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The Cat Who Cried for Help: Attitudes, Emotions, and the Psychology of Cats |
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Reviews |
| | Downright Scary  |
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After reading a fantastic book about natural remedies, homeopathic treatments and preventative care, and the dangers of introducing foreign substances into your animal (vaccinations, steroids and other traditional medications presumed to be "safe"), I was excited to expand my repetoire with a book about cat behavior and behavior modification techniques. I was horrified to find out that each case study basically ends with a prescription for a powerful drug, often-times an anti-depressant or tranquilizer, that I would be hesitant to use myself, much less introduce to a pet. Seems like most Americans are taking SOMETHING to keep them happy, or calm, help them fall asleep or stay awake, and apparently this "doping of America" extends to our pets as well. If you buy into that mentality and you're at your wit's end with your problem cat, then this book is for you. What unnerved me was at no point in the book did I see specific studies cited indicating that any of these drugs were tested and found to be safe for our pets.
After reading previous research regarding vaccinations, not to mention recent pet food scares, I'm pretty skeptical of anyone pushing the traditional "western" treatment techniques when it comes to our pets who are thrust into an unregulated food and drug industry with little protection except for their owners who may (or may not) be willing to do the extra research to learn the real story behind these highly profit-driven industries. I was surprised at how many pet food companies don't care so much about the pets we consider to be family members, and won't think twice about using diseased, drugged and rotten meat in their products because it's cheap and no one is telling them they can't do so. Similarly, the same drug companies that advertise ad nauseum to HUMANS in prime time are producing drugs and vaccines for our pets and we know how powerful and persuasive THOSE companies are--far be it for a vet to speak out against them, especially when the majority of their business comes from annual re-vaccinations, whether or not they're necessary.
If you prefer to get to the root of the problem and really change the behavior without harsh checicals and quick fixes, pat yourself on the back and bypass this book. If you see nothing wrong with doping up your cat (or dog), I urge you to ask some tough questions and educate yourself first, if you don't look out for your pet's health and well-being, no one else will. |
| | BuSpar Feline Nation; Listening to Buspirone  |
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Dodson writes well and describes cats with affection. In virtually every case, however, the afflicted cat ends up being treated with buspirone. (Dodson does not mention any tips on how to get cats to take the pills.)
I STOPPED reading on page 115--about half-way through the book when yet another cat was medicated. At the bottom of page 115 Dodson reveals that he has a patent on buspirone. Dodson has, according to the back jacket of the book "four patents for the pharmacological control of behavior problems".
While behavior problems can and should be humanely addressed, I wonder if forcing pills on cats cannot end up being counter-productive. Certainly it can help some of the time, especially if your cat likes to take pills. But the book ends up reading like one long advertisement for feline SSRI's. |
| | Empathetic and enlightening  |
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My 15-year-old cat had become anorexic and suffered from disorientation and insomnia after the death of a companion animal; after several months, his health was rapidly declining. After reading this book, I decided to ask my vet to give him anti-depressants. Within 24 hours, my cat was sleeping and eating normally. Anti-depressants can be wrongly prescribed for cats, just as they can be for people, but there are times when they can save a cat's life. This book opened my eyes to treatment options I had never considered. |
| | Interesting Insights into Cats' Behavior  |
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I recently adopted a two-year-old stray tomcat from a city shelter. As he is the first feline companion I've had since I was a child, I felt it was important to try to understand how cats think. This book, and "Hiss and Tell," have given me great insights into why cats do what they do.
In "The Cat Who Cried for Help," Dr. Dodman tells fascinating stories of cats who were misunderstood by their owners. There are the cats in multi-cat households who could not get along with each other; cats with genunine medical conditions which underlie their odd behavior; cats who will not use the litter box (often because there are too few of them, or because they are not kept clean); and cats who suck wool. Most tragic is the subject of the title, a happy outdoor tomcat who was captured and forced to live indoors, and then neutered, declawed and de-voiced for the comfort of his owner. Many of the problems seem to stem from taking nocturnal animals whom our Creator made with a great deal of curiosity and the desire to roam outside, and forcing them to live indoors and on human schedules.
The author does spend a lot of time discussing the use of anti-depressants like Prozac and Buspar in controlling cat behavior. This practice may be controversial, but Dr. Dodman demonstrates that in many cases these drugs may be beneficial, particularly where behavior modification has not worked. Highly recommended for those adopting cats, those who already own (or are owned by) cats, and those interested in cats. |
| | Interesting and Easy Read-Good Information |
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I read this book in little less than a week. It is written very well and the author uses actual cases from his practice to illustrate the behavioral problems and solutions he suggests, which not only makes it fun to read the book but makes it easier to relate to your own pets. He does use a lot of pharmalogical solutions, but he always tries to fix the problem without first or get the cat off the meds as soon as possible. I have an agressive dominant cat and a feuding pair and am currently trying his suggestions on fixing the problem. Actually from what the author explained about serotonin increasing drugs I found a natural amino acid that would do the same thing without "drugging" my cat. Anyways, overall great read, kind of Chicken Soup for the Soul kind of read, much recommended. Fun to read. |
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