This is a great book...so informative. Any cat owner should definitely have this book in their library.
If you have a cat that you care for, or about, there will be times when you have questions and need clear and factual answers. This is the book you need for fast, clear answers which can save your cat's life.
By the time that you notice that something may be wrong with you cat, they may be in serious trouble. This is a book that tells you what various symptoms may mean and how serious they may be. It gives expert advice on how to care for your healthy cat, how to insure his continued health, and how to care for an injured cat until he can be transported to the vet.
It may tell you more than you really wish to know at times, but you may decide which sections you want to read and how much of them to read. Some of the illustrative photos, though very helpful, can be distressing to see. However, it is better to have more information than you want than less than you need.
No book replaces the need for good veterinarian, regular visits, or a call to see if an emergency visit is advisable, but this book gives excellent adjunct advice and tips to keep your cat healthy and safe.
Doesn't replace a vet, but lets you know when you should visit one!
Cat Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook, Fully Revised and Updated is a good basic guide to your cat's health. While it doesn't replace the vet, it can save you a trip for some simple ailments and can let you know when you should get your cat to the vet ASAP.
If you buy the book, in order to get the most out of it, I would suggest familiarizing yourself with the contents. There is an index of signs and symptoms on the front cover, a detailed contents, a general index and cross-references. This pre-work, makes it easy to quickly find what you are looking for when you need the book without a lot of fumbling. The content pages are easy to scan and find information by system (urinary, digestive, respiratory etc) or body part (eyes, nose, skin) as well as chapters on diseases, emergencies and more!
If you want a go-to reference book for your cats, this is a really good one!
Cat Owner's Book a must
I have two cats inside and two that have been abandoned by their original owners outside. This book has a lot of great information for treating some things at home. I did find that for most illnesses I would need to seek veterinary care. However, the book helps you to make that determination.
All you need to know and more!
I have a biomedical background and have some veterinary experience since I wanted to be a veterinarian when I was younger, although I never did become a vet. Many years ago I got the dog owner's version of this handbook and referred to it when my dog got older and became sick. Because of my experience with the dog owner's version, I knew I wanted the cat owner's version.
I found "The Cat Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook" to be well written and easy to use. It does not overwhelm the reader with veterinary medical terminology and is easily understood by the average cat owner. It is easy to find information using the "Signs and Symptoms" and "General" indexes. There is more information than you will probably ever want to know or need to know; however, it is all worthwhile having available in the event your cat gets ill.
I am reading and skimming through the handbook. Even if you just keep it on your bookshelf just in case your cat gets sick, "The Cat Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook" is a VERY worthwhile purchase.
