People often ask me how I’ve managed to accumulate so much information on feline health and nutrition. The answer is relatively simple – I READ, a LOT. I read a lot of information on the internet, studies in journals, books, etc. So, after sifting through countless websites and books and magazines, I’ve definitely got a few favorites.
My absolute favorite informational websites are listed among the “widgets” in the column to the right on the home page… particularly, FelineOutreach.org, CatInfo.org, CatNutrition.org, YourDiabeticCat.com, and FelineDiabetes.com. (A majority of the resources/references in the Feline Outreach educational section has been collected by me, over time.)
But, if you are interested in real hard copy books made out of paper – I recommend:
- Your Cat: Simple New Secrets to a Longer Stronger Life, by Dr. Elizabeth Hodgkins
- Whole Health for Happy Cats, by Sandy Arora
- How to Get Your Cat to do what You Want, by Warren Eckstein and Fay Eckstein
- Raising Cats Naturally, by Michelle Bernard
- Not Fit for a Dog, by Drs. Michael Fox, Elizabeth Hodgkins, and Marion Smart
Dr. Hodgkins’ “Your Cat” gets top billing, no question. I LOVE this book. If you read no other books about cats, ever, read this one. Not only is it a WEALTH of good information, but Dr. Hodgkins’ eloquent writing style makes it a very pleasant read. The fact that the information is CORRECT is obviously a huge bonus. Dr. Hodgkins is one of apparently few veterinarians that not only recognizes cats as obligate carnivores, but treats them as such rather than making excuses why we can do otherwise. Also, rather than the typically dry book on cat health, it’s a lovely read. Dr. Hodgkins obviously adores cats and her writing reflects that in it’s near-poetic prose.
A quick note on “How to Get your Cat to do what you Want” by Eckstein. I hate the title, but really liked the book. It’s my favorite book focusing on feline behavior. I love that the book seems to really capture our relationship with cats, and while I personally don’t believe in letting cats outdoors (at least not without a harness or carrier), I like that the author recognizes cats’ need for mental stimulation.
Finally, a couple comments on “Raising Cats Naturally”. I don’t personally use homeopathy (not that I don’t think it’s useful, I just don’t have a veterinarian skilled in its use). Michelle Bernard does a great job explaining the recipe used by so many cat caregivers that feed raw (the same recipe noted on catinfo.org and catnutrition.org – all evolved from Natasha’s work at Feline Future). However, I don’t agree with feeding cat live prey. I just feel it’s inhumane to have the prey go through those moments of fear. I do occasionally feed my cats whole prey which I get from a reputable dealer of frozen rodents, treated (and euthanized) humanely.
