The Cat Psychologist

Greg Turko is a policy analyst at the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and
Universities.

MacDonald describes herself as “Canada’s only feline behaviorist.”
Her credentials are impressive. She adores cats. She has also assembled
a large body of knowledge about cats during the 20-odd years in which
she has looked after them in one capacity or another. Most importantly,
she is passionately concerned about the well-being of cats kept as pets.

This book combines short case studies with general advice on topics
that range from how to select a cat, to diet, to dealing with behavioral
problems. She emphasizes the need for cats to have a stable environment,
to receive a lot of attention and good-quality care, and to be seen by
their owners as the living, breathing, gorgeous creatures they are. She
categorically states throughout the book that cats should not be
de-clawed under any circumstances.

The book does occasionally veer off into more controversial areas.
There is a strong undercurrent of sentiment against veterinarians and
against commercial pet food throughout. For example, while she does not
explicitly advise against vaccination, MacDonald suggests that various
shots may not be necessary. Similarly, she recommends a well-planned
people-food diet rather than store-bought cat food. Such a diet may be
superior when the pet owner prepares it with care, attention, and
indepth knowledge about a cat’s nutritional needs. All too often,
though, such an approach involves a mindless and unhealthy mess of table
scraps or becomes prey to passing fads (e.g., the notion that cats
should have a vegetarian diet).

This book does contain a wealth of information that is of value to
people with cats. Some of the advice should, however, be thought through
carefully—and some should be taken with a pinch of catnip.