A cat’s worst-case scenario
Photo by http://www.flickr.com/photos/atillavibes/
I love to get mail. Most exciting is when it comes to my post office in the form of a package. This time was not a surprise, though, as I was asked to review a new little book by Chronicle Books, released last month. The book? The Worst-Case Scenario Pocket Guide for cats!
We all know how curious cats can be. We also know cats are quite self-sufficient and have a lot of pride. In this instance, curiosity won.
Authors: David Borgenicht and Ben H. Winters, with illustrations by Brenda Brown
As soon as we opened the package, my first thought was, This really is a pocket guide – fine-tuned and pocket ready. That is when pride won over curiosity and I concluded the authors likely realized that we cats just do not do Worst-Case Scenarios, hence the small size.
In their introduction, the authors write of the new kitten who really is a fun and cuddly pet, but then…
They act as if they own us, or as if they are gracing us with their presence. And sometimes, they even become downright difficult, scratching new furniture, marking territory, coughing up hairballs….
What? This is not going well. Only after reading on did I realize they are writing about the WORST-case scenarios. I forgave them and continued.
First you will find instructions to get a cat out of a tree. Very interesting with a surprise solution. It is so remarkable I think my staff was considering chasing me up a tree just to try it. Curious, anyone?
Much of the book is about different scenarios that must get handled: getting rid of cat pee odors, catnip addiction, and dealing with a cat who is afraid of mice. OK, that is definitely a worst-case scenario! Take a preview look at How to Kitten Proof Your Home.
Many humans have their own ideas of how to handle these difficult situations, but at the moment of distress are they really going to think clearly? The book is a little gem for just such times.
With Brenda’s excellent illustrations and the author’s fine wit, the book is well laced with humor – somewhat dry humor, very similar to a cat’s humor. My favorite section is Things to Make Out of Hairballs. Just to give you an idea, sample suggestions are: make fake sideburns, make piano dampers.
Please visit Chronicle Books to find their neat giveaway for 2010. Chronicle Books also publishes The Worst-Case Scenario pocket guide for dogs.
As for me, I could go on and on but I think I am about to have my own worst-case scenario – the Nightmare Nap. That would be the dream about my staff trying to chase me up a tree so she can try their solution to get me out.
Your friend,
Fisher
2 Comments
1. Sparkle replies at 18th December 2009, 11:55 AM :
Great review – I will have to check it out. Although, like you, I am a little wary of the way they focus on the worst case scenario first!
2. fisher replies at 18th December 2009, 2:25 PM :
Thanks for the comment, Sparkle. I think they are trying to get the general cat audience since the book is so small. The cats who do not have such troubles will likely not get the book. We could suggest a pocket guide for enlightened cats, maybe. Hmmm…