Cat Reviews

Only rarely does a book cross my desk that makes me smile just when I look at it, before I even read and review it. Purr More, Hiss Less written by Allia Zobel Nolan and illustrated charmingly by Erika Oller is such a book. On the cover, two fat cats recline together. One is smiling, the other wears a scowl. The meaning is clear, the author and artist know and love cats!

 

As I turn the pages, I am reminded by short passages and amusing watercolors, how sweet life is when you share that life with a cat. “Don’t be a show-off!” reminds one page as an orange-striped tomcat does a one paw handstand on a fence next to two not even amused Queens. “Be Flexible” another passage encourages as a kitty stretches from end to end on someone’s lap.

 

I see many of my cats’  reflected on these pages. Many of the characteristics only understood by true cat lovers show on each page- “Live in the Moment…”Be Your Brother’s Keeper” and other sayings keeps you smiling ear-to-ear.

 

At the end of the book, I am craving more of these wisdoms, needing more smiles and giggles and rememberances of dear feline friends long passed.

 

 And now, if you will excuse me, I believe it is time for me to stop and smell the catnip…………

In yet another intense page turner, Clea Simon once again immerses the reader into the life of Theda Krakow, a part-time journalist and die-hard cat lover. When Theda learns an animal activist was killed by a hit-and-run driver, she doesn’t think it really concerns her. She is busy following her own assignments, but she decides to make time for a friend of hers Violet and help her trap the rest of the feral cats left in the wake of the death of Gail Womynfriend.  

A missing trap is only part of the puzzle as Theda and Violet comb the old bottling plant in search of the cats needing to be rescued, time is short and winter is settling in. Theda is determined to save all the cats she can.  

With a quick turn of events, Theda finds herself immersed in the club scene and investigating a new designer drug that is seducing clubbers into the darker edge of the club world. As her investigation widens, her beloved companion Musetta suddenly vanishes and after a methodical search of her neighborhood Theda smells a rat. She suspects her cat was catnapped, but why is the mystery she must solve. All priorities fade from her life as she concentrates on recovering her cat. 

Throughout this engaging mystery, Clea Simon shares her substantial cat knowledge at every turn. You learn about TNR (Trap Neuter Release) you are introduced to the sometimes seedy world of the animal activist and tips are given about how to find a lost cat. Clea Simon is in her element within this world as she takes the reader on an emotional roller coaster of adventure and intrigue. All it does is leave the reader clamoring for more.

If you are able to read this book without shedding a single tear, than I fear for your humanity.

Urban tails inside the hidden world of alley cats, takes you into the lives of city alley cats. Featuring beautiful photogrophs and moving commentary, you witness firsthand the struggle to survive for these cats.

Stray and feral cats, the creatures most people tend to overlook have a bleak everyday existence. Danger forms behind every corner, the dark side of humanity haunts them. Food is scarce and compassion for them, virtually nonexistent.

No captions are needed, the photos speak volumes You see kittens finding entertainment in litter left in the gutter, crawling alongside truck tires for warmth, huddled inside broken pallets to flee danger.

How do we resolve this feral cat and stray cat issue oh gentle reader? The cure is simple. It entails being a responsible caretaker for any cat or kitten in our care. Spaying and neutering. Not feeding wild cats unless there is ample money too TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) the cats.

Until we take the initiative, ALL of us, to be sure that our pet cats as well as the feral and stray cats are fixed and unable to reproduce, then other books such as this will have to be produced. Until we can hear the voiceless, pay attention to those who wish not to be seen, our world will continue to explode in feral cat numbers.

If we cannot save them, than how can we be expected to save ourselves?

Beautifully laid-out in brilliant design, The Well-Lettered Cat is the type of book that as you read it, you sit on the edge of amazement. The clever use of fonts, patterns, colors and photographs not to mention the text, prompts the reader to continue turning the pages to the end.

            A sophisticated look into the unique characters of cats, this is an alphabetical journey unlike any other I have encountered.

In The Well-Lettered Cat,  “A” does not stand for achromatic, or ambiguous. In The Well-Lettered Cat “A” stands for acceptable, acute and addicting!

            Refined feline-fanciers and wordsmiths will rejoice and luxuriate in the literary style, while being thankful they are well-versed and well-read. Others may find themselves scrambling for their copy of the American Heritage Dictionary, all the time wondering,  “What in the world does animus mean?”.

My suggestion would be for the reader to have close at-hand a dictionary. This could prove to be helpful as your compass and guide to assist you through the journey.

I found the concept of  The Well-Lettered Cat fascinating and the content humbling. I was grateful for my own unabridged dictionary that I admit, I ended up using more than once!

Targets of Affection aims for the very heart of the mature reader. In her book, RG Willems introduces us to Shelby James a feisty veterinary assistant who tackles the subject of a little-known disease of Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy.

Shelby suspects one of their affluent clients is secretly harming animals then rushing them in for treatment. As

Shelby begins her covert investigation, she realizes that also at risk is the client’s young daughter Jessie. 

When you believe you have figured out the pace of the story is when the story accelerates to a pace that keeps you riveted to the pages. Animal lovers will enjoy this book immensely, because it grants the reader a rare look at the inner workings of a busy veterinary clinic. 

You will find yourself rooting for the underdog, shedding a few tears and cheering Shelby James to the end. I finished the book with a smile and the desire to run out and buy the sequel….which I hope there will be a sequel out soon.