Book Review: The New Natural Cat

A Complete Guide for Finicky Owners, by Anitra Frazier

This book covers almost every possible aspect you're likely to encounter in raising a cat, with the emphasis on "natural." Anitra Frazier demonstrates remarkable insight into the working mechanisms of cats, both of body and mind, gathered from years of working with and observing cats.

Although it contains only three chapters, fully the last half of the ten-chapter book covers health topics including Seeking Professional Help; Home Nursing; and A Guide to Common Health Problems, with descriptions of common medical conditions, symptoms, and recommendations.

In her introduction, Ms. Frazier states, "I didn't create any of this information. I only asked the questions, and, by the grace of the cat goddess, the answers came." The result was the first "Natural Cat," which was considered at the time "too far in the vanguard" or "out on the lunatic fringe," depending on the degree of sympathy of the reviewer. Although current beliefs have caught up with the thinking of the original book, The New Natural Cat surges back into the vanguard, with information garnered by the author from her cats and others she has treated of the ten years between editions.

Some of the information offered may seem "over the top" to today's readers, and I confess feeling that way from time-to-time. However, I would caution readers from dismission some of Frazier's suggestions out of hand for that reason. For example, even the most hardened sceptic may discover surprising results when "throwing a cat kiss," or the "Good-bye" - and "I'll be Back" exercises.

Some of the other information can be taken with a grain of salt, but there is such an abundance of material that you can freely pick and choose what works best for your cat.

On a more practical note, the chapter on diet alone makes this book a worthwile read. More and more cat owners are becoming concerned about the effect of commercial pet foods on their cats' health, as new information is available. Reading a cat food label alone is often an exercise in frustration. Whether you just try adding yeast and bran to your cat's normal diet, or succumb to the "Superfinicky Owner's I'll-Do-Anything-for-My-Cat-Diet," you're sure to notice the results in your kitty's overall health.

The large section on health, as mentioned above, is equally valuable, and is a great reference for understanding health problems. I must caution, as with any material of this nature, that it should not be viewed as a substitute for veterinary care, but as a supplement.

If I were to fault the book in any way, it would be because the section on behavior is short in comparison to other topics. The material there is right on target - there just isn't enough of it for the hungry reader. However, the basics are there, so if you are paying attention, you'll pick up several techniques that can apply toward a number of problem behaviors not covered here.

In closing her introduction, Anitra Frazier cautions, "After all, each cat is unique, just as each one of us is unique. I know that with this in mind you will not make the mistake of thinking of anything in this book as "the last word."

I don't, but I think it's a pretty good place to start. I would recommend this book as a basic reference for any cat owner, whether an established expert or a "newbie."

The New Natural Cat: A Complete Guide for Finicky Owners
Published by Dutton 1990
ISBN: 0-452-26517-7

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