John Bradshaw - The trainable cat: a practical guide to making life happier for you and your cat

Interesting premise. The goal here is not to get your cat ready for the Big Apple Circus, but to make it easy for you to get your cat to do all the things many cats resist: swallow a pill, go to the vet, take a bath, or stop trying to disembowel your new cat. My favorite tip is this: To get a cat used to a new home, you take some white cotton gloves and basically feel up your cat, then rub the gloves all over the furnishing. Smelling her own scent, the cat will believe shes been there before and calm down. This is genius.

Judith Newman, New York Times

Do you want your cat to come when you call it, stop destroying the furniture or killing birds, and enjoy taking a walk on a leash? Then this is the book for you. By integrating established principles of animal learning with the latest in feline science, The Trainable Cat will enrich the lives of cats and their owners.

Hal Herzog, author of Some We Love, Some We Hate, Some We Eat: Why Its So Hard to Think Straight About Animals

You can train a cat to do just about anything a dog can do, except a cat may do it better! John Bradshaw and Sarah Ellis illustrate how cats are trainable, but, more importantly, the authors bust long-held myths about cats and cat behavior along the way. As a result, both experienced stronger bonds with their purring pals.

Steve Dale, certified animal behavior consultant and author of The Good Cat!

The Trainable Cat breaks down the myth that cats cannot be trained. Not only can they be trained but training improves cats quality of life. This book should be required reading for all cat lovers, including all veterinary professionals who work with cats. The Trainable Cat will change how you think about cats, improving relationships and preventing behavior problems.

Ilona Rodan, DVM, board-certified feline specialist and coauthor of Feline Behavioral Health and Welfare

Typically, your cat doesnt care what you read. This is not one of those times. Cats around the world would be ecstatic to learn that you are not one of those people saying cats cant be trained. John Bradshaw and Sarah Ellis are experts in feline behavior, and together they bring clarity to a vastly misunderstood topic. Cat training can help cats lead happier lives alongside the people who love them. And its fun! Read this book. Your cat will thank you.

Julie Hecht, MSc, author of Scientific Americans Dog Spies blog

John and Sarah have demystified cat training, making it accessible to all cat loversfrom professionals to owners alike. Clear instructions for training along with real-life anecdotes expose the amazing potential of our domestic cats. This is a must-read for all cat lovers who are interested in providing the best life possible while building a deeply trusting partnership with their feline companions. This book has the potential to save lives!

Miranda K. Workman, clinical assistant professor of animal behavior, ecology, and conservation, Canisius College

I love this book! We often greatly underestimate the capabilities of our pet cats, and The Trainable Cat is a thorough yet completely accessible resounding YES in response to the question: Can you train a cat? Training can not only solve behavior problems, but it strengthens the bond between a cat and their humans. This book will enhance the welfare of cats everywhere, and change how we think about what cats can do.

Mikel Delgado, certified cat behavior consultant, scientist, and blogger

Fantastic! The Trainable Cat is an accessible resource for cat parents and professionals alike. The authors debunk common myths and misconceptions about cats and their trainability, all while equipping trainers with the knowledge theyll need to overcome challenges relating to rewards, motivation, and individual learning styles. I will definitely recommend this book to my clients!

Ingrid Johnson, certified cat behavior consultant, Fundamentally Feline

Finally, a comprehensive look at how operant training can be used to benefit our feline friends by preventing or modifying behaviors that we humans find upsetting. Bonus, its really fun too!

Jacqueline Munera, certified cat behavior consultant and cocreator of What Is My Cat Saying? Feline Communication 101

I was delighted to read this book. The Trainable Cat is intelligent and its accessible, from discussing a cats motivations to concepts of learning to training them (not the owner!) using their own instincts, not for tricks, but for grooming, trips to the veterinarian, getting along with the dog or the other cats, taking medication, and so much more. There are many books on cat behavior, many which cover the same material. Not this one. Bradshaw and Elliss book is original in concept and research, and the authors demonstrate an enormous understanding of a cats personalityand respect for a cats needs. Theres wisdom and compassion here. The Trainable Cat is an important book for both feline specialist and owner.

Jane Ehrlich, associate certified feline behavior consultant and owner, Cattitude Feline Behavior