FROM THE PUBLISHER:There are about 86 million cats in American homes and it is likely that many of their owners do not picture their pet doing leg weaves. But they are mistaken. Cats can do and enjoy tricks, interactive games and playing with their people. Brain Games for Cats shows how.
It's true. Cats love being with humans, and one of the best
ways to strengthen that bond is to play together. Not only is playtime fun for
the cat, it's a great way to provide mental and physical exercise.
In Brain Games for Cats, each game or trick has been
specially photographed in a step-by-step format that provides clear guidance on
how it should be approached.
A reward-based teaching method is used to shape behavior -- the mutual trust that this engenders benefits all aspects of the cat's relationship with its owner. The games are appropriate for cats and kittens, helping to keep them fit and stimulated at all ages.
I was excited to receive this book because more often than not I am remiss in doing a ton of interactive play with Cody. I often feel guilty about that. Yes, we do the wand toy thing, but that is about it!
Cody is naturally athletic (even with his jelly belly he has always been an athletic cat). He is also out-going, fearless and curious. There are some brain games where they have you teach the cat to stand on his hind legs to get a treat, etc., Cody does that naturally. I imagine if I had this book when he was much younger I could have turned him into a circus kitty!
Brain Games for Cats is jam-packed with all sorts of activities. If you live in a cold weather climate as I do, this would be the perfect time of year to try these "games"! My biggest problem is having the time, as well as the patience, but I am sure many of you are much more patient than I am.
A reward-based teaching method is used to shape behavior -- the mutual trust that this engenders benefits all aspects of the cat's relationship with its owner. The games are appropriate for cats and kittens, helping to keep them fit and stimulated at all ages.
Cody is naturally athletic (even with his jelly belly he has always been an athletic cat). He is also out-going, fearless and curious. There are some brain games where they have you teach the cat to stand on his hind legs to get a treat, etc., Cody does that naturally. I imagine if I had this book when he was much younger I could have turned him into a circus kitty!
 |
"I can't wait to watch her try and "train" or "teach" me This is gonna be GOOD!!" |
Included in Brain Games For Cats:
Introduction -- Understanding your cat: Breed and temperament;
Health factors to consider; Which games to play?
Building A Bond -- Games that mentally and physically tone
your cat: Sit Up, Stretch for Toy, Stand High, High Five, Paw Hockey etc.
More Complex Games -- Retrieve, Fishing, Hoop Jump, Limbo,
Hurdles, Leg Weaves, Obstacle Course, Bubble Chase.
Introductory paragraphs describe the games' benefits; for
example, the leg weave may help to prevent a few human-cat feet-and-paw
entanglements. Notes indicate whether it is an interactive game, the best
location to play, the level of difficulty, and the props required, such as
treats, toys or boxes. The steps are explained in clear terms for easy
understanding.
My favorite chapters were:
CHAPTER 4-GAMES FOR LESS ACTIVE CATS
CHAPTER 5-GAMES FOR MORE ACTIVE CATS
CHAPTER 8-GAMES FOR EXTROVERTED CATS
CHAPTER 6-GAMES FOR CREATIVE OWNERS
This chapter featured some box games. Feeling motivated I grabbed a couple of boxes that were in the house, cut some holes and did my own variation.
Being the lazy person that I am. After cutting the holes, instead of using a wand toy and making it into a "castle" as the below graphic depicts. I did my own thing.
After cutting holes, I brought treats out, threw them in and let Cody do his thing!
My favorite chapters were:
CHAPTER 4-GAMES FOR LESS ACTIVE CATS
CHAPTER 5-GAMES FOR MORE ACTIVE CATS
CHAPTER 8-GAMES FOR EXTROVERTED CATS
CHAPTER 6-GAMES FOR CREATIVE OWNERS
This chapter featured some box games. Feeling motivated I grabbed a couple of boxes that were in the house, cut some holes and did my own variation.
 |
| Cody watches the preparation take place |
Even Dakota was intrigued!
Brain Games for Cats is definitely a book that I will keep and refer to for fun ideas that will challenge Cody and keep his mind and body active. I definitely suggest that you make it a part of your "Cat Library" in YOUR "Castle" as well!!
Don't miss our give-away below!!!
Specs: 300 full color photographs
Pages: 96
Pages: 96
'
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Claire Arrowsmith is an animal behaviorist and trainer who
has extensive experience helping owners build great relationships with their
pets. She is the author of Brain Games for Dogs and Brain Games
for Puppies.
ENTER TO WIN!!! The publisher has generously offered FIVE of our readers who are 18 and over and who reside in the U.S. and/or Canada the chance to win a copy of their own! (This would make a great holiday gift! An approx. $15 value). Entering is super easy, just enter on the Rafflecopter below, there is only ONE MANDATORY ENTRY REQUIREMENT, that's it! Good Luck!!!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway
We were sent a copy of Brain Games for Cats in exchange for our always honest review. We were not compensated in any other way.
If it does NOT involve working for treats, Raven might be interested. She is the least food motivated kitty I've ever had. That castle / feather toy graphic give me some inspiration.
ReplyDeleteI had to pick myself up off the floor about the treats ;)
DeleteOMC, I totally NEED this book! I love playing and doing tricks, and it looks like there are some new ones here that I can learn.
ReplyDeleteRight now, I can Stay, Shake, High Five, Wave Bye-Bye, Jump Through a Hoop, and Ring a Deskbell!
Summer, since you can do so many things, maybe you DON'T need this book? Just kidding!! Good luck!
DeleteLooks like a fun book - even though we are currently catless we hope to add to our family soon and it would be FUN to teach tricks to them - cats are VERY clever and smart. I bet Cody had fun with the treats in his "castle" !!
ReplyDeleteLove, Pam
It IS a fun book! I am sooo happy to read that you are thinking of bringing home a kitty soon (((hugs))). Cody did love the treats in his "castle" but his "castle" was hardly a "castle" more like sub par housing....MOL MOL MOL!!!! xoxoxo Love you!!!
DeleteThis sounds great! I would love to try this with our Paisley. Webster is more of a couch potato kind of guy, but Paisley loves interactive play, & I'll bet she'd learn "tricks" easily, if only I knew how to teach her!
ReplyDeleteThat is a really great book and we've yet to post our review. We sure did enjoy your review!
ReplyDeleteI have the book but haven't finished it yet. We've had fun working through it though! Bear needs to play or he has inappropriate "fun." Bear's not big on boxes (believe it or not, Bear's big belly probably wouldn't even follow treats into a box)though.
ReplyDeleteI give you credit for working through it! There is sooo much in that book! Cody isn't a big fan of boxes normally either. It's hit or miss with him. But...if there is FOOD involved with the boxes, then he is all over it!!! He is "gifted" in the belly department too! MOL!!
DeleteI don't think mom can teach you anything and I'm pretty sure she'll never be able to train you to do tricks. I think you're more likely to train her. Oh wait, you already have.
ReplyDeleteHave a purrfect day Cody. My best to your wonderful mom. ♥♥♥
MOL MOL MOL!! Exactly!!! xoxoxoxo
DeleteDefinitely need this book for my husband when I will be away for a month. He will be looking after the Chirpy Cats crew and this book will come in handy. Cody you look adorable.
ReplyDeleteNice that it's open for Canadian residents too, yay! I entered, but it submitted without me typing in my address. How do I fix this?
Hmmm...because I marked the entry "mandatory" it shouldn't have even let you enter...but........since you told me it is ok. Good luck and thanks about Cody!!!
DeleteI love all the photos and the details about this book make it sound fantastic! Great post, thank you so much for sharing! I hope you have a great week. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Linda! You are most welcome and thanks so much! You have a great week too!!
DeleteNow, here's a book we think our Mom would really like. Plus... games and tricks! We love cat in the castle games!
ReplyDeleteThose actually look like fun games! We're crossing our paws! Thanks for the opportunity to win!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a pawsome book ! What we like is that it shows how to get the cat doing this or that (hopefully...). Good luck to our US friends ! Purrs
ReplyDeleteWe love to have this book - a manual we have to give to the humans to vary our play times.
ReplyDeleteEmma and Buster
Dat would be soooooo cool. All but da weave. Mommy says fank da cats she's never had a weaver and fur sure wouldn't train dat one. MOL She has enuff trouble standin' on her own 2 feets. MOL Anyways, paws crossed here.
ReplyDeleteLuv ya'
Dezi and Raena
Wow, this is so cool! I think Sophie would take to this very well.
ReplyDeletehahahahahah Lucy will have ME trained!
ReplyDeleteI would love this book! I am always trying to think of ways to challenge our three. I try to play with them every day, but I feel like they get bored with the same old, same old.
ReplyDeleteThis book looks like FUN! I think Angel would love tricks much more than Chuck, but then again, if The Hubby is doing anything...Angel will love it! I entered!
ReplyDeleteVery cool idea!
ReplyDeleteLily & Edward
That looks like a great book. I like how they have chapters for more and less active kitties, I have a variety.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea for a book. Sometimes humans need a little prompting to play with us enough, and this seems like a good way to keep them going.
ReplyDeleteWhat a neat idea this book is! Cody looks so cute watching the preparations and going in the box.
ReplyDeleteI love your festive header!
Yes it definitely is! It is jammed-packed with info! Thanks about Cody, he is looking at me because I was muttering as I was impatiently cutting (slashing) the boxes lol!!!! He is like "is this woman for REAL?" lol!!! Thanks about the header too!
DeleteThis is a great review! We have a copy of this book, and Mommy bet get it together and help us with the review!
ReplyDeleteAwww thanks so much!! I am sure your Mommy will be MUCH more patient than I was! lol!!!
DeleteI LOVE your quote, Cody!! I'd like to see TW try to teach ME tricks.
ReplyDeleteWe LOVE YOU!!! You think just like my Mom!!! That COULD be dangerous, but in this case, it is PAWESOME!!! xoxoxo
DeleteWhat a fantastic review! I love the idea behind this, as physical and mental exercise are so important for our furbabies. I like how it even gives ideas for how to play with a less active cat. Thank you for sharing this with us, Caren and Cody (and Dakota)!
ReplyDeletethank you!!!!!!!! you are most welcome!!
DeleteAmarula is very upset that I entered! She feels that as she is brilliant she has no need for such games--but then I pointed out that Zulu and Frodo were in desperate need of brain games and, of course, she agreed!! PS Can't wait to read about Cody in the Making Biscuits book!
ReplyDeletewhat a clever idea. I'm glad Cody and Dakota enjoyed your project.
ReplyDeleteNow that looks like fun for the mom and the kitty!
ReplyDeleteOH WOW, that books is amazing, thanks so much fur sharing!
ReplyDeletePurrs
Basil & Co xox
P.S. we just off to get a copy :)
Looks like a great book!
ReplyDeleteWill have to check it out:)
Purrs xx
Athena and Marie
Rufus and I would love this book! It looks like a good way to keep everyone busy and happy.
ReplyDeletexxoo
Maggie and Mickey Mouser
Hey, that sounds like an awesome book! We wonder if Gracie or Zoe would be up for some tricks and fun? :)
ReplyDeleteThat looks like a very useful book.
ReplyDelete