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Summary: Still have the original from 1975 (book not cat)
Review: I have ordered a new copy to make sure that cat design has not changed. People stuff has. We went from putting butter on burns to putting ice on burns. I want to know if I can still put my cat in ice water for heat stroke. So far the occasion has not come up. However I am starting to suspect that cats can read. Every time I pick up the book, the cats run under the bead. My copy does not say much about thyroid disorders. However I find that this is right up there with urinary disorders except more deadly. When I get rich I will irradiate my cat. However for now she is getting daily doses of metimazole. The book did tell me how to chose the vet that detected the problem just in time.
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Summary: The best cat care book I've ever used.
Review: I have used this book for 21 years, having had the same number of cats over those years. I was able to determine if I could do at-home treatment or they needed a vet. Excellent reference, information is easily found and very clear. Highly recommended by "Phisty", et al.
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Summary: Real Substance
Review: Looking for a reliable and helpful reference in caring for my pets, I have looked at and rejected many, many books published for the general public on dog and cat care. Most of them are so general in approach as to be next to useless. Dr. McGinnis' "Well Dog Book" and "Well Cat Book" are just fabulous. Every line contains meaty, solid, specific information that lets us do our best for our loving, trusting animals. Dr. McGinnis demonstrates respect not only for animals but for their guardians, too. I have bought many copies of both books and given them to friends, family, and animal shelters. These books went out of print but now apparently they are in a new printing! I'm not surprised -- they are really worthwhile. If you can find a copy anywhere at almost any price, it's worth it!! This book has been helpful so many times... I'd like to share the most dramatic. Our diabetic cat stopped eating (he usually has a great appetite), began vomiting, and stopped using the litter box. Of course, especially with a diabetic, these symptoms can mean serious problems. I looked in the "Well Cat Book," and found several very helpful listings in the index (when was the last time you actually found something in an index, and easily?), one of which was that it might be a hair ball. I took the cat immediately to the veterinarian, who mentioned several diabetes-related possible causes, such as kidney or liver problem, etc. When, thanks to what I'd read in the "Well Cat Book," I wondered aloud whether it might be a hairball, he immediately asked his assistant to x-ray the cat, and sure enough! -- that's what it was. It had entered the intestines and caused a blockage. They expelled the hair ball and the cat was fine. If it hadn't been for Dr. McGinnis' "Well Cat Book," the poor cat would have gone through many unnecessary procedures, and would have been given unnecessary medications, with unnecessary effects on his body and doubtless getting his diabetes out of control (and the stress on his body of that). Thank you so much, Dr. McGinnis!
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Summary: a *must have* book if you care about your cats
Review: still use my original 1975 edition that was bought that year, but have seen this re-issue and am glad it is back in print... it is a *must have*. over 21 years, 'the well cat book' has been the saving grace for more cats than i can remember; housepets who needed general care on up to rescuing farm cats that were involved in serious accidents (if you're not the squeamish sort)... most people don't end up in such situations, but the needed information is there. for the average housecat owner, you will be pleasantly suprised about how much time and $$$ will be saved at the vet on tests/ diagnostics because of the clear, common-sense and descriptive information dr. mcginnis provides. the really *big* bonus is a *healthy and long life* for your purry companion thanks to all the information about diet and general daily home care!
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Summary: The Well Cat Book is like a bible to me!
Review: The original book, published in 1975, has saved me many, many trips to the vet and lots of money! It is written so that everyone can understand it and easily diagnose (to a point) your cats' symptoms. It's extremely helpful in educating the cat owner on all aspects of kitten and cat care for overall well being as well as treating illnesses and injuries. This book also has several helpful illustrations throughout the book, including a very comprehensive anatomy section. I have recommended this book to several people over the years and they all have found it as useful as I have. The author has done a wonderful job! I look forward to receiving the new updated version providing me with the latest in cat care.
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Summary: Needs to Be Updated
Review: While there is solid medical information here, the information on cat "training" or behavior modification is appallingly outdated. The author states "most cats respond to punishment" and advocates "a spank on the rump as a last resort." Times have changed, and so have behavior modification methods when it comes to felines. Also, very little information was offered on cat psychology or behavior, which if the cat owner is not aware of can lead to unnecessary surrenders to cat shelters when the problem behavior could be modified. This may have been a good cat reference book at one time, but that time has long passed. It needs a lot of updating.
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