Cat Book: "Makin' Biscuits - Weird Cat Habits and the Even Weirder Habits of the Humans Who Love Them" by Deborah Barnes

FROM THE PUBLISHER:According to author Deborah Barnes, Makin' Biscuits - Weird Cat Habits and the Even Weirder Habits of the Humans Who Love Them, came to be when she got out of the shower one morning and wrapped her wet hair with a towel. She felt something land on top of her head - it was her otherwise shy cat, Mia, who decided that was the perfect spot to nap. Barnes was accustomed to her cats doing odd things (she has seven of them), but says, "this was odd, even for her standards," so she decided to pursue the concept of a book. 

I couldn't be happier that she did! Makin' Biscuits by Deborah Barnes is a MUST have for the library of EVERY cat lover. . I had the honor of reviewing both of Deb's books prior to "Makin Biscuits...", each one is special in their own way. You know the saying "the third one is the charm?".......well, it is!

Makin' Biscuits features a foreword by New York Times bestselling author, Gwen Cooper of Homer's Odyssey and is endorsed by many top cat experts in field, including Dr. Marty Becker, "America's Veterinarian," contributor to Good Morning America and The Dr. Oz Show, and three-time bestselling author of 25 pet-related book.  There is a  host of Deb's colleagues and fellow cat lovers, (including me!), who provided testimonials that appear in this delightful and informative book:

"In today's world where the popularity of cats has soared, there are still shelters overflowing with cats in need of a home. Many wound up there for behavioral problems that could have been solved by understanding the instinctual mindset of a cat. In Makin' Biscuits, Deborah Barnes tackles this subject in an enjoyable, easy to read manner as she shares a compilation of funny, sweet, and poignant stories from ailurophiles around the globe. FOUR PAWS UP!"----Caren Gittleman publisher of Cat Chat With Caren and Cody.

 FROM THE PUBLISHER: Each chapter begins by Barnes narrating a story about her own cats, moves on  to "Mews From Others" where she shares anecdotes from other cat lovers, and ends with a "Purr Points to Ponder" a section of information, advice, and tips to help cat guardians provide their cats with an optimally enriched environment befitting their instinctual nature.

I enjoyed the "Mews From Others" immensely! Reading stories and moments shared by others about the unique qualities, "talents", and quirks their cats possess might just make you think that your cat(s), aren't that different after all!   I have had cats in my life for well over 20 years, and  the "Purr Points to Ponder" sections following each chapter (along with Deb's personal stories that begin each chapter), are some of my favorite parts of this wonderful book. Just when you think you have learned and read everything there is to know about cats...you find out that you HAVE NOT!

"Great Book Ms.Barnes
but you went and revealed
ALL OF OUR SECRETS!!"

A SAMPLING OF MY
 FAVORITE CHAPTERS ARE:

You can pet me, just don't touch me
Cat lovers! I think that is pretty self-explanatory!

Cats in Toyland
  This chapter explores the often strange things that cats adopt as toys. I particularly loved the snippet that Deb shared about Jazmine's affinity for running off with the stems of string beans as Deb is cooking, as well as the untraditional "cat toy" that Pattie Kleinke the human behind the blog, Stunning Keisha, bought for CK. A rocket launcher that shoots foam rockets that CK loves!!! 

"Speaking of toys, Ms Barnes,
this tassel you have on your bookmark
makes a darned good cat toy too!!"

Is This Seat Taken?
If you want a certain seat it's a pretty good guess your cat will be there! In the Purr Points to Ponder section where Deb offers suggestions, advice and tips in each chapter she offers a suggestion for those who do not like cat hair on their couches and chairs. Just use various colorful throw blankets, and wash as needed!


Are You Going To Eat That?
Had me cracking up laughing thinking of my own night time ritual with Cody where EVERY NIGHT he sits ON THE TABLE (that he is NOT allowed to be on, in a quest for more food). If I don't share fast enough, or choose not to share at all, he will reach his paw out and tap me, like "Hey lady, you forgot something!"   This chapter will have you rolling with laughter.



It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere
We all know our cats have the universal talent of ALWAYS knowing when it is time to eat. They know based on our daily rituals and their own internal "clocks" An excerpt provided by Dawn White, Lola The Rescued Cat is one of many purrfect examples of the "even weirder habits" of the humans who love these wonderful beings. Talk about devotion! "My cat, Lola, expects breakfast every morning, but she insists it never be in the same spot each day! I frequently find myself following her around my apartment, with food bowl in hand, which I put down when she decides on the perfect breakfast spot."


The Twilight Zone
You will have to purchase the book to find out what that chapter is about! Cody and I are just tickled to have our submission be a part of that chapter!

"I came to sit next to Mom
while she was reading your book Ms.Barnes,
just look at the "WEIRD" that I  had to endure!!"

 WHILE THERE IS MUCH HUMOR

IN "MAKIN' BISCUITS"

THE IMPORTANT MESSAGE

 OF THIS BOOK

CANNOT BE OVERLOOKED

FROM THE PUBLISHER:Deb  hopes Makin' Biscuits will make a difference in cat welfare by helping to enhance the feline-human bond and to enlighten readers on certain subjects, such as the need for spay/neuter to help reduce the staggering numbers of cats in shelters (in the United States alone, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals indicates each year approximately 3.4 million cats enter shelters nationwide); as well as to provide readers with resources, tips, and advice to correct common behavioral problems that can land a cat into a shelter, such as litter box issues. 

FROM MAKIN BISCUITS: If you don't understand the underlying mechanisms of what makes a cat tick, tensions can mount, the problems can get worse, and out of sheer frustration, your cat is scooped up, stuffed into his carrier and brought to the shelter because you feel it's the kindest thing you can do for him....

Adopting a pet is supposed to be a lifelong commitment. Your cat is depending on you to take care of him, and if you don't give him the proper tools to be the instinctual creature he was born to be, you're not being fair to him. Or you....while cats might appear to be complex, they truly are simple. Their actions and behaviors are their way of communicating with you.

Help others who may not understand cats as well as most of you who are reading this, by "gifting" this book for the holidays  or for any day that someone is adopting or thinking of adopting a cat.

For ordering information, please visit http://www.makinbiscuitsbook.com.

Deborah Barnes is the owner of ZZP Publishing, LLC and the author of Makin' Biscuits - Weird Cat Habits and the Even Weirder Habits of the Humans Who Love Them; Purr Prints of the Heart - A Cat's Tale of Life, Death, and Beyond; and The Chronicles of Zee & Zoey - A Journey of the Extraordinarily Ordinary; as well as the award winning cat-related blog, Zee & Zoey's Cat Chronicles. She is the Vice President of the Cat Writers' Association and was awarded 2013 "Writer of the Year" by Friskies Purina. She is the Secretary of the nonprofit, Pawsitively Humane, Inc. of Miami, Florida and her freelance work has been featured in Cat Fancy magazine, Kittens 101, Catster.com, BlogPaws.com, TheCatSite.com, and the American Association of Human-Animal Bond Veterinarians newsletter.

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In full disclosure:I was not compensated for this review. I was sent a complimentary copy of "Makin' Biscuits" in exchange for my always honest opinion.