85 books like The Trainable Cat

By Sarah Ellis, John Bradshaw,

Here are 85 books that The Trainable Cat fans have personally recommended if you like The Trainable Cat. Shepherd is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of The Nine Emotional Lives of Cats: A Journey Into the Feline Heart

Belinda Alexandra Author Of The Divine Feline: A Chic Cat Lady's Guide to Woman's Best Friend

From my list on for cat lovers.

Why am I passionate about this?

Belinda Alexandra is the author of nine bestselling novels and a non-fiction book on the relationship between women and cats, The Divine Feline: A chic cat lady’s guide to woman’s best friend. An ardent cat-lover and rescuer, she is a patron of the World League for the Protection of Animals in Australia and lives in Sydney with her three black cats – Valentino, Versace, and Gucci.

Belinda's book list on for cat lovers

Belinda Alexandra Why did Belinda love this book?

This is a favorite of mine. Masson’s keen observations into what we emotionally need from cats and what they need from us are not only heart-warming but insightful: ‘We need cats to need us,’ he writes. ‘It unnerves us that they do not. However, if they do not need us, they nonetheless seem to love us.’ Beautifully written and drawing from both literature and scientific research, the book brings to life the delights and mysteries of the feline heart.

By Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Nine Emotional Lives of Cats as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Many people believe that cats do not have an emotional life, that they are cold and indifferent. Jeffrey Masson, author of several bestselling books about animal emotions, including When Elephants Weep and Dogs Never Lie About Love, is convinced that, on the contrary, cats are almost pure emotion. Masson lives by the sea in New Zealand with five cats, and in this fascinating, immensely readable book he reports on his close observations of their emotional lives. These he divides into nine categories - Narcissism, Love, Contentment, Attachment, Jealousy, Fear, Anger, Curiosity and Playfulness - and to each of which he…


Book cover of For the Love of Cats: The Complete Guide to Selecting, Training, and Caring for Your Rescue Cat

Belinda Alexandra Author Of The Divine Feline: A Chic Cat Lady's Guide to Woman's Best Friend

From my list on for cat lovers.

Why am I passionate about this?

Belinda Alexandra is the author of nine bestselling novels and a non-fiction book on the relationship between women and cats, The Divine Feline: A chic cat lady’s guide to woman’s best friend. An ardent cat-lover and rescuer, she is a patron of the World League for the Protection of Animals in Australia and lives in Sydney with her three black cats – Valentino, Versace, and Gucci.

Belinda's book list on for cat lovers

Belinda Alexandra Why did Belinda love this book?

With millions of cats around the world living on the streets or ending up being euthanized in pounds and shelters, simply because they are unwanted, the plight of the rescue cat has come to public attention. Many more people are choosing to ‘Adopt not shop’ and save lives in the process. This is a wonderful book for anyone starting out on the cat adoption journey. It covers everything you need to know about bringing a cat companion into your home and taking responsible care of it. It also includes lots of lovely rescue cat stories. I would give this as a gift to anyone considering adopting a cat and it would also make a great coffee table book for vet surgery waiting areas.

By Mick McAulife, Carol Griglione, Tom Colvin

Why should I read it?

1 author picked For the Love of Cats as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The perfect read before you bring your rescue pet home, For the Love of Cats is a witty and informative book on all things feline-related. Featuring over 250 stunning pictures of cute cats, this resource illustrates the many facets of their personality, provides tips on training, and explains the best ways to care for a rescue cat. Know how to give them the life they've always wanted as you flip through the pages of this books that's as adorable as it is enlightening!


Book cover of Trim: The Story Of A Brave, Seafaring Cat

Belinda Alexandra Author Of The Divine Feline: A Chic Cat Lady's Guide to Woman's Best Friend

From my list on for cat lovers.

Why am I passionate about this?

Belinda Alexandra is the author of nine bestselling novels and a non-fiction book on the relationship between women and cats, The Divine Feline: A chic cat lady’s guide to woman’s best friend. An ardent cat-lover and rescuer, she is a patron of the World League for the Protection of Animals in Australia and lives in Sydney with her three black cats – Valentino, Versace, and Gucci.

Belinda's book list on for cat lovers

Belinda Alexandra Why did Belinda love this book?

Trim was the ultimate ‘adventure cat’. Matthew Flinders was the ultimate navigator and cartographer. Together they circumnavigated the globe 1799-1804 and shared many daring and dangerous sea voyages. If you love both history and cats, I can highly recommend this book which celebrates the bond between a remarkable man and his equally remarkable feline companion.

By Matthew Flinders,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Trim as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

the story of a brave, seafaring cat who, in the company of Matthew Flinders, circumnavigated the globe in the years 1799-1804. to the memory of trim, the best and most illustrious of his Race, the most affectionate of friends, faithful of servants, and best of creatures. He made a tour of the Globe, and a voyage to Australia, which he circumnavigated; and was ever the delight and pleasure of his fellow voyagers. Returning to Europe in 1803, he was shipwrecked in the Great Equinoxial Ocean; this danger escaped, he sought refuge and assistance at the Isle of France, where he…


Being Your Cat: What's really going on in your feline's mind

By Celia Haddon, Daniel Mills,

Book cover of Being Your Cat: What's really going on in your feline's mind

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Celia Haddon Author Of Being Your Cat: What's really going on in your feline's mind

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Why am I passionate about this?

Author Mad cat lady Love study Kitten rehabber

Celia's 3 favorite reads in 2024

What is my book about?

Being Your Cat takes you inside the mind and body of your feline. See what your cat sees. Feel how your cat runs or leaps high to get into the armchair. Discover how your cat feels and thinks.

What is it like to be rescued and put in a cat pen? How does your cat cope with the human lifestyle? What do they like? What do they hate?

Being Your Cat: What's really going on in your feline's mind

By Celia Haddon, Daniel Mills,

What is this book about?

Ever wondered why your cat won't sit on your lap? Why she would suddenly watch the football on television, how she sees the world and what she thinks of you and your family?

Prepare to enter the mind of your cat and revolutionise the way you see the world and your enigmatic pet.

Bestselling cat author Celia Haddon and veterinary expert Dr Daniel Mills take you into the mind of your feline and, drawing on the latest scientific research, describe how your cat experiences the world. This is a unique book drawing on a wealth of veterinary science and studies,…


Book cover of Honourable Cat

Belinda Alexandra Author Of The Divine Feline: A Chic Cat Lady's Guide to Woman's Best Friend

From my list on for cat lovers.

Why am I passionate about this?

Belinda Alexandra is the author of nine bestselling novels and a non-fiction book on the relationship between women and cats, The Divine Feline: A chic cat lady’s guide to woman’s best friend. An ardent cat-lover and rescuer, she is a patron of the World League for the Protection of Animals in Australia and lives in Sydney with her three black cats – Valentino, Versace, and Gucci.

Belinda's book list on for cat lovers

Belinda Alexandra Why did Belinda love this book?

This is a book of poetry that will warm any cat lover’s heart – even those that would not normally read a book of poetry. The verses are deliciously insightful and will have many cat-lovers smiling at themselves and their relationships with their cats. It’s a lovely collection of cat lore, logic, and observations.

By Paul Gallico,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Honourable Cat as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A foray into cats' behaviour and habits by Paul Gallico.


Book cover of Cat Sense: The Feline Enigma Revealed

Jonathan B. Losos Author Of The Cat's Meow: How Cats Evolved from the Savanna to Your Sofa

From my list on cats: past, present and future.

Why am I passionate about this?

Although I’m a cat lover, I’ve spent my career studying the evolution of lizards. As my career progressed, it never occurred to me to investigate cats. They’re too hard to study (ever tried following one?), plus, I thought there was no interesting cat research being done. Then I learned I was completely wrong—cat scientists are conducting great work using cutting-edge techniques. So I decided to teach a freshman class on the science of cats, hoping to lure in cat-loving students and then teach them how scientists study nature, using cats as the vehicle. The class was a success, but something unexpected happened: I became hooked on cat science myself!

Jonathan's book list on cats: past, present and future

Jonathan B. Losos Why did Jonathan love this book?

John Bradshaw, arguably the world’s foremost cat scientist, leans on his years of experience to provide an engaging presentation on all things cat. Bradshaw is, first and foremost, a behaviorist, and so much of the book focuses on why cats do what they do, with many useful tips on how to be a better cat servant/companion.

I particularly liked how Bradshaw weaved in stories from his own research projects and even those of his beloved pet, Splodge. In addition, I appreciated that he not only summarized other scientists’ findings but wasn’t shy about presenting his own views, critical or not. 

By John Bradshaw,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Cat Sense as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Cats have been popular household pets for thousands of years, and their numbers only continue to rise. Today there are three cats for every dog on the planet, and yet cats remain more mysterious, even to their most adoring owners. Unlike dogs, cats evolved as solitary hunters, and, while many have learned to live alongside humans and even feel affection for us, they still don't quite get us" the way dogs do, and perhaps they never will. But cats have rich emotional lives that we need to respect and understand if they are to thrive in our company. In Cat…


Book cover of Practical Feline Behaviour: Understanding Cat Behaviour and Improving Welfare

Celia Haddon Author Of A Cat's Guide to Humans: From A to Z

From my list on cat behaviour, which should be read by vets.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a writer and journalist who went back to study cats after my retirement. I realized I didn’t know as much as I thought I knew. I was out of date and overconfident that experience could beat knowledge. I needed knowledge as well as experience. So I took a degree and a masters. These books will help anybody who wants to improve their knowledge of cats. Rescuers, pet owners, and behaviour people: we need to stay up to date and learn more if we want to help cats lead happy lives.

Celia's book list on cat behaviour, which should be read by vets

Celia Haddon Why did Celia love this book?

Cats often don’t get enough space in books about pet behaviour. This is the easiest-to-read scientific book about cats that you will ever need. Students, make sure it is in your university library. It cuts the information into easy chunks and yet keeps all the references that you might need to follow up. Trudi is a top cat behaviourist in the UK with a background as a veterinary nurse, so she really, really understands what makes cats tick.

By Trudi Atkinson,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Practical Feline Behaviour as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Practical Feline Behaviour contains all the relevant information that a veterinary nurse or technician needs to understand and handle the behaviour and welfare of house cats, and to offer safe and practical advice to clients. There have been ground-breaking advances in our understanding of feline behaviour in recent years and, to protect the welfare of cats, it is increasingly important that anyone involved with their care, especially those in a professional capacity, keep up to date with these developments. This approachable and down-to-earth text describes the internal and external influences on feline behaviour; on communication, learning, social behaviour, the relationship…


Book cover of Feline Stress and Health: Managing Negative Emotions to Improve Feline Health and Wellbeing

Celia Haddon Author Of A Cat's Guide to Humans: From A to Z

From my list on cat behaviour, which should be read by vets.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a writer and journalist who went back to study cats after my retirement. I realized I didn’t know as much as I thought I knew. I was out of date and overconfident that experience could beat knowledge. I needed knowledge as well as experience. So I took a degree and a masters. These books will help anybody who wants to improve their knowledge of cats. Rescuers, pet owners, and behaviour people: we need to stay up to date and learn more if we want to help cats lead happy lives.

Celia's book list on cat behaviour, which should be read by vets

Celia Haddon Why did Celia love this book?

Cats can be very stressed and unhappy without cat rescuers knowing it. This book will help you be a better rescuer. Cats don’t always show their emotions in a way that we can see. This is a serious book from International Cat Care, the best website for cat rescuers.  If you have a passion for rescuing cats, read it. Many cat rescuers need their knowledge updated and this is a good book.

Book cover of Stress and Pheromonatherapy in Small Animal Clinical Behaviour

Celia Haddon Author Of A Cat's Guide to Humans: From A to Z

From my list on cat behaviour, which should be read by vets.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a writer and journalist who went back to study cats after my retirement. I realized I didn’t know as much as I thought I knew. I was out of date and overconfident that experience could beat knowledge. I needed knowledge as well as experience. So I took a degree and a masters. These books will help anybody who wants to improve their knowledge of cats. Rescuers, pet owners, and behaviour people: we need to stay up to date and learn more if we want to help cats lead happy lives.

Celia's book list on cat behaviour, which should be read by vets

Celia Haddon Why did Celia love this book?

I have chosen this book about dogs and cats, simply because the cat chapters are so good. It is sad that many animal behaviour experts concentrate on dogs and think they can use the same methods for cats. If you are studying animal behaviour with a view to becoming a behaviourist, this is worth reading for its cat chapters. The dog's ones are good too.

By Daniel S. Mills, Maya Braem Dube, Helen Zulch

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Stress and Pheromonatherapy in Small Animal Clinical Behaviour as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Stress and Pheromonatherapy in Small Animal Clinical Behaviour is about how stress impacts on animal behaviour and welfare and what we can do about it, especially by using chemical signals more effectively. This readily accessible text starts from first principles and is useful to both academics and practitioners alike. It offers a framework for understanding how pheromonatherapy can be used to encourage desirable behaviour in dogs and cats and also a fresh approach to understanding the nature of clinical animal behaviour problems. The authors have pioneered the use of pheromone therapy within the field of clinical animal behaviour. As the…


Book cover of What's My Cat Thinking? Understand Your Cat to Give Them a Happy Life

Celia Haddon Author Of Being Your Cat: What's really going on in your feline's mind

From my list on cat lovers and cat rescuers.

Why am I passionate about this?

I adore cats and am anxious to improve their welfare. Late in life, I took a second degree and a masters in animal behaviour to learn more about feline welfare. People are now researching cats’ needs and discovering more about their welfare. I passionately want to get the message out there to ordinary cat lovers. Purrlease, the more you learn about cats, the more your cats will benefit. 

Celia's book list on cat lovers and cat rescuers

Celia Haddon Why did Celia love this book?

This is a really good book for someone who wants to be able to pick up a book and read a little bit at a time.

It’s got information about everything you need to know about keeping a cat, from cat problems to why cats do the odd things they do. Jo Lewis is a vet and obviously loves cats.

By Jo Lewis,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked What's My Cat Thinking? Understand Your Cat to Give Them a Happy Life as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Have you ever wondered why your cats behave the way they do? This authoritative guide has all the answers! 

Cats are weird, and sometimes their behavior can leave you scratching your head. Discover what’s really behind those things cats do – whether they’re amusing, irritating or just downright bizarre.

What’s My Cat Thinking will help cat lovers unlock the secret code of cats for a deeper connection with the feline in your life. Inside, you’ll find:

   • Accurate descriptions of behavior will help you understand your cat’s body language nuances and act accordingly.
   • Covers a range of breeds. 
   •…


Book cover of Cat Talk

Lesléa Newman Author Of Ketzel, the Cat Who Composed

From my list on the loving bond between people and cats.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have always loved cats and have lived with many: Princess Sheba Darling, Precious Sammy Dearest, Couscous Kerouac, P.C. (Perfect Cat), Neshama, and Mitzi. Each cat has a distinct personality and quickly taught me how things were going to go: some cats are lap cats, some are not. Some cats are finicky, some cats will eat anything. Some cats slept on my pillow, some cats prowled—and yowled—all night long. In addition to cats, I have always loved picture books and have written many about cats including: Cats, Cats, Cats! Welcoming Elijah: A Passover Tale With A Tail, A-B-C Cats, 1-2-3 Cats, and The Best Cat In The World.

Lesléa's book list on the loving bond between people and cats

Lesléa Newman Why did Lesléa love this book?

This is pretty much a perfect (or should I say purr-fect?) picture book. It is a collection of 13 charming short poems, each one about a different cat, accompanied by wonderful watercolor paintings. The cats—ranging from “Sylvie the Boss” to “Romeo”—put on a good show of being independent from their humans, but the reader quickly learns otherwise. My favorite poem is about “Henry” who sleeps blissfully on his human’s wedding dress, “…the white silk gathered like a cloud/Around me.” Like the best poems, what is unsaid is just as important as what is said. Here, it is left up to the reader to imagine how the wedding dress’s owner feels upon discovering Henry’s new favorite sleeping place! Readers and cat-lovers of all ages will adore this book. 

By Patricia MacLachlan, Emily MacLachlan Charest, Barry Moser (illustrator)

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Cat Talk as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

From cuddler to troublemaker, kitten to tom, cats have a lot to say. Authors Patricia MacLachlan and Emily MacLachlan Charest and illustrator Barry Moser give voice to and celebrate our most opinionated furry friends in this spirited collection of poems filled with rich language, perfect for reading aloud. Cat Talk is sure to make readers wonder what their own four-legged friends have to say.

Supports the Common Core State Standards


Book cover of The Nine Emotional Lives of Cats: A Journey Into the Feline Heart
Book cover of For the Love of Cats: The Complete Guide to Selecting, Training, and Caring for Your Rescue Cat
Book cover of Trim: The Story Of A Brave, Seafaring Cat

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