For Fun:

Grey Matters by Clea Simon -- With clues from Mr. Grey, the ghost of her dearly departed feline companion, Harvard grad student Dulcie Schwartz finds the help she needs to solve a perplexing murder of a fellow student. To the academic’s chagrin, even her commune-living, psychic mother’s advice ends up being right. Dulcie’s own dreams fall into place when she is trapped in a burning room, one that could be right from the pages of the 18th-century gothic novel she studies for her graduate thesis. This second book in a series keeps you on edge until the end.

The Complete Cat’s Meow by Darlene Arden, award-winning author, lecturer and Certified Animal Behavior Consultant—“Complete” indeed! Ms Arden has written a most comprehensive manual for the cat lover looking for answers to just about any cat-related question. What medical problems are associated with purebreds? How do you curb inappropriate behaviors? What is the best way to trim a cat’s nails or give meds? Purebred or shelter cat? The author covers them all and many more I would never have thought to ask. Already in its second printing, the book goes beyond just highlights but delves deep into the topic at hand in a reader-friendly manner. A must have for my bookshelf; a must have for yours.

Cat Confessions by Allia Zobel Nolan, internationally published and award-winning author—A fun little pocket book filled with great photos and cat “confessions.” You can’t be angry at the three little kittens as they fess up, “We lick the salt off the potato chips when Mommy has company,” and other hilarious kitty capers. The purrfect thank you gift for the cat-sitter or any cat-loving friend. Purchase online at Barnes & Noble or direct from Harvest House Publishers.

Catscapades—True Cat Tales by Patricia L. Fry—A delightful collection of stories about unique feline friends. Local (Ojai) author takes us on her journey of becoming what she feared most, a Cat Lady like her grandmother. Embrace it, Patricia, it’s in your blood. Purchase online at Amazon or direct from Matilija Press.

Conquering the Food Chain by Stacy Mantle—A truly heartwarming collection of stories from a multispecies household. “Living in harmony” has many innuendos! Also be sure to check out Stacy’s fun, fact-filled website www.petsweekly.com for “all things pets.”

Dear Sparkle: Advice from One Cat to Another (No Humans) by Sparkle the Designer Cat, edited by Janiss Garza—Full of purrfect advice for the savvy human who reads it, the advice-column format covers everything from the best scratching posts to loneliness issues from a cat’s viewpoint. It offers not only the “what” but answers the “why.” Indie Excellence Book Awards Finalist

Lessons in Stalking—Adjusting to Life With Cats by Dena Harris—The story of a couple experiencing the joys and challenges of cat ownership for the first time. With chapters like, Jingle Ball Horrors and The Creature Under The Fridge, if you are a cat owner, you will relate.

Mewsings/Musings by Simon Teakettle and Barbara Florio Graham—Printed in flip-book style, with Terzo the cat’s “Mewsings” on one side and Barbara’s “Musings” on the other, this book will keep you enthralled. The two authors are witty arch rivals, sharing a computer and living quarters. It leaves the reader begging for more. Winner of a 2002 Certificate of Excellence from the International Cat Writers’ Association. Purchase online at Simon Teakettle Ink.

Note from Barbara: “Terzo purred loudly when he read that he was my ‘witty arch-rival.’”

Tatianna by Linda A. Mohr—A true story of unselfish love and acceptance that only a pet can bestow from kittenhood through illness and on into death. For anyone who has loved and lost a pet, this book will help you heal. Indie Excellence Book Awards Finalist, Winner of International Cat Writers' Association 2008 Merial Human-Animal Bond Award. Purchase online at Amazon or get autographed copies at www.lindamohr.com.

The Adventures of Sir Goblin: The Feline Knight by Barbara E. Moss—Set in Medieval Europe, this plucky, lucky cat encounters seven adventures that would make any knight proud. Beautifully illustrated and a wonderful read for young adults. Purchase online at Amazon or at Barnes & Noble. Autographed copies available at www.barbcat.com.

The Cat Lover’s Book of Days by Peg Sillway—If you have two hours or only five minutes to read each day, keep this book handy. Filled with a plethora of fun facts, photos, favorite felines of the famous and more, each of the 366 days (including February 29th) offers up something of interest to any cat-lover. Purchase online at Ursa Books; autographed copies available.

The Littlest Christmas Kitten by Leona Novy Jackson—Never too soon to shop for Christmas, this delightful picture book for ages 2-8 weaves a magical tale about a little lost kitten in a Bethlehem on Christmas Eve. It’s sure to become a family favorite. Purchase online at Images Unlimited.

They Had Me At Meow by Rosie Sorenson—A must read for anyone wondering why we TNR (Trap/Neuter/Return) and feed feral cats. Who knows, after reading this book you may find yourself in the cat food aisle at the grocery store and you don’t even own a cat...yet. Be sure to read the Q & A section at the end. Printed with sixty full-color photos. Winner of the International Cat Writers’ Association MuseTM Medallion Award Purchase online at www.theyhadmeatmeow.com.

Won Ton, A Cat Tale Told in Haiku, by Lee Wardlaw, is a delightful tale of a shelter cat’s life from cage to forever home. Illustrated beautifully, it is sure to please child and adult alike. Ms Wardlaw has captured the true essence of a cat longing for life outside a cage. The Haiku text adds a whimsical twist to the story. Purchase at your local bookstore or online at Amazon.

For Reference:

Good Cat! Practical Answers to Behavior Questions by Steve Dale, award-winning cat columnist, is a wonderful collection of just what the title states. With advice from many other renowned animal behaviorists and veterinarians, it’s not just one man’s ramblings but a font of sage information. It’s nice to know there are other inquiring cat-owners out there who may have the same perplexing question that you have, even though you may never have thought to ask.

Cat Owner’s Home Veterinary Handbook by DVMs Debra M. Eldredge, Delbert G. Carlson, and Liisa D. Carlson, and James M. Griffin, MD. This 600+ page reference book is packed full of more useful information than I’ve ever seen. Even the end sheets of the front and back covers contain a Signs & Symptoms Index for faster browsing. Better than searching the web for answers that may overwhelm you in their numbers and conflicting advice, get one of these for fast research at your fingertips. Complete your set with the companion volume on dogs.

Complete Kitten Care by Amy D. Shojai—If you are thinking of getting a cat, or already are owned by one, this all-inclusive reference book is a must for your virtual bookshelf. Packed with everything from where and how to choose a kitten to health and behavioral information, even seasoned pet owners will discover answers to questions found nowhere else. A true treasure of a reference book; available in (used only) paperback or Kindle format. Winner of the International Cat Writers’ Association MuseTM Medallion Award and the 2002 Purina Kitten Chow Kitten Award Purchase online at www.shojai.com.

My Teachers Wear Fur Coats by Susan Mack and Natalia Krawetz—Reiki for animals? Why not! This book resonated with me so much that I have begun my own journey into this ancient practice. Purrhaps you will too.

Reflexology For Cats by Jackie Segers—The perfect alternative therapy pet reference guide! Complete with paw, ear and face maps, this how-to book leads you through steps of healing and wellness for your pet in an easy-to-read manner. Also included are lessons on acupressure, moxibustion, natural extracts, craniosacral therapy, Holistic Pulsing and Reiki.