The Feline Patient: Essentials of Diagnosis and Treatment

If you're serious enough about feline health issues to have clicked on the title of this book, BUY IT. NOW. (Then find out if your vet already has a copy, and if s/he doesn't, invest in another copy for your vet. Seriously.) If it's absolutely impossible for you to afford the second (2002) edition, pick up a copy of the first (1998, I think) edition. Although it's always important with medical stuff to get current info, even the first edition will leave you FAR more knowledgeable and up-to-date about feline health issues than the vast majority of vets (who are often too busy to keep up with current info and typically more focused on dogs, as well). (No book -- including this one -- can begin to take the place of a good vet; but this book will equip you to tell the difference between a good cat vet who knows his/her stuff, and a mediocre vet with a good bedside manner.) The Pill Book Guide to Medications for Your Dog and Cat is another very good book for the serious cat lover. (Though it's *desperately* overdue for a new edition. Desperately. But still very useful.) But, back to the point at hand: BUY THE FELINE PATIENT. Your cat(s) need you to. -- Michelle (Siamese Rescue Northwest)

This book provides excellent insight into feline symptoms. While it uses medical terminology, it's the same terminology you'll see on the your pet's veterinarian visit records, tests, and even in other feline health books. It describes cat symptoms and indicates possible causes. It recommends courses of investigation and explains what to do based upon the results. It also weighs different diagnostic approaches, e.g., x-rays vs. ultrasound. This information is useful for laypersons who wish to be an even better healthcare advocate for their pet. For example, it explains when and why it's important to pay attention to sneezing: when it occurs in cats aged six or less it is likely due to a viral or bacterial infection, while in cats over 10 years it is likely due to neoplasia (cancer). I'd like to be a better pet guardian in future, which is why I bought this book. Unfortunately, my vet thought my chronically sneezing 13-year-old cat had simply developed allergies - even after I took her in twice as I was concerned. He was wrong. If I'd had this book to consult, I'd have known to press for additional testing. All in all, this book is excellent to have on the bookshelves - so that it's there when needed. Cats do not present with the same symptoms as dogs. They often conceal that they are in pain. Once you've been through a cat with illness, I think it will help you to recognize it in other cats. One other tip that I didn't find in this book - if your cat's vocalization habits change - pay attention. According to material I've seen published by the SPCA, and personal experience, this is a likely indication that the cat is in pain. The SPCA document also indicated that medical attention is likely required most urgently by the time a cat vocalizes about it. In fact, by the time they vocalize, it's likely the disease is significantly advanced. Better to be alert for other symptoms and signs. Another resource that I'd recommend that is directed to the layperson is "The Cornell Books of Cats: The Comprehensive and Authoritative Medical Reference for Every Cat and Kitten" by Mordecai Siegal. It offers excellent information on how to recognize when an animal is in pain. The signs are subtle, e.g., cats will often simply restrict movement in answer to pain. My criticism of this book is that it glosses over scary subjects such as cancer, and as I see it, encourages readers to think all is well and further investigation isn't necessary.