Cat vs. Cat: Keeping Peace When You Have More Than One Cat

by Pam Johnson-Bennett

Book Overview

From the author of Catwise and Think Like a Cat, the ultimate resource for managing a multi-pet household.

Pam Johnson-Bennett, the award-winning author and feline behaviorist, shows how adding another cat to your home does not have to be the start of a kitty apocalypse. Although cats are often misunderstood as natural loners, Johnson-Bennett shows how to plan, set up, and maintain a home environment that...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0142004758
• ISBN13: 9780142004753
• Release Date: July 2004
• Publisher: Penguin Books
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.49 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.4" x 8.1"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Very helpful for integrating cats

Many interesting facts and techniques.

Read this if you have more than one cat

This book made me see my cats in a new light. I originally picked it up because our first cat (Shadow) has never accepted our second cat (Parker), and it's not a passive kind of rejection unfortunately. Shadow was relentless in attacking Parker, and Parker could never relax while both cats were out and about in the house. We were planning a move, so I picked this book up thinking we could take advantage of the change in territory to give the cats a fresh start, and I'm very glad I read it. Every person with a cat in their family should read this! I actually developed more respect for their cat-ness because of this book. While we're not quite doing everything the author suggests (it's a struggle to fit in just one interactive play session on weekdays let alone multiple), we're still learning. We plan to get a cat tree to increase vertical territory and maybe some nice window perches since our new home doesn't have windowsills wide enough to sit on. The good news is that the new home has served as a more neutral territory, and I think our daily play sessions have helped stimulate both kitties so they're not so anxious. We haven't had any fights in the new home, and I'm crossing my fingers that it'll stay that way!

Every cat owner (or everyone owned by a cat) should have this book!

The "HOW-TO BOOK FOR MULTIPLE CAT OWNERS!" This book has lots of valuable information for the multiple cat owner! I've had cats for 35 years and I wish I knew the helpful hints included in this book years ago. It is heartbreaking to hear of people who have to give up their newly adopted felines because they can't get along with the established household cats. This book will help prevent these types of problems. I have two eight-year-old cats and four two-year-old cats. This book is very helpful even now but I wish I had it when I adopted my four "newbies." It helps you understand how a cat thinks and why they react like they do in different situations. I haven't tried the feliway plug-in yet but I intend to. SUPER GREAT BOOK!

It really works!

My cat had taken a serious disliking to my boyfriend: clawing, biting, and hissing at anyone nearby, provoking brawls with his littermate, howling through the night and urinating in all his hiding spots. He'd rub against our legs one moment but lash out violently when we reached for him. I was crushed at the thought of having to give away my beloved pet; then I found this book. Author Pam Johnson-Bennett knows cats. She offers a complete dictionary of how cats communicate their mood, where problem behavior starts, and simple solutions to ease tension and modify behavior. She offers several strategic checklists for anticipated situations as well as existing problems. Don't be fooled by the title either; Pam offers excellent advice on cat-human interactions, too. We made three little changes and enjoyed INSTANT success. The urinating stopped immediately. Within a week, the violence decreased to a minimum. A month later, the cat was taking treats from my boyfriend's hand and, two weeks after that, sleeping in his lap. It has been several months now without repeat of a major incident. There is no silver bullet, but with this book, you will be well-armed.

my cats are thanking me

we have three cats in our house hold because we just added a new kitten. Since the older one didnt take the last new cat too well. we thought we better look into this. I found out that for the last two cats we indroduced them very well. however there was a lot of insight about hierarchy, toys, and food and litter preferances that we didnt know about. Also the feliway plug in thing is a LIFESAVER!!! Our old grumpy cat has turned into a calm cat who we rarely ever here hiss anymore. He used to hiss when he thought about the other cats. Now he even lets them sniff him and he doesnt mind. He also stopped spaying inside. Now he still gets into fights outside, but while he is inside we know he is happy!

A good behavioral book for multicat homes

I am struggling with a number of feline behavioral disorders in my own family, but this book truly shed light on methods to correct these issues. From the beginning, Johnson-Bennett takes the standpoint of analyzing cat behaviors in the context of a multicat household. She covers issues such as litterbox use, timidness, aggression and dicipline. From reading this book, I added many new regimes to my treatment plan for remeding with cat-cat interaction - using catnip, increasing playtime, training methods, etc. Armed with the knowledge from this book, I went forth and began working to help my cat through her behavioral problems, and after only a few short weeks the issues were resolved! I completely credit this book with giving me the knowledge and understanding to better tackle this problem and create a peaceful environment for both my cats and my family. The book is an easy read and chocked full of information for multi-cat households. I would recommend it to anyone struggling to find resolve to behavioral issues of their feline friends. If you're looking for books specific to single cat families, she has also written "Think like a cat: How to raise a well-adjusted cat, not a sour puss" which contains training information from kittenhood to senior life (also a great read).