The Total Cat: Understanding Your Cat's Physical and Emotional Behavior from Kitten to Old Age

by Carole Wilbourn

Book Overview

Hailed as the founding mother of cat psychology, Carole Wilbourn has received international attention for her feline expertise. With her emphasis on treating the total cat, the Wilbourn Ways to a healthy cat follow the guiding principles of the ancient Greeks -- a sound mind in a sound body. Wilbourn explains how to talk to your cat -- and how to listen. She provides tools that can help you recognize, understand, and respond to your cat's body...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0380790513
• ISBN13: 9780380790517
• Release Date: October 2000
• Publisher: Harper Paperbacks
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 0.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.3" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

So helpful

I've never loved a cat before. My two dogs and I were bemused when a stray cat started following us around on our walks, eventually darting right ahead of us as we returned home, to be the first one in the door. Fortunately a friend gave me a copy of "The Total Cat" by Carole Wilbourn. My basic questions about feeding, litter box, and vet vists were answered briskly and sensibly. Then it got complicated when a second cat decided to move in. Carole's book walked me so carefully through the psychology of bringing the new cat into our family that it was painless. I turn to this book whenever a new catly situation arises and it hasn't let me down. Carole Wilbourn is either part feline herself, or has been a cat in a past life! Great book.

Helpful and Interesting

Ms. Wilbourn knows and loves cats. So do I - I've been a besotted cat person for over three decades. I was interested, therefore, to find that she had some things to teach me. She starts at the beginning with what you should decide before getting a cat. She then takes you through the course of the life you and your cat(s) share. She covers all the basics as well as problems which may seem unlikely but for which you'll be glad to have Ms. Wilbourn's advice. THE TOTAL CAT is clear, affectionate, and diverting without that nasty failing of so many "cat books" - cutesiness. I currently have three cats, all of whom dislike each other but, with Ms. Wilbourn's help, we are steadily working things out.

Best animal behavior book I've ever read

This book has been an excellent reference manual for me. I refer to it when I have basic animal care questions as well as major animal behavioral concerns.Carole's guidance was very helpful when I brought a new kitten into my home. Tending to the older cat and letting him bond with the kitten is very valuable information and leads to a more adjusted animal pairing.I have a very anxious cat who was resistant to any treatment from a few vets or previous animal behaviorist. She suggested that I sequester him so that he can feel safe and protected. I was hesitant to do this as it felt cruel. After trying it, it was obvious that he really needed this type of intensive care. Her suggestions have helped him to feel more secure in his environment. I am so confident about her intuitive feline gift that I have also hired her as my cat's behaviorist. I enthusiastically recommend Carol's expertise and guidance.

Let's Talk About Cat-calls

Dear reader, After reading The Total Cat, I can tell that Carole Wilbourn is a true cat herself. Her stark and insightful knowledge highlites her gentleness and keen eyeball for cats behavior and intuition. Even if you are not an animal lover you will find this Go Ask Alice type of book a psychological brainsweep. The Total Cat will help cats and people too, so drop your therapist and pick up the total cat-you'll love it.

Nobody understands cat behavior better than Carole Wilbourn!

My vet recommended Carole Wilbourn several years ago when my usually normal, extremely affectionate, apartment-bound cat "lost it" one day and suddenly became violent. I had never seen such angry or vicious behavior in a cat before and I had no idea what could have prompted it. Carole, literally, saved my cat's life since I thought he needed to be put down. In her eloquent diagnosis, she wrote that he "...suffer(ed) from early kitten deprivation, single cat syndrome, a triangle, and the harsh words expressed that day (i.e. my own stress) pushed him over the edge..." In other words, he had a nervous breakdown! Who would have thought?!!? Carole stepped right in and advised that, first, we needed to give him "his own space" to get him calm. Then, Carole provided us with some amazing techniques which we've actually continued to use because not only did he respond well to them but they continue to make him happy. Carole has basically taught us that cats are extremely sensitive creatures. Carole Wilbourn has the remarkable ability to help you become aware of your cat's behavior and emotions and then gently direct you towards techniques that will bring you closer to your cat.