I get that being a pet parent means being a little careful – and sometimes even a little skeptical – when you’re deciding what ‘stuff’ you or your pet actually needs, like pet books. You’ve got to juggle a lot of decisions, balancing your pet’s personality, health, and well-being, plus the practicalities of budget and lifestyle. That’s where Amy Shojai books come in.

After publishing my first book in 1992, I’ve had decades of feedback and so many incredible conversations with y’all about my books and pet care information. I think I’ve found the top 6 questions folks tend to ask about finding the best info-tainment for you to help your cats and dogs. Or simply to provide YOU with fur-tastic fun!

Top 6 Questions About Amy Shojai Books

“Will your book answer my questions about…kittens, puppies, adult pets, holistic care, first aid, old animals…”

Oh my. Over the years, each time a reader asked questions, seems like I wrote a book. Ha! So yes, you’ll find answers to pretty much any stage of pet life in one or more of my books.

The most inclusive titles, CAT FACTS and DOG FACTS, cover everything in an A-to-Z format.

More specific answers are found in Complete Kitten Care and Complete Puppy Care for youngsters. And for those readers blessed with golden oldie pets, you’ll find veterinary advice compiled in Complete Care for Your Aging Cat and Complete Care for Your Aging Dog.

I include first aid and holistic care in most of my books, but you also can find nitty-gritty details (again, from the veterinary experts) in The First-Aid Companion for Dogs & Cats, and New Choices in Natural Healing for Dogs & Cats.

“I love mysteries and thrillers—but won’t read if the pet dies.”

I hate it when writers include pets in stories only to (gasp!) kill them off—and I won’t read those authors again! So, I really understand where you’re coming from. In my pet-centric thriller series, lots of suspense and mayhem happens—but the hero pets never die. It’s FICTION, so I get to make the rules. My pet characters won’t ever get old, either.

“Does the story have language issues or… Is it appropriate for my granddaughter who loves pets?”

My fiction stories have so much going on, the characters don’t have time for (ahem) kissy-touchy stuff. And I grew up with parents who didn’t allow me to swear. Yes, in real life, cops and regular folks use bad language, but I make a conscious effort to avoid egregious language issues (no “F-bombs”). In fact, my main character makes up words instead, like “crappiocca.”

I’d consider the books fine for 12+ year old readers (I read voraciously at that age). But there are a few hells & damns…so I always encourage folks to read the story first before gifting to young readers.

“But I don’t have an Ereader. I’m old school and want physical books.”

Oh, I love holding physical copies of books, too. There’s something about feeling the weight of a book, or smelling the pages, and hearing the rustle of turning pages…bliss! So yes, all of my books are available in paperback and also in hardcover editions.

“With so much going on, these days I only listen to audiobooks.”

Done and done! In another life, I’m an actor and voice-over professional. So I turned my office closet into a recording studio and actually “voice” my own books—the nonfiction cat and dog books, and also the thrillers.

“Books are too expensive. I can’t afford them.”

I get it. Especially with fiction books. Paying a bunch gets old, especially if it turns out you don’t like the story. That’s why I give away my first thriller, LOST AND FOUND, to readers who subscribe to my fiction newsletter list. That way, you can read the Ebook for free to decide if you want to read the rest of the series. Want the free book? Get it here!

The pets newsletter list also has free books for subscribing. I give away CAT FACTS and DOG FACTS (one chapter at a time) in the newsletter, so over a year, you can collect the entire content of the books. And readers can get select info-tainment from the books or in addition to the books by reading this blog.

You also can ask your local library to order the books—yes, that’s good for me, for the library, and for you!

Pet Care Books Save You $$$

As a certified animal behavior consultant, I share lots of cat behavior and dog training tips in all of my books (including the thrillers). Knowing why pets do what they do helps you bond more closely. And although I’m not a veterinarian, I include veterinary expert advice in books. That helps you know how (and when) to treat your pets yourself at home (and save $$$) or catch problems early (and again save $$$ and pet lives!). So investing in my books or other experts’ pet titles not only educates you, it’s an investment in your companion’s well-being.

While I can’t control the cost of my books sold through Amazon and other places, I have recently set up my own online bookstore for that reason: I get to offer DISCOUNTED BOOKS (Ebooks, audiobooks, paperback, hardcover) at $$$-off what you’d pay other places. So for those who still want to invest in a pet care title or fun pet-centric thriller, get your discounted books at my store here.

More Questions? Hit me!

Don’t let unanswered questions stand between you and what you and your pets love. I’m all about providing the best information (and entertainment) possible. We’re partners in keeping cats and dogs happy and healthy. But ensuring YOU feel good about your investment in a pet care library matters just as much.

If you still have questions, drop ‘em in the comments. Thanks for caring so much about your furry wonders—it’s no wonder we’re so much alike!