  We derive metallicities for 41 cataclysmic variables (CVs) from near-infrared
spectroscopy. We use synthetic spectra that cover the 0.8 $\mu$m $\leq \lambda
\leq$ 2.5 $\mu$m bandpass to ascertain the value of [Fe/H] for CVs with K-type
donors, while also deriving abundances for other elements. Using calibrations
for determining [Fe/H] from the $K$-band spectra of M-dwarfs, we derive more
precise values for T$_{\rm eff}$ for the secondaries in the shortest period
CVs, and examine whether they have carbon deficits. In general, the donor stars
in CVs have sub-solar metallicities. We confirm carbon deficits for a large
number of systems. CVs with orbital periods $>$ 5 hr are most likely to have
unusual abundances. We identify four CVs with CO emission. We use
phase-resolved spectra to ascertain the mass and radius of the donor in U Gem.
The secondary star in U Gem appears to have a lower {\it apparent} gravity than
a main sequence star of its spectral type. Applying this result to other CVs,
we find that the later-than-expected spectral types observed for many CV donors
is mostly an affect of inclination. All of the magnetic CVs, except the low
accretion rate polar MQ Dra, have donors with subsolar metallicities. We find
that two systems with unusual spectra, EI Psc and QZ Ser, that have large
excesses of sodium, and extreme deficits of carbon. Synthetic spectra that have
a reduced abundance of hydrogen are best able to explain the spectra of these
two objects.
