, avoid common mistakes made by both novice and experienced owners, and ultimately continue to enrich and enjoy a relationship under which we are unconditionally loved, endlessly forgiven for our mistakes, never judged, and constantly entertained. This book is a comprehensive guide to cat care and training; she helps you understand the instincts that guide feline behavior. Using behavior modification and play therapy techniques, she shares successful methods that will help you and your cat build a great relationship.
#7 Complete Kitten Care Cat Behavior Books – By Amy Shojai
24 used from $2.21
Introduction – This is your go-to guide for kitten information on kitten health, new kitten care, and buying a kitten or adopting a stray or shelter kitten for your family. You’ll learn all the latest about raising a cat of your dreams, introducing a new kitten to the rest of your family. Nationally known pet authority Amy Shojai’s award-winning book contains the latest cat behavior information and kitten care research, including updated cat vaccination guidelines, animal behavior advice, cat language tips and more.
Review – The book has received numerous positive reviews from readers all around the globe, and is considered to be one of the best cat care books to get to know on how to raise a kitten or introduce a new kitten into the family. One of the readers cites “as a new kitten owner and past dog owner, Complete Kitten Care has provided a thorough overview of the feline ownership experience” another one cites “A very informative and yet easy and interesting to read the guidebook to bringing home a new kitten.” The book has received 4.9 out of 5 ratings.
Raising a kitten is different than that of a grown cat. A lot of things are kept under consideration such as that of the social behaviors of a cat, manners, etc. thus, to search for a guidebook that has the right methods and information that leads to a better understanding of raising a kitten. While purchasing a guidebook, keep in mind that it is specifically written for kittens and not grown cats and has the right information and knowledge that leads to raising a kitten into a healthy cat.
Conclusion – Nationally known pet authority Amy Shojai has updated her award-winning book with the latest cat behavior information and kitten care research, including new cat vaccination guidelines, animal behavior advice, cat language tips and more. This veritable “Kitten101” is packed with all the must-known facts about cats and kitten. Furthermore, there is a myriad of updated kitten and cat supply resources such as the best kitten websites, cat associations, and feline clubs, animal welfare organizations and feline foundations recommended cat books and kitten magazines, online kitten and cat products sources. The book is adhered to be the best when it comes to kitten care.
#8 Clicker Training for Cats (Karen Pryor Clicker Books) – By Karen Pryor
55 used from $1.48
Introduction – When it comes to training a cat, the Clicker Training for Cats guide books are the best in the game. It teaches you everything ranging in all aspects such as those of understanding your cat, knowing the cat’s behavior, etc. The Clicker training series is considered to be a new and improved method of training your cats and knowing the best for them. The simple guidebook teaches how to work with improving your cat’s health and raising a well-rounded cat that is intact in its behavior and does not create a fuss around in the house as well.
Review – The Clicker for Cats is a short, comprehensive and concise guidebook that is to the point in its approach towards understanding and working with your cat. It has positive reviews with 5 out of 5 ratings. The readers cite their experience as “after reading this book, my husband, daughter and I have successfully taught our cat how to hi-five, come when called and to sit. This has helped get her out of places we do not want her at and in keeping her interested in playing. She regularly wants to “play” with her training and uses it daily. We use a cat hairbrush as a reward and if she hears a brush, she comes running now.”
When it comes down to looking for a training guidebook for your cat, you should be sharp enough to understand the behavior of your cat and look for similar traits and behavioral patterns discussed in the guidebook. In an attempt to purchase a guidebook that teaches on how to train your cat, focus on the techniques and methods discussed to tackle many of the issues you face with your cat on a daily.
Conclusion – Winner of a 2001 Award of Excellence from the Cat Writers Association of America, this easy-to-read beginner’s guide is attracting attention from pet owners and professionals alike. The Behavior Clinic at Tufts University School of Veterinary prescribes it for cat-owning clients, especially those with behavior problems. The book is also required reading for cat owners at Purdue University Veterinary School’s behavior clinic and is being recommended and offered to cat adopters at many animal shelters.
#9 ComPETability: Solving Behavior Problems in Your Multi-Cat Household (Volume 2) – By Amy Shojai
12 used from $2.59
Introduction – Whether you share your home with a single cat or multiple felines, this new guide by a seasoned cat behaviorist and cat trainer teaches you about cat’s aggression, cat clawing, litter box problems and more. You will find detailed prescriptive how-to advice focused on the most common cat behavior problems found in the multi-cat household from fearful felines and bully cats, to cat food challenges, loud mouth meowing and countertop cruising, and how to introduce cats to other pets and kids. This book addresses every cat behavior question you have.
Reviews – The book is liked by many and has received a lot of positive reviews across the globe. With the techniques that are updated and improved than the previous traditional mentioned techniques, the book has received 4.5 out of 5 ratings. To put it in words, a reader explains “I would recommend this book to anyone who has a multi-cat household. I have had a multi-cat household for 40 years and thought I knew how to handle most of the problems that you encounter in these types of situations. I was wrong. I needed desperately to read this book especially since I was for the first time bringing a young kitten from outside to live indoors with my two cats that were eight years old and very set in their ways. Amy Shojai explained everything in such terms that all can understand. She covers every topic you can think of. I appreciate her explaining in-depth on how to handle problems and issues when they come up. She made me and my cats’ lives easier by reading her great informative book.”
To know what your cat desires is not an easy task and can take much of your energy and for this purpose, cat training guide books are published and to know which one suits you best is to understand what cat behavior you are working with for instance if you are working with a kitten or training an already grown cat or with the behavior of the cat or simply just understanding your cat. Therefore, just know your cat and go for the right guidebook.
Conclusion – The United States is home to 86.4 million owned cats, and 52 percent of owners own more than one cat. That means more furry love for owners, but also can put your cats’ tails in a twist over that new feline friend. Use the fun techniques mentioned in the guidebook to calm fears, explain cat body language, and strengthen the bond you share with your cats.
#10 The Trainable Cat: A Practical Guide to Making Life Happier for You and Your Cat – By John Bradshaw
48 used from $1.55
Introduction – It is often perceived that cats cannot be trained, and do not need to be. But “The Trainable Cat” shows that cats absolutely must be trained to enrich the bond between pet and owner. The guidebook is full of training tips and exercises, from introducing your cat to a new baby to helping them deal with visits to the vet; this book is an essential cat bible for cat owners and lovers.
Review – Having received mixed views from the critics, these best training books for cats stand at a 4.4 out of 5 ratings with readers citing “While I appreciate the wisdom and research put into this book, I am not inclined to annoy our cats with several of the training exercises suggested. One is 15 years old and quite set in her ways; the other is 4 and playful. Perhaps he could be trained but I would have to sequester the older cat somewhere for such training, which is not likely to happen.”
It all comes down to knowing what you are working with when it is time to look for a guidebook for training your cat. The behaviors and patterns your cat shows should be kept under consideration while buying a guidebook.
Conclusion – The Trainable Cat is a perfect guide to know how to train your cat in an environment suitable for you and your cat. There are new techniques that were reviewed by the readers as beneficial in their approach to train their cats.
