T.S. Eliot told us, "a cat needs a name that's particular, A name that's peculiar, and more dignified, Else how can he keep up his tail perpendicular, Or spread out his whiskers, or cherish his pride?"

Author Kim Campbell Thornton, award-winning pets writer, gets right to the point in her chapter on naming cats in "Starting Out Right With Your New Cat" (innova publishing, $12.95). All cat quests should begin with Eliot's poem "The Naming of Cats."

When it comes time to do just that, she warns to be careful, because a cat will live up to his title.

The Lake Forest, Calif., writer covers all the essentials, beginning at the beginning. Are you really ready to own a cat? Will your lease permit it? Have you squirreled away the money for a vet?

Thornton guides you through the process of finding, house training, feeding, grooming, teaching, exercising and traveling with your new cat and everything in between. She debunks myths (cats really don't suck the breath from babies) and emotionally prepares you for his inevitable disapproval.