Cat Daddy

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

By: Jackson Galaxy, Joel Derfner

Narrated by: Jackson Galaxy

Length: 6 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

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 13-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.

©2012 Jackson Galaxy (P)2012 Tantor

Brutally honest and gripping story

I met Jackson Galaxy when he lived in Boulder and was business partners with Dr. Jean Hofve, whom I've know since the 90's when she was the vet for my cats. I knew he must be a great cat behaviorist if Dr. Jean endorsed him. But I didn't know anything about him personally and was astonished to hear his struggles with addiction, portrayed with brutal honesty in this story. I also didn't know the story of how he became a cat behaviorist or began working at the animal shelter. And I didn't know how passionate he is about saving shelter animals (as am I).

This story is very gripping emotionally and I couldn't stop listening. Usually I just listen to audiobooks in the car or bath, but I was listening to this every free moment, as it is such a compelling story. It is also masterfully performed by Jackson, who has Masters degree in theater. I can't imagine anyone else narrating this as well as he does.

One of my favorite scenes in the book was his description of his cat Benny at the emergency vet when Benny was foaming at the mouth--not only is it gripping and suspenseful, but I got a kick out of his description of Dr. Jean helping him (since I know her, I could easily picture her doing exactly what he described).

My only complaint in an otherwise outstanding book is that I wish he went into more detail about how his cat Benny helped him to change his life--I felt he didn't cover that in much depth, unlike what the title of the book implies.

You have to listen to this book

Would you listen to Cat Daddy again? Why?

Yes. Lots of cat information. Things that I had never thought of.

Have you listened to any of Jackson Galaxy’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes, I cried. The Benny part. I was truly touched.

Any additional comments?

This audiobook is something worth spending your money on. You might think this is all about cats and how Mr. Galaxy got his start in the cat business, and you would be right to a degree. It is also a story of personal growth and self awareness and the personal demons that some of us have to overcome. I was surprised to hear the words "dry drunk," a term that I used on my ex-husband 20 years ago to which he said he had no idea of what I was talking about. I knew immediately what Jackson was talking about. My ex also said that I would never understand the world of addiction/alcohol abuse and he was right. But Jackson has a way with words so you immediately understand what he is talking about. His choice of words was well thought out and anyone who reads/listens to the book will understand and hopefully have some awareness of what he went through to get where he is today. Definitely worth taking the time to listen. I have a new found respect for him.

Wonderful story of the man who became Cat Daddy

I loved listening to Jackson Galaxy read his own story. As a trained actor, he reads flawlessly, but even better, he's reading his own words in his own voice and mannerisms. Having watched every season of My Cat From Hell, listening to the fascinating story behind Jackson Galaxy's rise from an emotionally and socially disassociated drug addict to the self-aware, self-respecting man he's become is an inspiring story even if I didn't love cats. Equally interesting and inspiring is the process by which he came to know and understand cat behavior. Like his path to sobriety, his knowledge of cat behavior actually developed over many years. I enjoyed hearing about his growth in both areas. I'll watch future episodes of his TV show with new appreciation.

If you're offended by a few curse words scattered throughout the narrative, be forewarned. But if you're like me, you'll find that Galaxy's articulate and highly descriptive text fits well with the occasional "f" and "s" words many of us use when no other word will really do.

My only disappointment was the story ended too soon.

Excellent author and narrator

In many audiobooks, if the author also does the narration, the book is impossible to listen to.That is not the case here. Perhaps it is because Jackson Galaxy has a television persona that he can use as he reads the book, that listening to the book is truly delightful. I felt like Mr. Galaxy was in my home talking to me like he does with his clients on tv. His story is interesting and his enthusiasm shines when he intended it to be heard. Rarely do I listen to a book twice, but this may be one that gets a second listen. I may have to listen to it again before we get a new cat so that I'm sure to not mess things up with it. His advice is priceless.

Cat Daddy

This book ended way too soon and I highly recommend if you connect with animals

Inspiring story about a man and his cat

Where does Cat Daddy rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Cat Daddy rates in the top 30% of all audiobooks I've heard.

What did you like best about this story?

The 12-step recovery aspect, which was a pleasant surprise and well portrayed.

What about Jackson Galaxy’s performance did you like?

He sounded like he should sound. After all, he was the author.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me grateful for my own 12-step recovery.

Any additional comments?

It was a quick, enjoyable read.

Loved the story

Though I purchased for the cat story, loved the rest as well. After all we are all connected through the universe of love acceptance , life and death And it's a difficult road.

Very insightful book on cats & humans

Wonderful book on understanding cat behavior & helping us humans to live with cats. Very well written & glad Jackson narrated his own book. Definitely made the book a great listen.

A human story and a cat or animal story!

I would not have given this book a second glance before seeing Jackson work his magic with troubled cats and their guardian's on his show "My Cat from Hell". We, my wife and I, were adopted by a yellow tabby 10 years ago. I am sure he was dumped in the neighborhood by someone that should not have had any pets and I hope children. Mr. G as we later named him would not let us ignore him and demanded we take him in. This was our weekend home and for three weeks we left on Sunday returned on Friday to find Mr. G right there waiting for us. Like Benny Mr. G had some medical issues to address which we did and we also found BBs or shotgun pellets under his skin so he had been abused. We believe he was 15-18 months old when he adopted us. Like Jackson and Benny we found the Mr. G worked hard at communicating with us, both his needs and his empathy. He is very sensitive to our feelings and thoughts. We have always been very impressed with that. Jackson through "Cat Daddy" is so very good at explaining that and solidifying what Mr. G has taught us. If you want to know more about what and how you and your cat can talk to each other this is the book!

Passionate and thought provoking.

Where does Cat Daddy rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Right up among the top.

What did you like best about this story?

I love that Jackson Galaxy narrated it himself- so much more personality and feeling is put behind his words.

What does Jackson Galaxy bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The emotion, the compassion, and the personality to his voice.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It was very moving, and made me want to go hug my cat!

Any additional comments?

A very moving book, with a lot more than just cat facts sprinkled in. I loved hearing his story and tale take shape throughout the book. My only complaint? Too short!