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Cat Daddy: What the World's Most Incorrigible Cat Taught Me About Life, Love, and Coming Clean
Cat Daddy: What the World's Most Incorrigible Cat Taught Me About Life, Love, and Coming Clean
Cat Daddy: What the World's Most Incorrigible Cat Taught Me About Life, Love, and Coming Clean
Audiobook6 hours

Cat Daddy: What the World's Most Incorrigible Cat Taught Me About Life, Love, and Coming Clean

Written by Joel Derfner and Jackson Galaxy

Narrated by Jackson Galaxy

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

4/5

()

About this audiobook

Cat behaviorist and star of Animal Planet's hit television show My Cat from Hell, Jackson Galaxy, a.k.a. "Cat Daddy," isn't what you might expect for a cat expert (as the New York Times noted, with his goatee and tattoos he "looks like a Hell's Angel"). Yet Galaxy's ability to connect with even the most troubled felines-not to mention the stressed-out humans living in their wake-is awe-inspiring. In this book, Galaxy tells the poignant story of his thirteen-year relationship with a petite gray-and-white short-haired cat named Benny, and gives singular advice for living with, caring for, and loving the feline in your home.When Benny arrived in his life, Galaxy was a down-and-out rock musician with not too much more going on than a part-time job at an animal shelter and a drug problem. Benny's previous owner brought the cat to the shelter in a cardboard box to give him up. Benny had seen better days-his pelvis had just been shattered by the wheels of a car-and his owner insisted he'd been "unbondable" from day one. Nothing could have been further from the truth.An inspiring account of two broken beings who fixed each other, Cat Daddy is laced throughout with Galaxy's amazing "Cat Whisperer" advice for understanding what cats need most from us in order to live happier, healthier lives.
LanguageEnglish
Release dateMay 10, 2012
ISBN9781452677613
Cat Daddy: What the World's Most Incorrigible Cat Taught Me About Life, Love, and Coming Clean

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Reviews for Cat Daddy

Rating: 3.9291339299212598 out of 5 stars
4/5

127 ratings23 reviews

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  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    What a fantastic book! I love watching Jackson on his TV show and I look forward to reading more of his books. I learned a lot of new things from listening to this, particularly about my own cats!
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    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!
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I love Jackson! This book won my heart and made me cry. 10/10 would read again
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Cat Daddy: What the World’s Most Incorrigible Cat Taught Me About Life, Love, and Coming Clean by Jackson Galaxy
    285 pages

    ★★★ ½

    Jackson Galaxy is the cat behaviorist on the popular Animal Planet show – My Cat From Hell!. But it wasn’t an easy ride there. The man was addicted to drugs and alcohol, taking anything he could get his hands on and ODing more than once, he’d also gain an addiction to food that would nearly cost him his life. But through it all he’d find his gift with animals, more so with cats. He’d learn he could “talk” to them and over time learned how to “train” cats, doing everything he could to hopefully make sure cats stayed in loving homes and not toss to the streets.

    I really enjoyed this book. It doesn’t delve into his time on the show. It’s about his earlier life - his start working in animal shelters, his struggle to get clean, his life with his cats and his business. He is very raw and honest. He doesn’t hold back. He throws out his feelings and it’s fairly obvious he doesn’t care if you agree or not. Since I have worked with animals in many environments (rescues, kennels, training facilities, Humane societies, vets, my own pet-sitting and dog walking business), I felt a connection to his thoughts, especially in his time working in an animal shelter. Up until this point my exposure of Jackson Galaxy was his wildly popular show; I had no idea the troubles he had before. I love how open and honest he was about his addictions and his struggles to overcome them (and as anyone who has ever been addicted to anything ever knows – they will forever struggle to overcome). He also puts tips and hints throughout the book on how to handle certain cat situations. He’s the kind of guy I’d want to be friends with. Thumbs up.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    This book changed my life! Helped me see what's truly important and helped strengthen my relationship with my kitties.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    I really enjoyed learning about Jackson's journey to loving and really understanding teh kittehs, and how kitties helped him be who he is today (and he seems like a great person - I would know, having spent 30 whole seconds with him at a book signing). He's also got a lot of great tips about helping our feline friends adjust to change, etc. He unfortunately hit one of my stink buttons with talking about overeating and "food addiction" and weight loss surgery, and I didn't finish the book (I'm fickle). I'm still a big fan of him and his show.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Jackson Galaxy, star of Animal Planet's My Cat From Hell, is an unlikely cat behaviorist; he looks like a biker gang member, and begins his story as a down-and-out rock musician with a drug problem. But during that period, he got a job at an animal shelter, to keep money coming in while leaving his mind free to write songs, and he unexpectedly connected, with the animals and with the work.

    Galaxy tells his story, starting in Boulder, Colorado at what was undoubtedly an extremely low point in his life, with energy, unflinching honesty, and even humor. A big part of that story is a little grey-and-white shorthair cat named Benny, who comes into his life with a broken pelvis and labeled "unbondable" by his surrendering owner. Benny is his first experience in fostering, a formative experience in learning to understand and communicate with cats on their terms, and, of course, his first experience with what many people in animal rescue call "foster failure," i.e., the foster parent winds up adopting the foster pet. (Galaxy himself doesn't use that term in telling his story.)

    In a relatively short book, there's a lot here about cat behavior, understanding your cat, and making life better for both of you. There's also a lot about simply learning to be a human being, about embracing life rather than shutting oneself off to avoid pain, learning to take responsibility for one's own choices, and at the same time letting go, not just recognizing but accepting that you can't control the world or the choices of others in it, and that's okay.

    Galaxy reads his own book, and does so in a clear, expressive, compelling voice.

    Recommended.

    I bought this book.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    It was a nice biography til the last two chapter even if a bit over the top. Then I read the last two chapters and cried my eyes out.
    Like the advices on cat behaviour
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I was hoping for more about cats - and there were cats, but it was mostly about the author's journey through addiction and into recovery. Along the way, he learns to accept cats for where they are and that helps him to accept himself. There were interesting parts, but I would have liked more about the cat personalities the author worked with.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Good story. Didn't know the show existed, and always good to read about someone who follows their passion and succeeds.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    interesting story of how he got involved in work as a cat behaviorist, but not much info on solving problems with cats; more of an autobiography.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Jackson Galaxy has an amazing affinity for and connection with cats, a great deal of which he learned from his well-loved, incorrigible Benny, a broken-down throwaway discarded unceremoniously at the Boulder shelter where Galaxy was working. Turns out the human in this story was as broken as the cat, he just hadn’t bottomed out quite yet. That would come, and Benny would be there …Thoroughly enjoyed Galaxy’s valuable insights into cat behaviour. I enjoyed the descent into drug addicted hell much less, but to be fair, I was reading for information on cats, not addiction/recovery.“If you want to love them, learn to love like they do – firmly in the now.”
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Jackson Galaxy revealed his true self in this book that is part autobiography and part cat phycology. From a man who was addicted to drugs, alcohol, and food to one of the best known cat advocates, Galaxy tells it all with no holds barred. Sprinkled throughout the book are Galaxy's suggestions on dealing with the cats with which we share our lives. I not only learned more about my feline roommates, I also learned something about myself. The lessons here are not only for dealing with cats but also dealing with ourselves.
  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    One of those rare instances in which the TV show is better than the book...!

    I'm being facetious, of course, because "My Cat From Hell" (the television program) isn't about Galaxy, it's about the animals he works with. However, in all seriousness, although it was cool learning more about cable television's cat behaviorist in this memoir, it's much more fun watching him work with felines face-to-face on "Animal Planet" than it is reading about his past Klonopin habit.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I listened to this book on audio and ejoyed hearing Jackson Galaxy share his personal story. It was deeply honest and insightful. And to those who are judgmental about his colorful use of profanities,*#@% you! Why should he share his story with us in anything other than his own vernacular? He told it from his gut, and I found it inspirational to hear how he climbed out of the abyss of self=destructive behaviors to follow his calling and live a life of significance helping animals and their guardians to find peace and joy.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    If you have seen Jackson Galaxy on Animal Planet you know how he talks and how he thinks, for the most part. Reading his book is more of the same. More or less. He has a way of wrapping words around a deeper meaning and in the end you more than know what he is talking about. You get it and hopefully, you get your cat, too. Because that's the whole point. But, watching "My Cat From Hell" is no substitute for reading Cat Daddy. Jackson bares his soul and lays his demons to rest as he recounts how a broken cat named Benny came into his deeply scarred life. Just as the title hints Jackson abused drugs and alcohol while struggling to find his way as a musician in Boulder, Colorado. Finding work in a shelter was the beginning to his saving grace. He found solace among the animals, more so than with his human counterparts. As Jackson learned to understand animals he began to sort out his own life. Identifying with addiction with the first step in recovery.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Jackson Galaxy doesn't look like your typical "cat person"... and he isn't! CAT DADDY chronicles his life from so-so musician to druggie (heroin, Rx pills, booze) to animal caretaker at a local shelter to present job as self-professed cat shrink or cat whisperer. The book also relates his relationship with equally bad-boy, Benny the Cat. Their friendship (and that is the word) rivals some of the most detailed in literature and is just as heart-breaking when Benny finally lives out his cat lifespan. This book is weakest, to this reader at least, when it tries to be a primer on cat care....not sure of the medical efficacy of some of Galaxy's advice re: cat care (raw meat diet.. only? aromatherapy?) And some of Galaxy's troubles seem so cyclical and self-induced it was sometimes hard to feel a great deal of sympathy.This memoir succeeds as a real life guide to overcoming addiction (Galaxy uses the 7 Step process) and as a story of a relationship between a man and his cat. Consider the cat care tidbits as a nice, if dubious, treat!
  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    reviewDo not read this if you have difficulty dealing with the death of pets unless you enjoy sobbing. While there are some tips about cat behavior, there i...more Do not read this if you have difficulty dealing with the death of pets unless you enjoy sobbing. While there are some tips about cat behavior, there is nothing you couldnt find on the internet if you dont already know it from living with multiple cats. Mostly its a biography of Jackson Galazy and his cat Benny
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    In this book, Galaxy tells the poignant story of his thirteen-year relationship with a petite gray-and-white short-haired cat named Benny, and gives singular advice for living with, caring for, and loving the feline in your home.The writing here is exceptional. It is can’t-put-down good book. A vivid portrait of the internal battle faced in some measure by every person who has done drugs. Refreshingly candid. . . . This lively, revealing, and entertaining book is certain to roil the cat world and make a big splash beyond.What a gifted man; a great storyteller, too. I would be so happy to meet Jackson Galaxy in person and thank him for sharing his life story. This is one of the best books I've ever read, absolutely one of a kind book- eye-opening mysteries of life, love and cats told in a beautiful language. I recommend this book to all that love to read, to anyone that loves animals, especially cats. It has a great storyline, and I found often that it was hard for me to put down.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I first heard of Jackson Galaxy from stumbling upon an episode of "My Cat From Hell." As I'm a cat person, the show became one of the few that I watched. So when I heard that Jackson was publishing a memoir, I HAD to buy it. And since I was taking a long roadtrip (1600 miles each way), I bought the audiobook and thought it would be an entertaining way to spend 600 or so miles.Boy, was I wrong. "Entertaining" doesn't even begin to describe this book. I laughed out loud (more than once), and I cried (more than once). In fact, during the last chapter, I was crying so hard that I had to pull over on the side of the road and have a good bawl (meanwhile, my own cat, Jazz, was sleeping contentedly in her carrier beside me, which made my emotion even more heartfelt). But this memoir wasn't just about cats, or even a particular cat (Benny). It was Jackson's account of his burnout, his nervous breakdown, and his struggle with various addictions (which hit home for me repeatedly). I had no idea that he had been through so much, and I just felt his story resonating with me. When he started talking about his trip to AA, I was crying the entire time, because he was describing me (and a currently off-the-wagon me). I came away with a deeper appreciation for my (seriously almost perfect) cat, as well as a renewed desire to be sober (four days and counting!). It's not often that a memoir touches me this deeply.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    This story was more about Jackson's struggle with substance abuse tha nabout cats, but I really enjoyed it. He has overcome a lot and does great work on behalf of animals.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I worked in a Veterinary clinic for years. At one point, we had an office connected to thelocal shelter. I once walked past "death row" and a cat reached out and touched my head. Ididn't look .... I just went back to the desk and said that cat.. and pointed. Put that catin our hospital, and test for fiv/felv. I never did look, just in case. I was working in theother office and had been there for a meeting.They called and said negative. I asked if it was male or female.. ( I had still never clappedeyes on this cat.) Male. But he has.. and then there was a long list of things and they suggestedI let him go. I refused, said make him healthy, neuter him and call me when he is there. It onlytook a week or so, and after work one day I went to pick up kitty #5 for our house... and namedhim Fergus. He was a bedraggled looking part Maine Coon, part everything else. Twelve years laterhe had a stroke, and after trying everything from doctors to prayers to holistic remedies to acupunctureto...well, everything. Hand feeding him and begging him to get better, He looked at me and asked me to lethim go. That was the same year I lost his two twenty year old companions, that I had adopted as 8 week oldkittens. Before long I was down to one cat, the only one to come after Fergus, as she was a young cat andhealthy. ( Despite having been mashed in a car fan belt before her owner wanted her to be put down. ) Ibegged her off of the owner and the vet I was working for .. an angel .. patched her up. I am back up to4 cats. It happens.. cats need homes. They live with us and our special needs ( Addison's Disease) dog. Hisname is Duncan. All rescues. All of them, and us too. They save us as much as we save them.I adore Jackson Galaxy. I read his book with tears in my eyes and an ache in my heart. And fear for the lossesI face in the future. He gets it. He understands. We furkid folks know, though...it is all worth it. It is worthevery tear. This book lays bare the soul of a good man, who now does good things, in a good way. Thanks forbeing a saver, Jackson. There are lots of us out there... you go one step beyond, and save not only yours,but others as well. I agree with most of the things you say, most especially the DO NOT DECLAW opinion. Itmakes my ill that it is still okay, and still so easily accepted by so many. I hate it.Don't let those stars up there deceive you. It is a ten star book.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Jackson Galaxy is a cat behaviorist and host of Animal Planet's My Cat From Hell. Cat Daddy is both Jackson and Benny's story. It's about how one stubborn cat saved a man's life.I started watching My Cat From Hell last year. Being a cat person I was instantly enthralled with the show and the host. Both are very interesting - so I knew this book was gonna be a must read. Jackson's story is beautiful, shocking, heartbreaking and inspiring. Along with Jackson's life experiences in the book there are cat tips that are very helpful. This should be a must read for all cat lovers.**I don't normally review memoirs or non-fiction, but I enjoyed this one so much that it deserved being talked about.