Monday, April 3, 2017

Book Review: The Comeback Cat by Heather Peden


From the publisher: When Cleo is diagnosed with feline diabetes, the cat who was always an outsider, never needing anything from anyone, is suddenly cast as the main player in a house full of interesting characters.Faced with the deteriorating health of her cat, Heather Peden reflects on the nine-years in which Cleo lived as a bit of a stranger in their midst, never quite fitting in from day one when she was an unwanted kitten in a box. As Heather’s focus shifts from the other animals in the house to treating Cleo, her bond with Cleo grows and she really begins to appreciate her quirks and eccentricities as they disappear beneath the weight of the disease.

Despite following prescribed treatment, Cleo’s condition worsens. Frustrated, Heather begins her own research into feline diabetes and discovers the missing link that sets Cleo on the path to remission and into a new life in which Cleo thrives as the cat she was always meant to be.


Anyone who has ever sat in a vet's office and received a dreaded diabetes diagnosis for their cat understands that it's truly life-altering. On the one hand it's such a relief to know that it's a manageable disease, but on the other it's terrifying to know that the day to day maintenance of it sits squarely on your shoulders. Life now revolves on when your cat is scheduled for her next insulin shot, blood sugar test and glucose curve. Having gone through this myself with Tara I can honestly say that it was the most overwhelming, sometimes discouraging, yet most rewarding experience I've ever had as a cat mom. It created a bond between Tara and myself unlike anything I'd ever experienced. So many times I felt like I was flying blind with no idea what I was doing, but Tara's total devotion and trust gave me the courage to keep going.

The Comeback Cat is the story of Cleo, a 9 year old cat recently diagnosed with feline diabetes. Cleo was never a cat to form a bond with her humans; she was happy to simply co-exist with them. In a home with other special needs animals she more or less faded into the background. Now facing the very real prospect of life without Cleo, she comes to the forefront of their lives as they struggle to deal with their "new normal". Heather throws herself into research and learns all she can about the disease but no matter what she does Cleo's condition worsens. Her blood sugar numbers fail to go down and her quality of life comes into question. Then Heather decides to further investigate a portion of her research that she feared to question her veterinarian about, and finds that that one piece of the puzzle makes all the difference in the world. Before long Cleo is thriving and enjoying life as the cherished family member she was always destined to be.

Anyone with a diabetic cat should have this book on their bookshelf to show them that they're not alone. Everyone goes through the same struggle, but there is hope. Even if you aren't caring for a sugar kitty, The Comeback Cat is a powerful testament to the bond that cats and their humans share, which grows even stronger when faced with adversity.



Disclaimer: As members of the Amazon Associates affiliate program, if you click on our link and buy something Mudpie gets a little money for her piggy bank! We received a review copy of this book from the editor.

9 comments:

Fur Everywhere said...

I will be adding this book to my to read list!

Summer at sparklecat.com said...

This is such an important topic... there is not enough about it, and I like that this is a narrative story, not just a health book. There should be more about diabetic cats, both books and stories.

Mickey's Musings said...

This sounds like a good read :)
Mum had diabetic cats before too.
Purrs Georgia,Julie and JJ

Unknown said...

Sounds like a great book, especially for anyone whose cat has diabetes. My mom's cat, Tyler, had diabetes for several years before he passed away. He did really well on insulin. But my stepdad's cat, CJ, did not respond as well to insulin and lived a much shorter time after he was diagnosed. wish this book had been around then!

The Menagerie Mom said...

This sounds like such a beautiful story. I myself have never had a diabetic kitty, but I've known a number of them, and they are all so special. This is another one for the to-read list, for sure. Thank you for sharing this with us, Mudpie and Melissa!

Anonymous said...

Thanks, Melissa. This sounds like a remarkable book.

pilch92 said...

Great review , I definitely want to read this.

Henry said...

Very good review! Thanks for sharing with us :)
Henry

Anonymous said...

Many years ago, my Bob had diabetes. I gave him insulin daily. Suddenly, he became hypoglycemic. These journeys stay with us. Great review. Hugs.