85 books like What's My Cat Thinking? Understand Your Cat to Give Them a Happy Life

By Jo Lewis,

Here are 85 books that What's My Cat Thinking? Understand Your Cat to Give Them a Happy Life fans have personally recommended if you like What's My Cat Thinking? Understand Your Cat to Give Them a Happy Life. 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 Purr: The Science of Making Your Cat Happy

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 book is a mix of science and cat anecdotes and easy to read.

We cat lovers all want to make our cats happier and if we don’t stay up to date, we won’t be the best owners we can be. I chose this book because I believe it is important for all cat lovers to increase their knowledge.

By Zazie Todd,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

"Definitely a book your cat would want you to read!"
-Dr. Sarah Ellis, coauthor of The Trainable Cat

"Zazie Todd has created a must-have guide to improving your cat's life."
-Modern Cat Magazine

We all love our cats and we all want them to be happy. But making our cats happy isn't about buying them lots of things-it's about finding out what matters to them. In Purr, animal behavior expert Zazie Todd addresses every stage of your cat's life and offers surprising and effective advice for even the most experienced cat owner, all with the science to back it up.…


Book cover of Caring for an Elderly Cat

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?

I chose this book because I recently adopted elderly Mr. Spangles.

He has helped me understand that I have never taken feline old age seriously: so this book was one that I personally needed to read. For all of us, our cats will end up being old (we hope) so this book will help us know how we can give them the best life possible.

It’s not a read-through book, but one that is best read in sections.

By Sarah Caney, Vicky Halls,

Why should I read it?

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


Book cover of Cats in Medieval Manuscripts

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?

Although this book seems quite different from my other choices, there is a serious message among the fun.

In between the glorious medieval cat pictures, the author tells us what past writers thought about cats. When I read how cats were misjudged and ill-treated in the past, I feel better about the present. So, I read this book to cheer myself up when I am feeling gloomy about cat welfare.

And the pictures are a joy too.

By Kathleen Walker-Meikle,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Cats in Medieval Manuscripts as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Cats were illustrated in medieval manuscripts throughout the Middle Ages, often in exquisite detail and frequently accompanied by their natural prey, mice. Medieval cats were viewed as treasured pets, as fearsome mousers, as canny characters in fables, as associates of the Devil and as magical creatures. Featuring an array of fascinating illustrations from the British Library's rich medieval collection, Cats in Medieval Manuscripts includes anecdotes about cats - both real and imaginary - to provide a fascinating picture of the life of the cat and its relationship with humans in the medieval world.


Book cover of Please Take Me Home: The Story of the Rescue Cat

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?

I chose this book because it is a history of cat rescue. Rescuing cats was, and still is, a complex and difficult task. The book deals with the struggle to get cat rescue organised in a way that could benefit not just cat rescuers but also cats!

Individual cat lovers have always fed cats on the street, with the resulting increase in feline numbers! At one point, rescuers thought the only answer was to euthanase all street cats,  but nowadays, a concerted effort is being made to neuter and spay feral cats rather than try to turn them into unsatisfactory pets. The book deals with the growth of Trap, Neuter, and Return schemes, as well as the growing effort to get more cats adopted.

By Clare Campbell,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Please Take Me Home as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In Please Take Me Home, Clare Campbell takes us on a journey with the nation's rescue cats, from being treated as pests throughout history to being the pet of choice today.

For a long time, stray cats in Britain were seen as a nuisance and hunted down as vermin. Having invited this wild, independent creature into our homes, humans did not extend their welcome for long. Over time, thousands of cats were subsequently abandoned and left to live on the margins of survival.

There were, however, the kind few who sought to help. But these good spirited people were often…


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 The Trainable Cat: A Practical Guide to Making Life Happier for You and Your Cat

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?

Yes, cats can be trained. Training your cat is fun for you and it is fun for your cat. This is the best training manual you can ever buy and it also tells you a lot about cats. Have a go. You won’t regret it! I train my cats, even though I am a very amateur trainer, as you can see from my YouTube channel! They purr while they do it. 

By Sarah Ellis, John Bradshaw,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

The idea of training rarely crosses cat owners' minds, and we often assume that cats can't and don't need to be trained. But in The Trainable Cat, bestselling anthrozoologist John Bradshaw and cat expert Sarah Ellis show that not only can cats be trained, but they absolutely must be in order to strengthen the bond between pet and owner, reduce their anxiety, and maximize their happiness. Twenty-first-century urban life can be taxing for cats who historically have been wild and solitary hunters, hostile to change and turmoil. Cats today are forced to live within the confines of cramped city apartments,…


Book cover of Clinical Behavioral Medicine For Small Animals

Alana Stevenson Author Of Training Your Dog the Humane Way: Simple Teaching Tips for Resolving Problem Behaviors and Raising a Happy Dog

From my list on dog behavior and advocacy.

Why am I passionate about this?

For 19 years, I have been professionally helping dog and cat parents resolve dog and cat behavioral problems in a humane and kind way. I follow science-based, gentle techniques when working with animals and teach clients how to remedy dog and cat behavior problems without the use of aversives such as shock or choke collars, physical prompting, shake cans, squirt bottles, leash corrections, or scolding.

Alana's book list on dog behavior and advocacy

Alana Stevenson Why did Alana love this book?

A bible for resolving dog and cat behavioral issues. It is packed with scientific advice and research on everything from cat and dog development and training to medications and positive ways to resolve dog and cat behavior problems. Good to read through its entirety as well as to have on hand as a reference.

By Karen L. Overall,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Clinical Behavioral Medicine For Small Animals as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Animal behaviour treatment is a growing component in today's veterinary practice. This is an authoritative, scientifically-based reference on preventing, diagnosing and successfully treating behaviour cases. Every kind of problem, from aggressive behaviour to self-mutilation is discussed. It offers step-by-step guidelines, so practitioners can successfully manage behavioural problems from the first indication.

* A practical guide to preventing, diagnosing, and treating small animal behavior cases. * Covers every class of problem--from the most common to those rarely seen. * Emphasizes evaluation and step-by-step diagnosis of normal versus abnormal behavior. * Provides easy-to-use client instruction protocols you can photocopy. * Focuses on…


Book cover of Do Dogs Dream? Nearly Everything Your Dog Wants You to Know

Michelle Waitzman Author Of Be as Happy as Your Dog: 16 Dog-Tested Ways to Be Happier Using Pawsitive Psychology

From my list on understanding what your dog is thinking.

Why am I passionate about this?

I'm a lifelong dog lover and the author of four nonfiction books. I currently live with two rescue dogs, Marlowe and Nuka (the unofficial co-authors of my book). I decided to write a self-help book after noticing two trends during the recent pandemic: people were struggling to feel happy and optimistic, and people were adding a dog to their household, many for the first time. We all marvel at how our dogs find it so easy to enjoy life, and I was determined to find out what we could learn from them! During my research, I learned so much about how dogs think and feel, and I love sharing this information with other dog lovers.

Michelle's book list on understanding what your dog is thinking

Michelle Waitzman Why did Michelle love this book?

Dr. Stanley Coren has been studying dogs for decades, and he has written many books on the subject.

It was hard to choose just one for this list, but I really liked the format of Do Dogs Dream? It answers some of the most common questions about dog behavior and communication in short, simple chapters. If you’ve ever been curious about why your dog does what they do, you’ll be very likely to find the answer in this book.

This book is no doubt a response to the hundreds of questions people asked him over the years. Compiling a volume with the most popular topics, he has presented a primer on understanding your dog. 

By Stanley Coren,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Do Dogs Dream? Nearly Everything Your Dog Wants You to Know as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Do dogs dream? Can they recognize themselves in the mirror or understand what they're seeing on television? Are they more intelligent than cats? People have a great curiosity-and many misunderstandings-about how dogs think, act, and perceive the world. They also wonder about the social and emotional lives of dogs. Stanley Coren brings decades of scientific research on dogs to bear in his unprecedented foray into the inner lives of our canine companions, dispelling many common myths in the process. In a conversational Q&A format with illustrations, Coren answers approximately 75 questions often asked of him during his nearly fifty-year career…


Book cover of The Secret Language Of Cats: How to Understand Your Cat for a Better, Happier Relationship

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?

Ever wondered what your cat is saying? I have. And this is the book to explain what Jasmine is trying to tell you.

I loved the charming way that Schötz detailed her elegant studies of feline phonetics and linguistics based partly on recordings of her own five cats. No wonder she received an Ig Nobel Prize, given to "honor achievements that first make people laugh, and then make them think."

By Susanne Schoetz, Peter Kuras (translator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Secret Language Of Cats as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Do you speak to your cat? Do you feel your cat understands you and vice versa?

Cat lovers across the globe know cats can speak. In this compelling new book, Susanne Schotz - a professor at Sweden's Lund University - shares insights into her long-standing cat communication research. Proving that cats not only speak to one another, but also to their human caretakers.

This clever book teaches us how to better understand our cats by translating their sounds, recognising their meaning in different situations and giving practical tips to understand them better.

Unlocking the cat code, this crash course in…


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 Purr: The Science of Making Your Cat Happy
Book cover of Caring for an Elderly Cat
Book cover of Cats in Medieval Manuscripts

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