Longhaired Cats: Purchase, Care, Nutrition, Illnesses: Special Chapter: Understanding Cats

The longhaired "Felis domesticus," or house cat, is a wonderful animal companion. This little book written by a top breeder of longhairs (and who is married to a veterinarian) is enormously useful for people new to longhaired cats. I generally agree with the author on most issues (although I think more behavior is breed-linked than she does), and find this book most useful in the pre-cat ownership stage. She has an excellent section on considerations necessary before adopting a new cat. Her advice and information is presented in an easy to understand manner, but most of this will be known by experienced cat owners already. People who have never owned a cat before (and particularly those considering a Persian or other longhaired cat) should definitely read this book. If you have had cats for a while, there is probably little new information to be learned here, although many of the illustrations are nice. One key to take away from this book is that while longhairs may look more glamorous than shorthair cats, the upkeep on a longhaired cat is significantly greater, particularly in the grooming department. Having said that, I think they are totally worth the extra effort. She discusses longhairs and breeds (I am partial to neutered male Persians and Maine Coons myself), but emphasizes that all cats are individuals with unique personalities. I agree with her, but want to add my own comment on top of hers: if you want a pet, you will gain nothing by having a pedigreed cat (in fact they may be less healthy because of greater inbreeding, though not necessarily). Having said that, please consider rescuing a cat from your local shelter. If you want to show or breed the cat, she gives some basic information on this as well. Cats make wonderful companions, and I highly recommend this book for those interested in getting their first cat, while more experienced cat owners can probably safely skip it, although it still makes a nice reference.