Go Animal

Those seeking to teach their cats not to scratch furniture, chew on houseplants or indulge in other unacceptable behavior can learn how in Cat Speak: How to Learn It, Speak It, and Use It to Have a Happy, Healthy, Well-Mannered Cat. Animal behaviorist and trainer Bash Dibra (Dog Training by Bash) explains how to understand feline body language, facial expressions, vocal signals and other instinctive behaviors. Using the three Ps—patience, persistence, praise—and the three Cs—compassion, care, concern—Dibra offers a simple manual on how to get the most out of animal-feline relationships. (Putnam, $23.95 256p ISBN 0-399-14741-1; Oct.) An estimated 50 million Americans are serious recreational bird watchers. Among them is William Burt. For 16 years, Burt has pursued some of the world's toughest subjects: 20 of the least known, nearly mythical North American birds. In his latest book, Rare and Elusive Birds, he has used his talents as a photographer and bird watcher to compile an intimate look at some of the planet's most rarely seen birds. In addition to the images, the book also includes detailed accounts of the lives of these birds and the special challenges and successes Burt experienced on his quest to photograph them all. (Universe, $39.95 208p ISBN 0-7893-0638-7; Oct.)

Animal bodywork expert Linda Tellington-Jones's latest offering is Getting in TTouch with Your Dog: A Gentle Approach to Influencing Behavior, Health, and Performance. Tellington developed the Tellington Touch Method (TTouch) throughout her 40-year career working with animals. Here, she offers a way to effectively influence dogs' behavior and character, as well as their ability to learn. The guide enforces mutual respect between dog and owner, stressing a relationship based on appreciation and friendship rather than dominance and submission. By using a specific combination of TTouches (there are 22 altogether) and performing exercises, Tellington insists dogs' performance, health and behavior can improve. (Trafalgar Square, $16.95 128p ISBN 1-57076-206-6; Sept.)

Anyone believing that cats live in another dimension will relish The Metaphysical Cat: Tales of Cats and Their Humans by Gerald and Loretta Hausman (authors of 1998's The Mythology of Cats). The book reveals felines' supernatural, mystical, metaphysical side, combining newspaper stories, sketches and personal anecdotes from the authors' lives to humorously yet seriously describe the mystical role that cats have in society and in history. (Hampton Roads, $16.95 160p ISBN 1-57174-256-5; Sept.)

Family Matters

Paying homage to the image that has most captivated him throughout his life, photographer Jim Erickson compiles maternal images in Mother, a stunning book that attempts to define the concept of "mother." The collection begins with an introduction by Marianne Williamson, author of Return to Love and A Woman's Worth, then divides into two sections of photographs taken both in Erickson's California studio and on location around the world. In the first section, he uses blurred, richly colored images to compose photographs reminiscent of Renaissance and religious paintings. In the second section, he uses a more documentary, realistic style to illustrate mothers' more personal side. (Dillon Beach [dist. by LPC], $49.95 160p ISBN 0-9704316-0-0; Sept.)

Twin Stories: Their Mysterious and Unique Bond delves deep into the special connection twins share through tales from some of the world's 73 million or so sets. Susan Kohl, a mother of twins herself, sheds some light on the topic, discussing childhood pranks, spoken and unspoken communication, competition, separation and, finally, loss. Many of her stories are culled from the annual twin festival held in Twinsburg, Ohio. While many stories reveal uncanny details about twin life, most twins will find them prosaic. (Wildcat Canyon, $13.95 paper 208p ISBN 1-885171-58-7; Sept.)