The Book Corner:
250 Vital Things Your Cat Wants You to Know
by Ingrid Newkirk
Have you ever wondered why your cat “kneads bread” on your blanket? Or what she’s telling you when she squints her eyes? Did you know that cats can sometimes lie? And that they get embarrassed?
PETA President Ingrid E. Newkirk is helping cat guardians become better at translating “catese” with her recent book. Incorporating wisdom gathered from cat veterinarians and specialists, guardians from around the world, and Newkirk’s own decades of experience as a cat rescuer and companion (or “auntie” as she likes to say), 250 Vital Things Your Cat Wants You to Know is filled with fascinating tidbits and punctuated by funny stories and anecdotes. It had this reviewer alternating between peals of laughter and moments of “Wow, I never knew that!”
As the title suggests, it also provides crucial information on everything from finding a lost cat to protecting your sofa and from creating a simple “catio” to knowing the home remedies that could save your animal’s life. Also discussed are seldom mentioned ways to make our human-centric homes more enjoyable for their feline residents. After all, they spend much more time there than we do!
In addition, there is a wealth of fresh ideas for playtime and bonding activities. The book is a practical, amusing, and enriching guide that will improve your understanding of your cat, strengthen your relationship, and make her adore you. For anyone who has always lived with cats or just adopting one for the first time, it’s an easy and enjoyable read – and a great gift! (This book can be ordered directly from PETA or online merchants, such as Amazon.)
New York State Humane Association Humane Review, Vol.XLI, Spring 2023.