7 Cat Owner Books That Reveal What Your Cat Really Thinks

Discover top Cat Owner Books authored by authorities like the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, Jackson Galaxy, and Arden Moore.

Updated on June 25, 2025
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What if you could unlock the secret language of your cat? Many cat owners find themselves puzzled by their feline companions’ mysterious behaviors. Understanding these subtle cues can transform your relationship and enhance your cat’s well-being. As cats become ever more popular companions, knowing how to care for them thoughtfully has never been more important.

This collection features books written by recognized experts and renowned authorities in feline behavior and care. From the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists’ scientific approach to Jackson Galaxy’s practical home design tips, these works delve deep into the challenges and joys of cat ownership, offering proven strategies grounded in professional experience.

While these authoritative books provide valuable frameworks, you might find it helpful to create a personalized Cat Owner book tailored to your cat’s age, behavior, and your lifestyle. This approach builds on expert insights and fits your unique situation perfectly, helping you foster a deeper bond and happier home for your cat.

Best for understanding cat behavior scientifically
The American College of Veterinary Behaviorists are the undeniable authorities when it comes to explaining why our pets do what they do, and also in dealing with the most extreme behavior problems. The ACVB is a professional organization of veterinarians who are board-certified in the specialty of veterinary behavior dedicated to advancing the behavioral health of all companion animals through education and outreach. ACVB members, known as diplomates, have undergone rigorous professional training and scrutiny, publishing peer-reviewed articles, speaking professionally around the country (many around the world) to veterinarians and others interested in behavior topics, and in general demonstrating that they are the leading experts in the field. This book conveys the newest and best information on cat behavioral science in a fun, interesting, and understandable way, empowering owners to provide a happy, safe, and functional home environment for their cats.

Drawing from their extensive expertise, the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists crafted a guide that moves beyond surface-level cat training to explore the scientific reasons behind feline behaviors. You’ll gain a clear understanding of what triggers common issues like scratching, aggression, or anxiety, illustrated through real-life case studies and backed by veterinary-approved methods. Chapters on environmental enrichment and health-related behavioral changes offer practical insights for maintaining your cat’s well-being. This book is particularly useful if you want to deepen your grasp of cat psychology and address behavioral challenges thoughtfully, though it’s less about quick fixes and more about informed care.

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Best for new cat adopters and trainers
Laura Cassiday is a certified cat behavior consultant with extensive experience at the Maryland SPCA. She has dedicated her career to helping new cat owners successfully integrate their pets into their homes. With insights from over 40 shelter and rescue experts, she authored this guide addressing everything from choosing the right cat to managing behavioral challenges.
2021·172 pages·Cat Owner, Pet Care, Animal Behavior, Adoption Process, Cat Nutrition

Laura Cassiday brings her expertise as a certified cat behavior consultant with hands-on experience at the Maryland SPCA to this detailed guide on cat adoption. You’ll find practical insights into selecting a cat that fits your lifestyle, preparing your home, and navigating challenges like litter box issues, scratching, and anxiety. The book also covers nutrition, grooming, and senior cat care, drawing on advice from over 40 shelter experts. Whether you’re adopting for the first time or looking to deepen your understanding, this book offers a solid roadmap to raising a happy, well-adjusted cat.

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Best for personalized care plans
This custom AI book on cat care is created based on your unique experience and what you want to learn about your feline companion. By considering your cat’s behavior and health needs, it focuses on what’s most relevant to you, instead of generic advice. This tailored approach helps you understand your cat better and provides guidance suited to your goals, making each page directly valuable. With AI crafting the content specifically for you, it’s like having a personal feline expert on hand.
2025·50-300 pages·Cat Owner, Cat Behavior, Health Indicators, Nutrition Basics, Environmental Enrichment

This tailored book explores your cat's behavior and health needs through a personalized lens that matches your background and specific goals. It covers foundational concepts in feline behavior, health indicators, and environmental enrichment, then delves into nuanced topics like stress management and nutrition tailored to your cat's unique profile. By focusing on what matters most to you, this book reveals practical ways to deepen your understanding of your cat’s communication and wellbeing. Designed to bridge expert knowledge with your particular experiences, it offers a guided path through complex feline care, ensuring you gain insights directly relevant to your daily interactions and challenges. This personalized approach transforms general advice into actionable understanding, making cat ownership more rewarding and insightful.

Tailored Guide
Behavioral Insights
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for senior cat health and care
Amy Shojai is a nationally recognized expert in pet care and behavior, with certification as an animal behavior consultant and over 35 nonfiction pet books to her name. Her extensive experience and role as a spokesperson for the pet products industry underpin this detailed guide on caring for aging cats. Drawing from interviews with more than 100 veterinary professionals, she provides readers with trusted advice to help keep senior cats active, vital, and comfortable through their golden years.
2021·384 pages·Cat Care and Health, Cat Owner, Dog Care and Health, Cat Care, Pet Health

When Amy Shojai, a certified animal behavior consultant and author of over 35 pet books, wrote this guide, she drew on insights from more than 100 veterinary experts to address the challenges aging cats face. You’ll learn how to recognize normal versus warning signs in your cat’s health, practical ways to encourage exercise, and how to implement the L.O.V.E. Program to enhance your cat’s quality of life. The book covers specific conditions like kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, and diabetes with clear guidance on home care and medical interventions. If you care for a senior cat and want a thorough resource grounded in expert knowledge, this book offers detailed, compassionate support.

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Best for creating cat-friendly home spaces
Jackson Galaxy brings his extensive experience as a cat behaviorist and host of Animal Planet’s My Cat from Hell to this collaboration with Kate Benjamin, founder of Hauspanther.com. Together, they fuse behavior expertise with stylish home design to offer practical solutions for common cat challenges. Their combined backgrounds provide you with trusted guidance on creating environments where cats and owners thrive.
2015·272 pages·Cat Owner, Cat, Pet Care, Behavior, Home Design

What if the way you arrange your home is the key to happier cats? Jackson Galaxy, a seasoned cat behaviorist known for his work on Animal Planet, teams up with Kate Benjamin, a cat design expert, to tackle common cat challenges through smart home design. You'll learn practical methods to curb issues like inappropriate urination and furniture scratching by creating spaces that cater to your cat's instincts and needs. The book shares real-life design projects from cat guardians worldwide, making it a solid guide if you want to harmonize your living space for both you and your feline companion. It’s especially useful if you’re facing behavioral frustrations and want clear, approachable solutions.

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Best for enriching indoor cat lives
Laura J. Moss brings her extensive experience as a journalist and founder of Adventure Cats to this deep exploration of indoor feline life. Having contributed to National Geographic and Forbes, her insights are grounded in both research and a genuine passion for cats. She teams up with Dr. Lynn Bahr, a feline-only veterinarian, to offer guidance that reshapes how you think about your indoor cat’s world, helping you enrich their lives beyond traditional care.
2022·272 pages·Cat Owner, Cat Care and Health, Cat Care, Cat Behavior, Pet Health

Drawing from their combined expertise in feline health and journalism, Laura J. Moss and Dr. Lynn Bahr challenge common misconceptions about indoor cats and reveal how to create a more stimulating, fulfilling environment for them. You’ll discover why cats aren’t simply lazy pets and how enriching their indoor spaces can prevent behavioral issues and improve well-being. The book provides concrete examples, such as using interactive toys and vertical spaces, to expand your cat’s world safely within your home. If you care deeply about your cat’s quality of life and want to debunk myths about indoor living, this book will guide your efforts thoughtfully and realistically.

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Best for custom behavior plans
This AI-created book on cat behavior is tailored to your cat’s personality and your experience level. You share what behavior challenges you face, which areas you want to improve, and your lifestyle, so the book focuses exactly on what matters to you and your feline friend. Personalizing the guidance means you get clear, relevant steps without wading through irrelevant info. It’s a focused way to help your cat become happier and adjust behaviors in just 30 days.
2025·50-300 pages·Cat Owner, Cat Behavior, Feline Communication, Behavior Modification, Environmental Enrichment

This tailored book explores focused actions designed to transform your cat’s behavior within just one month. It covers key behavior concepts, common challenges, and practical steps to foster positive changes, all matched to your cat’s unique personality and your lifestyle. The personalized content dives into understanding feline communication, addressing unwanted habits, and enhancing your cat’s happiness through targeted activities and environmental adjustments. By concentrating on your specific goals and interests, the book offers an engaging and efficient learning experience that reveals how small, consistent changes can build a stronger bond and improve daily life for both you and your cat.

Tailored Guide
Behavioral Modification
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for practical cat behavior Q&A
Arden Moore is an accomplished author of over two dozen books on cats and dogs and a respected voice in pet behavior education. Hosting nationally syndicated radio shows and teaching veterinarian-approved classes, she brings a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to this book. Her deep connection with her own pets and extensive media presence provide readers with trusted guidance on understanding and nurturing their cats.
2022·224 pages·Cat Owner, Cat, Cat Behavior, Pet Care, Training

After decades writing extensively on pet behavior, Arden Moore focuses her expertise on the nuances of feline minds in this updated edition. You’ll find clear explanations about why cats act the way they do—from whisker functions to nighttime howling—and practical insights on training, feeding, and managing common issues like litter box habits and scratching. For example, she addresses how to discourage counter jumping and even the curious question of whether cats dream. This book suits anyone who wants a deeper understanding of their cat’s behavior and aims to build a stronger, happier relationship with their feline companion.

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Best for personal growth inspired by cats
Brian Basterfield is a Canadian author and organizational management expert who combines his passion for psychology, sociology, and human research to craft insightful guidance on communication and personal growth. His experience leading teams and enhancing workplace dynamics informs this unique take on how cats' natural traits can teach you to live more confidently and authentically. Drawing from his expertise, Brian offers a witty and practical perspective that connects feline behavior with human development, helping you apply these lessons to your own life with clarity and humor.
2023·150 pages·Cat Owner, Personal Development, Communication, Mindfulness, Confidence Building

Brian Basterfield draws from his background in organizational management and human research to explore how the natural behaviors of cats can inspire personal growth and confidence. This book reveals how feline traits like acute awareness, independence, and clear communication translate into life skills you can adopt—such as reframing negative thoughts, setting boundaries, and embracing your unique strengths. Chapters guide you through understanding mindfulness versus idleness, stepping outside comfort zones, and mastering non-verbal cues. Whether you're a cat owner or simply intrigued by feline wisdom, this book offers a fresh lens on boosting self-assurance and purposeful living by observing your cat's quiet mastery of life’s everyday challenges.

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Conclusion

These seven books collectively highlight three key themes: understanding feline behavior scientifically, creating environments that cater to a cat’s instincts, and addressing the evolving needs of cats at every life stage. If you're adopting your first cat, start with "The Complete Guide to Adopting a Cat" for a solid foundation. For managing behavioral challenges, "Decoding Your Cat" and "The Cat Behavior Answer Book" offer clear, actionable guidance.

To enhance your cat’s living space, "Catify to Satisfy" and "Indoor Cat" provide practical design and enrichment solutions. And if you're caring for an older feline, "Complete Care for Your Aging Cat" offers compassionate, expert advice.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Cat Owner book to bridge the gap between general principles and your specific situation. These books can accelerate your learning journey and deepen your connection with your feline friend.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Start with "The Complete Guide to Adopting a Cat" if you're new to cat ownership. It offers practical advice on welcoming and caring for a new cat, setting a strong foundation.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Cat Owner?

Not at all. Many, like "The Complete Guide to Adopting a Cat" and "The Cat Behavior Answer Book," are accessible and written to help beginners understand and care for cats confidently.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with adoption and basic care guides, then explore behavior-focused books like "Decoding Your Cat." Follow with environment and enrichment titles to enhance your cat’s life progressively.

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

You can pick based on your immediate needs—behavior, adoption, or senior care. Each book specializes in different areas, so choose what fits your current situation best.

Which books focus more on theory vs. practical application?

"Decoding Your Cat" leans into scientific explanations, while "Catify to Satisfy" and "Indoor Cat" provide hands-on, practical solutions for daily cat care and environment.

Can personalized Cat Owner books really complement these expert guides?

Yes, while expert books offer valuable insights, personalized books tailor advice specifically to your cat’s behavior and your lifestyle, making expert knowledge easier to apply. Learn more here.

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