Johnson-Bennett - Starting From Scratch

I must first thank my husband, Scott, for his unending amount of patience and support. Being the spouse of a writer isnt easy. Being the spouse of a cat behavior consultant isnt easy. Being the spouse of a writer who is also a cat behavior consultant certainly takes a very special person. My husband is that special person.

Thank you to my agent, Linda Roghaar, who always provides the motivation, support, and guidance needed. You are a writers dream.

Thank you to my editor, Clifford Corcoran, and my family at Penguin, for your ongoing support and belief in what I do.

Thanks to Ellen Pryor for years of incredible PR work and even more years as a cherished friend.

I have had so many wonderful clients over the years. Thank you for putting your trust in me. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know all of you and hope I have contributed to improving the lives of your cats.

The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants is an organization that has a very special place in my heart. The animal kingdom is very fortunate to have Lynn Hoover, the founder and president of the IAABC, as a best friend. Lynn, you are an inspiration to so many people and its an honor to work with you.

A special thank-you to Marilyn Krieger for your dedication to this profession and assistance in the cat division of the IAABC, and for your friendship.

Thank you to Mark Waldrop, DVM. If you ever move, Ill have to follow you, as will most of Nashvilles residents.

Thank you to all the veterinarians I work with on a daily basis. I am in awe of the dedication, endless hard work, and compassion you show each of your clients. I deeply appreciate the trust you have in me to take care of the behavior problems your clients have with their cats.

Thank you to my assistant, Renee.

I have to start by telling you what this book is not . Its not a kitten training book. It wont tell you how to choose a cat or what nutrients or vaccinations your cat needs. This is a book focused on adult cats with big or little behavior problems. Whether youve lived with problems for years or you just want to make sure problems dont develop in the future, this is the book that will cover those issues in detail. Since behavior problems cause more cats to be relinquished to shelters than medical issues do, its important that you have the correct tools to help you and your cat get back to the relationship youve always wanted.

Inspirations for books can come from many different places. Its not unusual for a passing comment made by an acquaintance or a brief interaction with someone to spark an idea or trigger a life-changing moment. My inspiration for this book came from meeting Mr. Grumpypaws, a cat who is living proof that its never too late to work on behavior problems and make life better for you and your kitty. Youll learn a little more about Mr. Grumpypaws in a moment.

When you first decide to share your life with a cat, whether the cat in your life has been with you since kittenhood or found his way into your heart as an adult, you dont usually go into the relationship expecting to endure behavior problems or develop an antagonistic relationship with that ball of fur.

Picture some of the touching scenes from cat food or litter commercials in which cats lovingly cuddle with their human family or happily trot to the food bowl when dinner is served. These cats always use the litter box, never scratch the furniture, and wouldnt dream of coughing up a hairball on the very expensive comforter in the beautifully decorated bedroom. How about biting the hand that feeds them? Unheard of!