“All the evidence points to there being an obesity epidemic in owned cats throughout the world. It is therefore very timely that Andrea Harvey and Samantha Taylor have written a wonderfully lucid book to help cat owners remedy this situation.
Although the title is about dealing with the overweight cat, the book is much more than that – it’s about educating owners on how to keep cats lithe and healthy, by strategies aimed to increase their level of activity and enriching their environment, while cutting back on the calories. The book is truly holistic – considering all aspects of feline health and lifestyle, to guide owners towards developing a strategy for reducing feline adiposity, while simultaneously improving nutrition, health and well bring. Adverse health repercussions of obesity, such as diabetes and arthritis are covered also. The book is easy to read and should prove especially useful to busy veterinarians, who may not have enough time to deal with all aspects of diet and exercise in the obese cat during a normal evening visit. This book should greatly reinforce what they tell owners in the consultation room, and help them make the most of the latest range of weight reduction diets.”
Professor Richard Malik, DVSc DipVetAn MVetClinStud PhD FACVSc FASM, Valentine Charlton Feline Specialist, University of Sydney, Australia
“Andrea Harvey and Samantha Taylor have addressed the increasing problem of obesity in this comprehensive guide for all owners of overweight cats. They cover all the ‘need to know’ information about the health implications, how cats eat naturally and the owner’s role in their pet’s weight loss programme. This book is easy to read and contains some great practical tips. The case histories are informative and it’s always good to know that others have experienced the same issues with their pets! An excellent read and great addition to the Cat Professional series.”
Vicky Halls – Member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors and author of ‘Cat Confidential’, ‘Cat Detective’, ‘Cat Counsellor’ and ‘The Complete Cat’.
FAT cats are a hot topic in the press at the moment; however, unfortunately we tend to focus more on overpaid bankers and less on our overfed moggies. This is a shame, as most owners tend to be unaware of the impact that the extra pounds carried by their feline companion may have on the overall health of their pet. How many times have we heard it said, ‘He’s not fat, he’s just a big cat’.
This book, ‘Caring for an Overweight Cat’, is designed for exactly the purpose of raising awareness. Aimed primarily at
owners of obese cats, the book sets out with the aim of providing an information source and support tool for owners and
a reference source for veterinary nurses,
students and technicians. With the target audience in mind, the book takes a tactile
approach, with the first section, entitled ‘The emotional side of things’, addressing
questions such as ‘Is it my fault?’ and ‘Is my cat going to be at risk of illness as a result?’.
The main section of the book covers the technical aspects of obesity. It includes discussion of the implications of obesity
for other health problems and dietary management issues, and concludes with a
section on the way the veterinary practice can help in the management of weight
control. Some interesting case studies are also provided at the end.
First impressions of this book are that it is not in any way intimidating, as a
standard veterinary text might be to an
owner; you can’t help flicking through the pages to look at the excellent pictures and
colourful charts and diagrams. The layout of the book almost feels like an extended consultation, by addressing the owner’s concerns initially before moving into the detail and concluding with an action plan to go forward. For a book aimed at owners, this is a really key feature and one that enhances its usefulness.
The initial section on the emotional aspects will ring true for many owners and covers a number of the questions that we often hear during consultations with
owners. The rest of the book is equally engaging, and the clear contents section makes it easy to navigate to the section of
interest.
Veterinary nurses or technicians seeking a more in-depth analysis of the health issues, including the inflammation process
associated with obesity, should note that this is not covered in detail in this book. It will, however, educate you on how to communicate what can be a delicate subject to owners.
While nothing will replace the interaction with a vet or nurse in a consultation, having this book to hand will serve as a good reference point for owners in times of weakness, and for that matter would make a worthwhile addition to any veterinary waiting room.
Donna Gaylor, Veterinary Record, 21 April 2012
Complicated veterinary procedures are discussed but the language is very accessible and an easy-to-follow glossary of terminology enables owners with no medical knowledge to understand the condition. The depth of the information makes it equally useful for veterinary nurses, cattery staff, breeders and re-homing charities.
This book also emphasises the need for practical lifestyle changes at home to manage FLUTD and gives excellent advice on subjects such as reducing stress in a multi-cat household and encouraging cats to drink.
FLUTD is a complicated subject for owners to fully appreciate so it is wonderful, at last, to have one book that contains all the necessary information that can be recommended to everyone!
