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From Annie Smith Pets on YouTube

Your cat didn’t come with a manual. So I wrote one.

626 illustrated pages on reading your cat, fixing the hard stuff, and knowing exactly when to worry.

The cover of A Good Life With Your Cat by Annie Smith: Annie hugging her tabby cat on a green cover
626 pages 144 chapters 200+ illustrations

$24.99 was $54.99 Launch price

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Sound familiar?

  • Why does my cat knead on me? Chapter 21, Kneading, Suckling, and Soft Blankets.
  • Why the 4 a.m. wake-up call? Chapter 88, Night Activity and Early-Morning Wake-Ups.
  • Why did she bite me mid-pet? Chapter 93, Petting Ends in a Bite.
  • Why is he peeing outside the box? Chapter 59, Urine Marking and Toileting Outside the Box.
  • Why the sofa and never the post? Chapter 89, Furniture Scratching That Keeps Returning.
  • What does that slow blink mean? Chapter 19, Slow Blinks and Long Looks.
  • Why won’t she eat today? Chapter 50, A Cat Who Refuses Food or Eats Differently.
  • Is it time to call the vet? Chapter 113, Urgent Signs and the First Phone Call.

Every one of these has its own chapter. So do 136 more.

Get the answers$24.99

Short chapters. Straight answers.

One question per chapter, a few pages each. Find tonight’s problem fast, then get on with your evening.

  • 69When to call the vetClear red flags, right where you need them.
  • 18Scratch thatPopular cat myths, busted with evidence.
  • 28Try this todaySmall steps you can start tonight.
  • 34Annie’s tipsLessons from 24 years of living with cats.
  • 46Did you know?The “wait, really?” facts.
  • 219Illustrations & photosSee it, don’t just read it.

Cat myths, busted.

The book clears up 18 of them. A few favorites:

  • Myth: a purring cat can’t be in pain. Truth: cats purr when they’re hurting or unwell too, so a purring cat who seems off still needs a vet. Chapter 17.
  • Myth: belly up means rub my tummy. Truth: it usually signals trust or an invitation to play, and most cats would still rather you didn’t touch. Chapter 23.
  • Myth: my cat peed on the bed to get back at me. Truth: it’s not spite; vet guidelines link it to an unmet medical, physical or social need. Chapter 61.
  • Myth: a little dog shampoo won’t hurt. Truth: some dog products contain permethrin, which is highly toxic to cats, so use only products labeled for cats. Chapter 83.
  • Myth: my cat must be lonely and needs a friend. Truth: plenty of cats are content as the only cat, and living with a cat they don’t get along with is more likely to cause distress than living alone. Chapter 101.
  • Myth: orange cats are just friendlier. Truth: lots of people believe it, but researchers who looked found little evidence that orange cats really are friendlier. Chapter 5.

Take a peek inside

Real pages from the book. Tap any page to zoom in.

The full contents

Everything inside. All 144 chapters.

12 parts, short chapters, one question each. Read it front to back, or jump straight to tonight’s problem.

Worried right now? The urgent signs come first, right at the front: If You Think Your Cat Needs Help Now.

Part 1 · 11 chapters

Get to Know the Cat in Front of You

Build a clear picture of the cat you actually live with.

The individual behind the whiskers

  • 1A Cat’s Priorities
  • 2How Your Cat Senses the World
  • 3Personality Before Labels
  • 4Breed, Background, and Everyday Needs
  • 5Sex, Coat Color, and the Stories We Tell

Build a picture of normal

  • 6Your Cat’s Ordinary Day
  • 7Small Changes Worth Recording
  • 8A Weight Record That Tells a Story

Choose a useful response

  • 9Before You Call It a Behavior Problem
  • 10Watch Without Pushing
  • 11Build a Routine Around This Cat

Part 2 · 14 chapters

Read What Your Cat Is Saying

Cats talk all day, mostly without a sound.

Read the whole picture

  • 12One Signal Is Never the Whole Story
  • 13Ears, Eyes, and Whiskers
  • 14Tails and Body Posture
  • 15Movement, Distance, and the Exit Route

Sounds and small gestures

  • 16Meows, Chirps, and Trills
  • 17Purring in Context
  • 18Hissing, Growling, and Spitting
  • 19Slow Blinks and Long Looks
  • 20Head Bumps, Cheek Rubs, and Tail Wraps

The everyday mysteries

  • 21Kneading, Suckling, and Soft Blankets
  • 22The Paw on Your Arm
  • 23The Exposed Belly
  • 24Sleeping Beside You, On You, or Somewhere Else
  • 25Zoomies, Chattering, and Unexpected Gifts

Part 3 · 14 chapters

Make Home Work for a Cat

See your home from about a foot off the floor.

Space that feels usable

  • 26Map the Home at Cat Height
  • 27Hiding Places That Stay Available
  • 28Climbing, Perching, and Vertical Routes
  • 29Resting Spots for Different Moods
  • 30Scratching Belongs in the Floor Plan

Interest without overload

  • 31Windows With Something to Watch
  • 32Indoor Life With Enough to Do
  • 33Catios, Harnesses, and Outdoor Decisions
  • 34Noise, Visitors, and Busy Rooms

A safer household

  • 35Plants, Flowers, and Household Chemicals
  • 36String, Small Objects, and Tempting Chews
  • 37Windows, Balconies, Appliances, and Tight Gaps
  • 38Heat, Cold, and Seasonal Changes
  • 39Moving, Decorating, and Home Repairs

Part 4 · 12 chapters

Food, Water, and a Sustainable Feeding Routine

Get past the marketing on the bag.

Understand what goes in the bowl

  • 40What a Complete Diet Means
  • 41Read the Label, Then the Marketing
  • 42Wet, Dry, and Mixed Feeding
  • 43Raw, Homemade, and Supplement Claims

Make feeding workable

  • 44Portions for an Individual Cat
  • 45Meals, Grazing, and Feeding Devices
  • 46Treats and Extras
  • 47Changing Food Without Losing the Plot

Water, weight, and trouble at mealtimes

  • 48Give Water More Than One Chance
  • 49When Weight Starts to Drift
  • 50A Cat Who Refuses Food or Eats Differently
  • 51Human Food, Table Scraps, and Kitchen Hazards

Part 5 · 12 chapters

Make Sense of the Litter Box

Fix accidents without punishment or guesswork.

Set up for success

  • 52Choose a Box the Cat Can Use
  • 53Litter Texture, Scent, and Depth
  • 54Where the Box Belongs
  • 55Cleaning Without Making the Box Unfamiliar

Read changes without guessing

  • 56Know the Usual Pattern
  • 57Straining, Repeated Visits, or Very Little Output
  • 58Stool Changes and Constipation Concerns
  • 59Urine Marking and Toileting Outside the Box

Work through a problem

  • 60A Structured Investigation of Accidents
  • 61Clean the Location and Change the Conditions
  • 62Shared Boxes and Hidden Competition
  • 63The Litter Box Across Life Stages

Part 6 · 12 chapters

Play, Trust, and Learning Together

Play and trust prevent more problems than any gadget.

Play that meets a need

  • 64What Makes a Play Session Work
  • 65Match the Toy to the Cat
  • 66Build Play Into an Ordinary Day
  • 67Puzzles, Foraging, and Solo Activities

Build trust through choice

  • 68Let the Cat Start Some Conversations
  • 69Petting Preferences and Early Stop Signals
  • 70Make Room for a Shy Cat
  • 71Affection Without a Competition

Teach small, useful skills

  • 72Rewards Your Cat Actually Values
  • 73Targets, Markers, and Short Practice
  • 74A Carrier That Becomes Familiar
  • 75Practice for Handling and Everyday Care

Part 7 · 12 chapters

Hands-On Care Without the Struggle

Brushing, nails, teeth and tablets, minus the wrestling match.

Coat, skin, and claws

  • 76Start With Comfort and Consent
  • 77Brush for the Coat You Have
  • 78Mats, Shedding, and Grooming Changes
  • 79Claws and Nail Care

Small areas that need attention

  • 80Mouth Checks and Dental Care
  • 81Eyes, Tears, and Facial Folds
  • 82Ears and Unwanted Scratching
  • 83Bathing and Messy Accidents

Prevention and prescribed care

  • 84Fleas, Ticks, and Parasite Prevention
  • 85Medication: Make the Plan With Your Vet
  • 86Recovering at Home
  • 87When a Groomer or Other Professional Can Help

Part 8 · 13 chapters

When Everyday Life Gets Difficult

The dawn wake-up, the shredded sofa, the surprise bite.

Problems that disrupt the day

  • 88Night Activity and Early-Morning Wake-Ups
  • 89Furniture Scratching That Keeps Returning
  • 90Counters, Food Theft, and Kitchen Habits
  • 91Door Dashing and Escape Attempts

When contact becomes difficult

  • 92Hands and Feet Become Play Targets
  • 93Petting Ends in a Bite
  • 94Sudden Aggression
  • 95Fear of People, Sounds, or Everyday Objects
  • 96Hiding That Changes the Household Routine

Repetitive or puzzling behavior

  • 97Persistent Vocalizing
  • 98Overgrooming and Repetitive Activity
  • 99Chewing or Eating Nonfood Objects
  • 100When Your First Plan Does Not Work

Part 9 · 12 chapters

Living Together: Cats, People, and Other Animals

Other cats, dogs, kids, guests and sitters.

Build relationships gradually

  • 101Is Another Cat a Good Fit?
  • 102Prepare Separate Spaces Before an Introduction
  • 103Let Readiness Set the Pace
  • 104When an Introduction Stalls

Keep a shared home workable

  • 105Tension Without an Obvious Fight
  • 106Resources for Cats Who Share a Home
  • 107Feeding Cats With Different Needs
  • 108Conflict Between Cats Who Used to Get Along

Changes in the household

  • 109Cats and Dogs
  • 110Children and Cats
  • 111Visitors, Sitters, and Time Apart
  • 112After an Animal Companion Is Gone

Part 10 · 12 chapters

Health Changes and Getting the Right Help

Catch the small changes that come first.

Know when the plan must change

  • 113Urgent Signs and the First Phone Call
  • 114Breathing Changes
  • 115Pain Can Look Like a Changed Routine
  • 116Vomiting, Diarrhea, and Hairball Assumptions

Bring useful observations

  • 117Changes in Appetite, Thirst, or Weight
  • 118Movement, Balance, and Getting Around
  • 119Skin, Coat, Lumps, and Wounds
  • 120Eyes, Mouth, and Sensory Changes

Understand a care plan

  • 121What Screening Can and Cannot Tell You
  • 122Vaccines, Infectious Disease, and Shared Spaces
  • 123A New Long-Term Diagnosis
  • 124Keep the Care Plan Working at Home

Part 11 · 10 chapters

Care Through Every Stage of Life

From the first day home to the last goodbye.

Beginnings and transitions

  • 125Before You Bring a Cat Home
  • 126The First Days With a New Cat
  • 127Kittens: Growing, Exploring, and Learning
  • 128Adolescence, Maturity, and Reproductive Decisions

Adult life and changing abilities

  • 129Keep Adult Care From Becoming Autopilot
  • 130Recognize the Shift Into Later Life
  • 131Make Home Easier for an Older or Disabled Cat
  • 132Nighttime Confusion and Cognitive Changes

Comfort and difficult decisions

  • 133Quality of Life as an Ongoing Conversation
  • 134Saying Goodbye and Living With the Loss

Part 12 · 10 chapters

Vet Visits, Costs, and Plans You Can Rely On

Better vet visits and fewer money surprises.

Work well with the care team

  • 135Find a Practice That Fits
  • 136Prepare for the Visit
  • 137Understand Recommendations and Follow-Up
  • 138Referrals, Second Opinions, and Ongoing Questions

Make the finances understandable

  • 139Plan for Ordinary and Unexpected Costs
  • 140Insurance, Savings, and Payment Options
  • 141Compare Treatment Estimates Thoughtfully

Be ready when routines break

  • 142Travel, Boarding, and Care Handoffs
  • 143A Missing Cat or an Evacuation
  • 144A Care Plan Someone Else Can Follow

Also inside

The Toolkit and the back of the book

Ten printable sheets, plus everything you need to check a fact or find a page fast.

  • 10 printable toolkit sheets
  • Where to find reliable help
  • Glossary
  • Notes and sources for every chapter
  • Full index
  • A closing note from Annie

Plus 10 printable sheets

Fill them in on an ordinary week, so changes stand out later. Copy them for your household as often as you like.

  • My Cat’s Baseline
  • Food, Water & Weight Notes
  • Litter-Box Change Record
  • Daily & Weekly Care Planner
  • Home & Resource Audit
  • Introduction Progress Planner
  • Vet-Visit Preparation Sheet
  • Ongoing Care Record
  • Sitter & Emergency Handoff
  • Cat-Care Budget & Planning
Annie Smith hugging a tabby cat
Annie Smith smiling with a black and white cat on her shoulder

Hi, I’m Annie.

I got my first cat as a little girl and I’ve lived with cats ever since: about 24 years of food bowls, litter boxes and vet visits. These days it’s Luna, a brown tabby who supervises my toothbrushing from the bathroom sink.

I’m not a vet, and I won’t pretend to be. So every chapter is built on veterinary guidelines and published research, with the sources at the back. Where the evidence is solid, I tell you. Where it’s thin, I tell you that too.

Readers are purring

5.0 average rating
I’ve had cats for over 30 years and honestly thought I knew it all. I was wrong about the belly thing, the purring thing AND the dog shampoo thing. The tail page is now on my fridge.
CCarol P.Mabel & Biscuit’s mom
bought it for the 4am chapter and stayed for literally everything else. oscar still yells for breakfast but now i know why lol. the vet visit sheet is genius btw
jjess m.oscar’s human
What I love is how straight it is. It tells you when to stop googling and call the vet, without scaring you half to death. Short chapters, gorgeous pictures. Worth every penny.
DDenise R.Foster mom to too many to count
A Good Life With Your Cat, the complete e-book PDF + EPUB

Launch price

Get the whole book today

  • The complete 626-page illustrated e-book
  • All 144 chapters across 12 parts
  • 10 printable toolkit sheets
  • PDF + EPUB for phone, tablet, e-reader or computer
  • Sources for every chapter
  • Yours forever. No subscription.
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Questions? Answers.

What exactly do I get?

The full 626-page book as a PDF and an EPUB, including the 10 printable toolkit sheets. Your download arrives right after checkout.

Can I read it on my phone?

Yes! Phone, tablet, computer or e-reader. The EPUB fits any screen, and the PDF prints nicely too.

I’ve had cats forever. Will I learn anything?

I’d bet on it. It’s built on current veterinary guidelines and research, and it busts 18 popular myths most of us grew up believing.

Are you a vet?

No, and the book says so on page one. It’s built on veterinary guidelines and published research, with sources for every chapter, and it tells you plainly when to call your vet.

Is this a subscription?

Nope. Pay once, keep it forever.

Is there a refund policy?

Since it’s a digital product you keep the moment you buy, we can’t realistically offer refunds. That’s why every chapter and real pages are right here, so you know exactly what you’re getting. If a file won’t open, message us through Gumroad and we’ll sort it out.

Does it work outside the US?

Absolutely. Cats are cats everywhere. Where phone numbers, rules or costs differ by country, the book says where they apply.

Your cat’s been talking for years. Time to listen.

Happier cat. A lot less guessing. $24.99 was $54.99 for the launch.

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