sydnihilton's review against another edition
3.0
the first chapter had me INVESTED but i don't feel like the book delivered. The author is incredibly vulnerable, and that was powerful. I don't feel like the story flowed well & I read this book because I wanted to learn about cat behavior... and I left with more cat behavior questions than answers. The epilogue was helpful but felt thrown in there and it went to quickly to remember all the info
melissapalmer404's review against another edition
4.0
Book #47 Read in 2014
Cat Daddy by Jackson Galaxy
I am a big fan of Galaxy's show on Animal Planet called "My Cat from Hell"...probably because I have had a few cats from Hell myself. This book was an interesting autobiography; Galaxy was honest about his addictions....to drugs, to alcohol, to food. He acknowledges that his work and connection to animals, especially cats, most likely saved his life. His detailing of his cat Benny and their connection was heartwarming. Sprinkled throughout his life story are training snippets and suggestions. This book is a must read for cat lovers. I read this book on my Kindle.
http://melissasbookpicks.blogspot.com
Cat Daddy by Jackson Galaxy
I am a big fan of Galaxy's show on Animal Planet called "My Cat from Hell"...probably because I have had a few cats from Hell myself. This book was an interesting autobiography; Galaxy was honest about his addictions....to drugs, to alcohol, to food. He acknowledges that his work and connection to animals, especially cats, most likely saved his life. His detailing of his cat Benny and their connection was heartwarming. Sprinkled throughout his life story are training snippets and suggestions. This book is a must read for cat lovers. I read this book on my Kindle.
http://melissasbookpicks.blogspot.com
southernhon's review against another edition
4.0
I purchased this book after becoming a fan of Jackson Galaxy's show, "My Cat From Hell." On the show, he is called to consult cat owners on how best to deal with their misbehaving felines.
The book is an emotional journey into the life of a man who goes through his own kind of hell with his struggles in life. These include addictions, mental illness, weight problems, and a host of other problems. On the way, he discovers that he has a gift for communicating with cats.
While working at an animal shelter, he rescues Benny, a cat with challenging behavioral and physical difficulties. The relationship with Benny ultimately forces Jackson to realize that he, himself is worthy of rescuing.
The book was a quick and easy read, but not at all boring or predictable.
I am still not convinced; however, that Jackson Galaxy is his real name.
The book is an emotional journey into the life of a man who goes through his own kind of hell with his struggles in life. These include addictions, mental illness, weight problems, and a host of other problems. On the way, he discovers that he has a gift for communicating with cats.
While working at an animal shelter, he rescues Benny, a cat with challenging behavioral and physical difficulties. The relationship with Benny ultimately forces Jackson to realize that he, himself is worthy of rescuing.
The book was a quick and easy read, but not at all boring or predictable.
I am still not convinced; however, that Jackson Galaxy is his real name.
kitty_kat21's review against another edition
4.0
I LOVE Jackson Galaxy!
Seriously though, I am an avid fan of his show 'My Cat From Hell' and I fancy the man to death. Needless to say I was excited to read his book.
Far from being a book solely looking at cat behaviour it is a memoir of Jackson's early career working in an animal shelter and chronicals his life also as a struggling musician and a drug addict.
On the downside, the book mainly focuses on Jackson and there was precious little details on his beloved cats. The reader is introduced to Benny, a cat dumped at the shelter that Jackson subsequently takes home. I desperately wanted to know more about Benny but as other reviewers have commented Benny seemed more of a side show to the story of Jackson.
Don't get me wrong I loved reading about Jackson I just wanted more cat stuff. I wanted more information on Velouria, Benny, and all the other cats Jackson briefly mentions. The book could have been double the length to accommodate this and I would have devoured every page. The helpful hints about cat behaviour were sparse but interesting.
I just wanted Jackson's passion for his cats to come through in the description of Benny and Velouria, all their little quirks, habits - in what way exactly they saved Jackson and ultimately added to his life. I'm sure there was a lot of detail inbetween all the life events in Jackson's life about his cats but I didnt really get to read about that and that was kind of disappointing as I expected this book to be more cat focused.
All in all love the man and it was an enjoyable read!
Seriously though, I am an avid fan of his show 'My Cat From Hell' and I fancy the man to death. Needless to say I was excited to read his book.
Far from being a book solely looking at cat behaviour it is a memoir of Jackson's early career working in an animal shelter and chronicals his life also as a struggling musician and a drug addict.
On the downside, the book mainly focuses on Jackson and there was precious little details on his beloved cats. The reader is introduced to Benny, a cat dumped at the shelter that Jackson subsequently takes home. I desperately wanted to know more about Benny but as other reviewers have commented Benny seemed more of a side show to the story of Jackson.
Don't get me wrong I loved reading about Jackson I just wanted more cat stuff. I wanted more information on Velouria, Benny, and all the other cats Jackson briefly mentions. The book could have been double the length to accommodate this and I would have devoured every page. The helpful hints about cat behaviour were sparse but interesting.
I just wanted Jackson's passion for his cats to come through in the description of Benny and Velouria, all their little quirks, habits - in what way exactly they saved Jackson and ultimately added to his life. I'm sure there was a lot of detail inbetween all the life events in Jackson's life about his cats but I didnt really get to read about that and that was kind of disappointing as I expected this book to be more cat focused.
All in all love the man and it was an enjoyable read!
lilliangretsinger's review against another edition
5.0
this book was amazing!! i highly recommend it to anyone who loves cats or animals! it had me crying in the first chapter. amazing story with great insights into cat and human behaviour. I want to watch his show now!
micottergirl's review against another edition
5.0
I really liked this book. I like the self analysis and how it related to the cats. It made me realise that it's (mainly) the animals who are strong, and how weak (physically and mentally) humans are, how fragile we are, and how little we understand about the human psyche.
I also appreciate how volunteering/working with abandoned animals can make a difference (I volunteer at a sanctuary), how much a cat (or any other animal) can improve life, and how little sometimes we understand.
Even though a lot of it is about Jackson's addictions (drugs, alcohol, food) it is also about the relatinship with cats and an awakening on how to see things from the cat's perspective.
And I admit to sobbing at the end. Just bought up memories of my cats.
I also appreciate how volunteering/working with abandoned animals can make a difference (I volunteer at a sanctuary), how much a cat (or any other animal) can improve life, and how little sometimes we understand.
Even though a lot of it is about Jackson's addictions (drugs, alcohol, food) it is also about the relatinship with cats and an awakening on how to see things from the cat's perspective.
And I admit to sobbing at the end. Just bought up memories of my cats.
meredithmc's review against another edition
4.0
a (surprisingly) touching memoir about the cat behaviorist from my cat from hell (which i love!). it's incredible to read all he's been through and his honesty about his addicitions; it only proves his point that animals can be more than just pets but friends and a very important part of a human's life. as someone who feels her cat helps her with her mental issues, it was refreshing to read.
k_b00kish's review against another edition
3.0
Jackson Galaxy shares his story of overcoming addiction and learning about cats while working at a rescue shelter in CO.
moominbit's review against another edition
5.0
I thought this was going to be an easy, relaxing read and I was so so wrong.
But in the best possible way.
Aside from offering great practical advice about how to deal with a challenging cat's behavior, the book tells the story of how Jackson Galaxy became the Cat Daddy that we know him as today and how all he learned along the way was thrown right back at him ... by his very own cat!
But in the best possible way.
Aside from offering great practical advice about how to deal with a challenging cat's behavior, the book tells the story of how Jackson Galaxy became the Cat Daddy that we know him as today and how all he learned along the way was thrown right back at him ... by his very own cat!