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As the weather starts to turn, what’s better than an evening at home with a good book? A good cat book, obviously.
Rover writers and editors put their heads together to arrive at this carefully curated list of classics new and old for cat-loving readers of all ages.
So grab a cat and a blanket, and hunker down with a pile of our favorite cat-centric tales. Happy reading!
Cat Books for Adult Readers
1. “The Big New Yorker Book of Cats”
This well-curated compilation of cat-themed stories published across the decades in The New Yorker magazine collects the voices of some of its most celebrated writer, including James Thurber, Margaret Atwood, Roald Dahl, and many others.
The companion volume, “The New Yorker Book of All-New Cat Cartoons,” is great for those who enjoy the magazine’s doodles and comics.
Shop on Amazon2. “Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World”
A touching true story, this tale is a love letter to cats and libraries. When Dewey, a ginger kitten, is abandoned in a public library book return in Spencer, Iowa, he changes the life of librarian Vicki Myron—and the town itself.
Shop on Amazon3. “The Guest Cat”
Beautifully written, this story focuses on a young couple in Tokyo who grow closer and learn to take pleasure in the small joys of life when a cat invites himself into their home. Be prepared for some tears!
Shop on Amazon4. “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”
Definitely darker than the Audrey Hepburn film, Truman Capote’s novella tells the story of Holly Golightly and her fear of falling in love. Her constant companion is a cat she refuses to name because they don’t belong to each other—but is she right?
Shop on Amazon5. “Garfield Minus Garfield”
This humorous re-imagining of Garfield the comic cat removes the cat himself from each frame of the comic strip, revealing Jon Arbuckle’s strange and quirky existential journey (and maybe even our own).
Shop on Amazon6. “A Street Cat Named Bob”
Looking for a heartwarming true story? James Bowen recounts his days as a street musician and recovering addict, recalling how his friendship with a scarf-wearing stray cat changed both their lives.
Shop on Amazon7. “The Lion in the Living Room”
This one’s for the history buffs! This fascinating read explores how cats and their ancestors influenced human society and may have even played a role in human evolution.
Shop on Amazon8. “The Fur Person”
This story is told from the perspective of a cat on his journey from a stray to a “Fur Person”—that’s a cat, the author writes, “who had decided to stay with people as long as he lives. This can only happen if a human being has imagined a part of himself into a cat just as the cat has imagined part of himself into a human being.” The book is full of dry humor as the author’s cat searches for, and eventually finds, a suitable human caretaker.
Shop on Amazon9. “The Cat Inside” Cat Book
Author William S. Burroughs reveals his softer side in this collection of essays and observations on cats—an animal he clearly admires.
Shop on Amazon10. “Cat Stories” Book”
The legendary veterinarian-turned-author is beloved for a reason. James Herriot is known for his humorous and deeply felt stories recounting his experiences with animals—and this delightful book spotlights 10 cats, complete with illustrations.
Shop on Amazon11. “The Great Cat: Poems About Cats”
The ultimate anthology when it comes to cat poetry, find everything from works by Japanese haiku masters to poems by William Wordsworth. The through-line? Cats are loved across cultures and time.
Shop on Amazon12. “We Have Always Lived in the Castle”
This is horror master Shirley Jackson’s last book—and also one of her best. The protagonist is a young girl named Merricat, who keeps a dark secret about a family tragedy. Resistant to the outside world, she finds comfort in the companionship of her faithful cat, Jonas.
Shop on Amazon13. “The Master and Margarita”
Mikhail Bulgakov’s biting satire features a cat character that’s larger than life: Behemoth. Portrayed as a demonic black cat of substantial size, Behemoth has a penchant for constant jokes, vodka, chess, and sarcasm—you know, as cats do.
Shop on Amazon14.“The Cat on My Shoulder” Book
A charming collection of essays from well-known authors, including Edward Gorey and Sue Grafton, about how their cats impact the writing process.
Shop on Amazon15. “Homer’s Odyssey”
No one thought Homer, an abandoned eyeless kitten, would make it. But not only did Homer survive, he thrived! Gwen Cooper’s uplifting memoir shows that love and courage come in all kinds of packages.
Shop on Amazon16. “The Travelling Cat Chronicles” Book
Comical and deeply moving in equal measure, this novel chronicles the highs and lows of Satoru and the cat who adopts him, Nana. Together they embark on a poignant road trip around Japan.
Shop on Amazon17. “The Woman in the Window”
For agoraphobic Dr. Anna Fox, life revolves around online chat rooms, classic films, and the companionship of her cat. Until she thinks she witnesses a crime at the house across the way.
Shop on Amazon18. “I Am A Cat” Book
Witty and satirical, this Japanese classic is narrated by a very opinionated cat, full of observational barbs about people and society.
Shop on Amazon19. “Cat on the Edge: A Joe Grey Mystery”
This one’s for cat lovers who also enjoy a mystery. Joe Gray is more than just your average cat. In this tale, he wakes up with the ability to talk and understand human language—which comes in handy after he witnesses a brutal murder.
Shop on AmazonJust for Fun
“I Could Pee on This”
Full of comical photos and poems, this collection offers more than a few hearty laughs—and it’s entirely written by cats, of course!
Shop on AmazonCat Books for Kids and Young Adult Readers
1. “Socks”
When a new baby enters the Bricker household, the family tabby cat, Socks, is having none of it and gets up to all kinds of mischief. From beloved children’s author Beverly Cleary, of Ramona Quimby fame.
Shop on Amazon2. “Millions of Cats” Book
This Newbery Honor winner is a memorable one from many people’s childhoods. An old man goes on a search for a cat to bring back to his wife and instead comes home with millions!
Shop on Amazon3. “The Incredible Journey”
Read the book that inspired the popular children’s movie “Homeward Bound.” This story follows a Siamese cat and her two dog siblings as they brave the dangerous Canadian wilderness to find their way home.
Shop on Amazon4. “Coraline”
A chilling fairytale from best-selling fantasy author Neil Gaiman, “Coraline” tells the story of a girl who discovers the entrance to a seemingly identical world with a perfect version of her family—but appearances can be deceiving. Coraline’s cat is an important character, acting as her otherworldly guide and companion.
Shop on Amazon5. “Ketzel, the Cat Who Composed”
In this book based on a sweet true story, composer Moshe Cotel rescues a tiny kitten, Ketzel, and gains a friend and musical muse for life.
Shop on Amazon6. “The Cat in the Hat”
A true classic that changed literature for children. If only our own cats could take us on indoor adventures on dull days and clean up after themselves! This is one kiddos will love to return to and is a joy to revisit for adults.
Shop at Target7. “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats”
From poet T.S. Eliot, this collection of amusing poems inspired the musical “Cats” and is sure to delight cat lovers young and old. This book is also illustrated by famed children’s artist Edward Gorey, known for his dark-humored drawings (and love of cats).
Shop at Target8. “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban”
The third book in the Harry Potter series, “Prisoner of Azkaban” is where Hermione Granger’s cat familiar, Crookshanks, really shines. Crookshanks saves the day on more than one occasion with his intellect and instincts—talk about a clever kitty!
Shop on Amazon9. “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Other Stories”
Few cats are as memorable as the Cheshire Cat, a unique character that Alice encounters on her wild adventures down the rabbit hole in “Alice in Wonderland.” Both philosophical and perplexing, he disappears and reappears at will in this compendium from author Lewis Carroll.
Shop on Amazon10. “Be Hungry 24/7, and Other Secrets to Being a Cat”
Get ready for giggles! These cartoons are oh-so-relatable, with scenes depicting our feline friends laying in suitcases while their families are packing, attacking the printer, and more.
Shop on Amazon11. “Catwings”
From the acclaimed fantasy author Ursula K. Le Guin comes a tale of four kitten siblings born with wings. Follow their thrilling adventures as they navigate their new forest home.
Shop on Amazon12. “Cats Are the Worst”
I mean, cats can be the worst, right? But they’re also the best! Beautifully illustrated in watercolors, this entertaining book points out the things cats do that drive us nuts—plus the things we do that make them a little crazy, too.
Shop on Amazon13. “The Artist Who Loved Cats: The Inspiring tale of Theophile-Alexandre Steinlen”
A great pick for a kiddo who also loves cats, this sweetly told biography of the artist behind the famous “Le Chat Noir” painting is all about inspiring creativity and following your dreams.
Shop on Amazon14. “Amelia Bedelia and the Cat”
Over the decades, Amelia Bedelia has consistently delighted young readers. In this tale, Amelia is won over by a cat named Tiger who creates all sorts of adorable trouble.
Shop at Target15. “Sam the Cat: Detective”
This classic private eye story stars a bookstore cat named Sam who moonlights as a detective. When a beautiful longhair kitty from the penthouse upstairs begs for help, Sam takes the case. Soon he and his alley cat sidekicks are up to their whiskers in intrigue.
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