About This Book

Although the cat is one of the most popular domesticated pets, it often remains aloof from its human owner, treating its home merely as a convenience between forays outside. Unlike the gregarious dog, cats are more solitary and participate only on their own terms. But they are capable of great affection and friendship of a type that many people find preferable to that of their boisterous canine cousins.

This book is written with a full and sympathetic understanding of the way cats are and is intended to provide a complete manual of cat care. It is the companion volume to Sherley’s Dog Book. As with dogs, the name of Sherley’s has been closely associated with the health and care of cats for almost a century. Sherley’s Hints to Cat Lovers, as it was then known, was first published in 1925 and has been through many revisions since then. This edition has been written by a consultant veterinary surgeon, who is also a cat lover. It is right up to date in its views on cat care and takes full account of current practice in veterinary medicine and surgery.

The first chapter is devoted to choosing and knowing your cat, and describes all the main varieties that are recognized. Chapter two deals with kittening and the following three chapters cover all aspects of rearing and caring for kittens and adult cats.

The second half of the book is concerned primarily with health. It covers parasites, treatment and first aid, disease and ailments, ending with notes on Sherley’s and Am plex cat care products. Whilst the book emphasizes the role that the owner can play in keeping a cat fit and healthy, it never fails to point out that except in simple cases, most health problems should be quickly referred to a veterinary surgeon.

This is a book for all who care about cats, whether they are cat owners, about to acquire their first cat or just cat lovers.