Editor’s note: Have you seen the new Catster print magazine in stores? Or in the waiting area of your vet’s office? This article appeared in our January/February 2017 issue. Click here to subscribe to Catster and get the bimonthly magazine delivered to your home.
It’s time to again show you the cat-themed books that have caught our attention recently. This round includes a comprehensive guide to cat behavior, a look at cats who live in New York City businesses, and an instructional book on knitting cat-themed items.
CatWise
What does your cat’s meow mean? Why do they sleep so much? Why do they scratch your furniture? And what’s the deal with catnip? These are just a few of the questions behavior expert Pam Johnson-Bennett answers in this definitive guide. Organized by topic and question, the book offers proven methods to solve your cat’s behavior problems, prevent them before they even start, or simply improve the relationship you and your cat already have. Using her trademark approach, “think like a cat,” Pam will help you understand those seemingly inexplicable feline habits.
Shop Cats of New York
Written by cat blogger Tamar Arslanian and with photos by pet photographer Andrew Marttila (whose work often graces the pages of Catster), this wonderful book portrays the Big Apple and its shops through their feline counterparts. (We interviewed Arslanian online in December.) You’ll meet Patti Gucci, a camping store cat whose official title is Customer Therapist, Assistant Buyer, and HR; Clive, who is the official mascot at a dog boutique; Jeffie, who “works” at the oldest whiskey distillery in New York City since Prohibition; and Ric and Rac, who assist customers at a trim shop in the Garment District. And we certainly can’t leave out one of New York’s most famous felines — Matilda, the cat-in-residence at the Algonquin Hotel, who gets fan mail from around the world and has her own personal manager.
But these stories go beyond amusing anecdotes. These cats are deeply loved and well-cared for. Some are practically legends, and many have “fans” who drop by just to say hello, sometimes bringing a toy or treat.
When you think about it, it makes a lot of sense to have a feline co-worker. When asked why an upscale dog boutique had a cat as a mascot, an employee responded, “Well, someone has to keep things in order around here.”
$24.99 at HarperDesign, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers
Knits for Kitties
Some of the coolest cat toys I’ve seen are knitted. If you’re handy with knitting needles, you can easily make your own. This fun book by knit toy designer Sarah Elizabeth Kellner features 25 knit toy patterns for your favorite feline friend — from dragonflies, ladybugs, and other critters to cute little mittens, kitty heads, and even donuts. These patterns are perfect for knitters of all abilities and are specially designed by the author. You’ll also find a step-by-step guide to the patterns’ stitches and techniques as well as suggestions for extra embellishments like bells, feathers, and catnip. Let the knitting begin!
