A guide to what you need to know before bringing home a new feline friend, from selecting the best cat for you, to feeding, grooming, health care, and more. If you’re longing for the pitter-patter of four furry feet, you have some homework to do. When new cat owners aren’t prepared, it’s the cat who suffers, so it’s very important to consider all angles of cat care and ownership before making the commitment. This book starts with the process of selecting a suitable cat for your home and lifestyle and goes on to discuss the present and future requirements of feeding, grooming, training, healthcare, and much more to fully educate prospective new cat owners. Inside 77 Things to Know before Getting a Cat: –Advice on selecting a kitten or adult cat based on your family, living space, and lifestyle –Buying a purebred from a breeder versus adopting from a shelter or rescue group –The equipment and supplies you’ll need before the cat comes home –Getting the cat acclimated to his new environment –Feeding, grooming, training, and healthcare for all life stages –Keeping your cat safe at home and away –Illustrations, charts, and checklists, to help you plan and prepare “Featuring striking full-color photography throughout, [77 Things to Know Before Getting a Cat] lives up to its title as a thoroughly reader-friendly guide to getting ready for and caring for a cat.”—The Midwest Book Review

Every cat needs a name. One name, one word, just a sound... It should be easy to choose one, right? WRONG!!! I just don't know what to call my cat! Choosing the right name for a new pet is very important! Find out just what this cat’s name turns out to be in this clever and witty story from an exciting debut author and talented young illustrator.

Our 77th issue features a pair of original stories, one by Jesse Lee (which does double-duty as mystery and science fiction), and one by Phyllis Ann Karr (another of her weird westerns, again featuring itinerant gambler Bart Maverel). Plus we have a Bruce Arthurs suspense tale, the first Stainless Steel Rat short story from Harry Harrison, and even a long-long essay from Harlan Ellison! And the usual great selection of science fiction, fantasy, crime, and mystery novels and short stories. As always, special thanks to our acquiring editors, Michael Bracken and Barb Goffman, for their help with this issue. Here’s the lineup: Here’s this issue’s lineup: Mysteries / Suspense / Adventure: “Dirty Water,” by Jesse Lee [Michael Bracken Presents short story] “A Shipshape Reunion,” by Hal Charles [Solve-It-Yourself Mystery] “Beks and the Second Note,” by Bruce Arthurs [Barb Goffman Presents short story] “Dirge for a Nude,” by Jonathan Craig [short novel] The Powder Dock Mystery, by Reed Fulton [novel] Nonfiction: “It’s No Longer Astounding!” by Harlan Ellison Science Fiction & Fantasy: “Kitty Wampole,” is copyright © 2023 by Phyllis Ann Karr [short story] “The Stainless Steel Rat,” by Harry Harrison [short story] “The Eleventh Hour,” by Edwin Balmer & William B. MacHar [short story] “Date Line,” by Noel M. Loomis [short story] “White Spot,” by Murray Leinster [short novel]

Celebrate a year in the life of The Cat Named Carrot, as she goes from humble beginnings in a shelter to a loving home with a family of three adorable little girls and internet stardom. Bailey was certainly no ordinary cat—an orange tabby who gained fans around the world when his humanlike antics went viral. Sadly, when 14-year-old Bailey died, his family grieved their loss. They’d never find a cat quite like him—or would they? Then along came Carrot, an orange tabby kitten born as a stray, who appeared just as Erin Merryn and her young girls Abby, Hannah, and baby Claire were mending their broken hearts. Written in the voice of Carrot, follow her remarkable journey from shelter cat to top Instagram celebrity feline. Much like Bailey did, she loves spending time with her human family: making mischief with her girl gang; going joyriding in a pint-sized pink Barbie Jeep; doing arts-and-crafts projects; modeling a pink tutu and flowery headband; enjoying a spa day complete with fluffy robe and cucumber eye treatments; celebrating Christmas, Easter, and every holiday in between. It’s no wonder that Carrot’s videos have gone viral—garnering millions of views on Ellen, the Dodo, Good Morning America, Access Hollywood, People, and many more. Complete with four-color photos that will leave readers purring with delight, the journal of this sweet, adorable kitty with personality to spare shows us that the human-animal bond runs more than fur deep. It is love that will last a lifetime!

America's favorite cat behavior expert, author of Catwise and Cat vs. Cat, offers the most complete resource for cat owners of all stripes, now fully updated. "The queen of cat behavior" - Steve Dale, author of My Pet World Think it's impossible to train a cat? Think again! By learning how to think like a cat, you'll be amazed at just how easy it is. Whether you are a veteran cat lover, a brand-new owner of a sweet kitten, or the frustrated companion of a feline whose driving you crazy, Pam Johnson-Bennett will help you understand what makes your cat tick (as well as scratch and purr). Topics range from where to get a cat to securing a vet; from basic health care to treating more serious problems; choosing an inrresistible scratching post and avoiding litterbox problems. A comprehensive guide to cat care and training, she helps you understand the instincts that guide feline behavior. Using behavior modification and play therapy techniques, she shares successful methods that will help you and your cat build a great relationship.

Keep your cat happy and pet them right with this cute and handy illustrated guide! Cats have quite a few opinions, but with easy-to-follow instructions and helpful diagrams, this book will teach you how—and how not—to illicit approving purrs, mews, and chirps. From "The Booty Lift Pet" to the "I Need That Catnip on My Desk Yesterday Pet," learn over 20 tips and tricks to be the person your cat wants you to be. With bonus insights into cat sounds, body language, and more—as well as charming, full-color illustrations—this fun, lighthearted book will delight cat lovers of all kinds! FUNNY AND RELATABLE: Everyone who has tried to pet a cat has experienced most if not all of these silly and sweet scenarios. SWEET AND EDUCATIONAL: While quirky, this book is still informative and educational. You may learn a thing or two, like why your cat loves having their face pet but will leave the room if you try to give their belly a rub. CUTE GIFT: With endearing illustrations and tongue-in-cheek advice, this is a wonderful gift for any cat owner or cat lover! Perfect for: • Cat lovers • Holiday and birthday gift shoppers • Those looking for a silly pick-me-up and something cute • For fans of How to Tell if Your Cat is Plotting to Kill You, I Could Pee on This, and Herding Cats

"Charming, witty, and winning...[A] delightful sequel." SAN FRANCISCO EXAMINER Norton charmed even the most avowed cat haters in the bestselling THE CAT WHO WENT TO PARIS. Now, in Peter Gethers' and Norton's further adventures, the extraordinary feline with the great Scottish Fold ears, is hightailing it to the south of France--and making pit stops all over the globe (with his favorite human, of course). Along the way, Norton and his human companion face change and learn to understand the problems and the pleasure that come with growing up and growing older together. Like its predecessor, A CAT ABROAD is funny, touching, and wise. AN ALTERNATE SELECTION OF THE BOOK-OF-THE-MONTH CLUB