8 Cat Care and Health Books That Transform Feline Wellbeing

Amy Shojai, Laura J. Moss, and Kymythy R. Schultze recommend expert-backed Cat Care and Health Books to elevate your pet care knowledge.

Updated on June 24, 2025
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What if understanding your cat's mysterious behaviors and health needs was less guesswork and more science? Cats, with their subtle cues and unique needs, demand care that blends compassion with expertise—something many owners find challenging to navigate. With feline health concerns evolving alongside veterinary advances, now is the perfect time to deepen your knowledge and sharpen your caregiving skills.

Take Amy Shojai, a certified animal behavior consultant and prolific pet care author, who has crafted detailed guides on aging cats and kitten care that blend behavioral insight with practical health advice. Or consider Laura J. Moss, whose work on indoor cats uncovers how to enrich their lives beyond the common myths. Nutrition expert Kymythy R. Schultze offers a fresh look at feeding practices that align with your cat's natural dietary needs.

While these expert-curated books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific cat's breed, age, or lifestyle might consider creating a personalized Cat Care and Health book that builds on these insights. This approach ensures your feline friend receives care perfectly matched to their unique story.

Best for understanding feline behavior scientifically
The American College of Veterinary Behaviorists brings unmatched expertise to this book, representing veterinarians who have completed rigorous training and certification in animal behavior. Their deep knowledge shapes a guide that goes beyond anecdotal advice, offering science-based insights into why cats act the way they do and how you can support their health and happiness. This authoritative background ensures that the information you receive is not only trustworthy but also applicable to a wide range of behavioral challenges, making it a valuable resource for any cat owner seeking to deepen their understanding and care.

Drawing from a team of board-certified veterinary behaviorists, this book unpacks the often mysterious reasons behind your cat's behaviors, going beyond simple training tips. You'll learn how to interpret common and problematic actions through the lens of veterinary science, with clear explanations of how environment, health, and psychology intersect. Chapters detail how to create a home that supports both physical and mental well-being for your cat, including guidance on addressing scratching, aggression, and litter box issues. If you're committed to understanding your cat as a complex being rather than just correcting behavior, this book offers you a grounded, science-backed perspective to enhance your relationship and your pet's quality of life.

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Best for senior cat health management
Amy Shojai is a nationally known authority on pet care and behavior, a certified animal behavior consultant, and author of over 35 nonfiction pet books. Her expertise and decades of experience in animal care uniquely position her to address the complex needs of aging cats. This book draws on her deep knowledge and industry insights, providing you with guidance informed by both science and compassion to keep your senior cat healthy and happy through their golden years.
2021·384 pages·Cat Care and Health, Cat Owner, Dog Care and Health, Pet Health, Aging Cats

When Amy Shojai, a certified animal behavior consultant and seasoned pet care author, penned this guide, she focused squarely on the unique challenges aging cats face. You’ll gain in-depth knowledge about managing common senior cat ailments like kidney disease and hyperthyroidism, with practical tips such as the L.O.V.E. Program to keep your cat active and affectionate. The book also covers medication management, dietary adjustments, and how to recognize warning signs that require veterinary attention. Whether you're caring for your first senior cat or seeking to improve your aging feline's quality of life, this book offers a thorough, experience-backed perspective without unnecessary fluff.

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Best for tailored cat care plans
This AI-created book on cat care is tailored to your cat’s unique health and behavioral profile. Based on your background and specific goals, the book focuses on the aspects of feline wellbeing most relevant to you. It provides a personalized pathway through the complex world of cat health, making it easier to care for your feline companion effectively. By concentrating on what matters most for your cat, this book offers a practical and engaging learning experience.
2025·50-300 pages·Cat Care and Health, Cat Health, Feline Behavior, Nutrition Needs, Disease Prevention

This personalized book explores the nuances of cat care through a lens tailored specifically to your feline's unique health and behavioral needs. It examines essential topics such as nutrition, common health issues, and behavioral cues, providing a focused learning experience that matches your background and interests. By concentrating on your cat’s individual characteristics, it reveals how to nurture wellbeing and address challenges effectively. The book’s tailored content takes you through a journey that bridges expert knowledge with your personal caregiving goals, making complex feline care accessible and relevant. This approach ensures you gain practical understanding that supports your cat’s health and happiness.

Tailored Handbook
Feline Health Insights
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for comprehensive cat care reference
Amy Shojai is a nationally known authority on pet care and behavior, a certified animal behavior consultant, and the author of more than 35 nonfiction pet books. She specializes in translating complex pet-related topics into language that's easy to understand. Her expertise and dedication make this encyclopedia a trustworthy companion for anyone seeking solid knowledge on cat health and home care.
2021·546 pages·Cat Care and Health, Cat, Cat Care, Health, Veterinary Care

After analyzing countless veterinary cases and holistic treatments, Amy Shojai developed this detailed A-to-Z guide to cat care that covers everything from kitten behavior to emergency first aid. You’ll find practical insights on disease prevention, veterinary care options, and how to interpret your cat’s behavior, all organized alphabetically for quick reference. Shojai’s extensive experience as a certified animal behavior consultant shines through in chapters that break down complex topics like zoonosis and holistic medicine into accessible advice. Whether you’re adopting a pedigree or caring for a rescue, this encyclopedia equips you with the knowledge to maintain your cat’s health and happiness.

Muse Medallion Winner
Cat Writers' Association Best Cat Health Book
Dr. Jim Richards Cornell Feline Health Center Veterinary Issues Award
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Best for enriching indoor cat lifestyles
Laura J. Moss, a journalist with extensive experience writing about feline adventures and founder of AdventureCats.org, brings a unique perspective to this topic. Her work with shelters and rescue groups, alongside her personal life with multiple rescue animals, grounds the book in real-world understanding. Moss’s expertise shines in how she connects scientific knowledge with practical advice to help you enrich your indoor cat’s life thoughtfully.
2022·272 pages·Cat Owner, Cat Care and Health, Cat Care, Behavior, Health

What started as a deep dive into the indoor cat's world, Laura J. Moss and Dr. Lynn Bahr challenge assumptions about feline lifestyles confined to the home. You’ll learn how to enrich your cat’s environment thoughtfully, addressing health and behavioral issues unique to indoor living by blending scientific research with expert veterinary insights. The book unpacks myths like cats being low-maintenance or untrainable, offering practical strategies such as environmental enrichment and interactive play techniques detailed in dedicated chapters. If you want to truly understand your cat’s experience inside your home and enhance their quality of life, this book provides grounded, evidence-based guidance without overpromising.

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Best for Birman breed-specific care
This guide to Birman cats stands out by consolidating advice from 25 experienced breeders, providing a single resource that covers the breed’s care from kittenhood through old age. It addresses practical concerns like grooming, health maintenance, and behavioral understanding while including interviews with top breeders, one of whom is a Cat Fanciers' Association Best of Breed winner. Whether you’re new to Birmans or looking to deepen your knowledge, this book’s expert-backed approach offers a roadmap to better care and a stronger bond with your cat.
2023·164 pages·Cat Breeds, Cat Care and Health, Cat Owner, Cat Care, Cat Health

Drawing from the combined wisdom of 25 expert Birman breeders, this guide offers a thorough walkthrough of everything you need to know about owning a Birman cat. You’ll learn practical details ranging from selecting your kitten to managing their health through old age, enriched by firsthand breeder interviews, including insights from a Cat Fanciers' Association Best of Breed winner. The book covers essential topics like grooming techniques, nutrition, behavioral traits, and how to reduce vet visits, making it especially useful if you want to deepen your understanding of this specific breed’s needs. If you’re committed to providing attentive, breed-specific care for your Birman, this guide will meet your expectations without overwhelming you.

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Best for personalized wellness plans
This AI-created book on cat wellness is crafted based on your cat's unique needs and your specific goals. You share your cat's background, health status, and what areas you want to focus on, and the book is created to match exactly what you need to improve your cat’s wellbeing. Personalizing the wellness journey means you get clear, actionable steps that fit your cat’s lifestyle and challenges, making it easier to see real changes within a month.
2025·50-300 pages·Cat Care and Health, Cat Nutrition, Health Assessment, Exercise Routines, Behavioral Enrichment

This tailored book delves into a month-long journey of boosting your cat’s health and happiness through carefully chosen actions that align with your specific pet's needs. It explores essential areas like nutrition, exercise, behavior, and environmental enrichment, each chapter focusing on practical steps that suit your cat's unique background and lifestyle. By addressing your particular goals and interests, this book offers a personalized path to noticeable wellness improvements within 30 days. The tailored content bridges expert knowledge with your cat’s individual story, making the learning process engaging and directly relevant to the challenges and opportunities you face as a cat owner.

Tailored Guide
Feline Health Optimization
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for holistic feline nutrition insights
Kymythy R. Schultze has been a trailblazer in the field of animal nutrition for nearly two decades. She is one of the world’s leading experts on nutrition and holistic care for cats, bringing a depth of knowledge that informs her approach to species-appropriate diets. This book reflects her extensive expertise and commitment to improving feline health through better nutrition, offering readers guidance grounded in science and endorsed by veterinarians worldwide.
194 pages·Cat Care and Health, Cat Food and Nutrition, Cat Care, Nutrition, Holistic Health

Drawing from nearly two decades as a pioneer in animal nutrition, Kymythy R. Schultze challenges conventional pet-food industry norms to reveal what truly nourishes cats. You’ll gain detailed insights into species-appropriate diets, including how to identify hidden pitfalls in commercial foods and why holistic approaches matter for feline longevity. The book goes beyond basic feeding advice to discuss nutritional biochemistry tailored to cats’ unique needs, making it especially useful if you want to enhance your cat’s health through diet. If you're invested in cat wellness from a nutritional perspective, this book offers a clear path to rethink feeding practices with practical, veterinarian-endorsed guidance.

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Best for practical veterinary guidance at home
Dr. Delbert G. Carlson, a seasoned medical and surgical veterinarian since 1955 and past president of the Greene County Humane Society, brings a wealth of practical experience to this handbook. Practicing alongside his daughter, Dr. Lisa D. Carlson, their combined expertise informs every page, making this book a trusted companion for cat owners seeking thorough, accessible advice on feline health and care.
Cat Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook book cover

by Delbert G. Carlson, James M. Giffin, Liisa D. Carlson··You?

448 pages·Cat Care and Health, Cat Owner, Cat, Cat Care, Veterinary Medicine

What happens when decades of veterinary practice meet the intricate world of feline health? Dr. Delbert G. Carlson, alongside co-authors James M. Giffin and Liisa D. Carlson, draws from over fifty years of combined experience to deliver clear guidance on cat care that goes beyond basics. You’ll find detailed explanations on recognizing symptoms, addressing everything from kitten development to geriatric concerns, and even insights into behavior and training. For example, chapters on injury prevention and chronic disease management equip you to handle situations confidently at home. If you want to deepen your understanding of your cat’s health and become their most informed advocate, this handbook offers practical clarity without overwhelming jargon.

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Best for new kitten owners' health and behavior
Amy Shojai is a nationally known authority on pet care and behavior, a certified animal behavior consultant, and author of over 35 nonfiction pet books. Her expertise and role as a spokesperson for the pet products industry uniquely position her to update this guide with current research on kitten health and behavior. This book reflects her deep commitment to helping families bring home kittens confidently and responsibly, blending scientific knowledge with practical advice.
Complete Kitten Care book cover

by Amy Shojai··You?

2017·358 pages·Cat Care and Health, Cat Care, Kitten Health, Behavior, Training

Amy Shojai challenges common assumptions about caring for kittens by blending updated veterinary guidelines with behavioral insights tailored for new cat owners. You'll discover how to select the right kitten breed, interpret feline body language, and tackle issues like biting or litter training through detailed chapters and vivid, award-winning kitten photos. This book is particularly helpful if you're welcoming a kitten into a multi-pet household or adopting from a shelter, offering nuanced advice on introductions and health care. The inclusion of resources such as cat associations and feline clubs makes it a practical manual beyond just the basics.

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Conclusion

These eight books collectively highlight three clear themes: understanding your cat's behavior through scientific lenses, addressing their health across life stages, and customizing care to their environment and breed specifics. If you're facing challenges with your cat's behavior or health, start with "Decoding Your Cat" to gain foundational insights. For rapid implementation of senior cat care, pair "Complete Care for Your Aging Cat" with the "Cat Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook".

Breed enthusiasts will find "Birman Cats" invaluable for deepening breed-specific knowledge, while new owners should look to "Complete Kitten Care" for comprehensive early guidance. Nutrition-focused caregivers will benefit most from "Natural Nutrition for Cats," which challenges conventional feeding wisdom.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Cat Care and Health book to bridge the gap between general principles and your specific situation. These books can help you accelerate your learning journey and provide your cat with the best possible life.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with "Decoding Your Cat" to understand your feline's behavior scientifically. It lays a solid foundation before moving to health or nutrition-focused books.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Cat Care and Health?

No. Titles like "Complete Kitten Care" and "Cat Facts The Pet Parent's A-to-Z Home Care Encyclopedia" are designed for beginners and provide accessible guidance.

Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?

You can pick based on your cat’s needs. For example, choose "Complete Care for Your Aging Cat" if caring for seniors, or "Indoor Cat" for indoor lifestyle insights.

Which books focus more on theory vs. practical application?

"Decoding Your Cat" leans toward behavioral science theory, while "Cat Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook" provides practical at-home care advice.

Are there any books here that contradict each other?

Not really; these books complement each other. For instance, "Natural Nutrition for Cats" offers holistic diet advice that pairs well with veterinary guidance from other titles.

How can I get advice tailored to my cat's specific needs?

While these books offer expert insights, personalized content can better address your cat's unique traits and lifestyle. Consider creating a personalized Cat Care and Health book to bridge general knowledge with your situation.

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