The most recommended cat books

Who picked these books? Meet our 165 experts.

165 authors created a book list connected to cats, and here are their favorite cat books.
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Book cover of The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents

Jason R. Richter Author Of LIFE in the 23rd Century

From Jason's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Analog Monotone Sarcastic Left handed Troublemaker

Jason's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Jason R. Richter Why did Jason love this book?

When Sir Terry passed away in 2015, I was devastated. I met him once at a book signing in Denver. The only person I’ve ever seen live that got more laughs per minute while on stage was George Carlin. Sir Terry was this beautiful, mischievous presence.

There were a few of his books that I hadn’t read that I held off on reading because I wanted to save them. I’ve read all of the Discworld novels several times, or so I thought. I thought this book was a stand-alone that wasn’t based in the Discworld. When I realized it was a Discworld novel, I couldn’t put it down. I read it all in one sitting. It was like receiving a letter from a beloved, long-past uncle. 

By Terry Pratchett,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 12, 13, 14, and 15.

What is this book about?

IT'S A RAT-EAT-RAT WORLD . . .

Every town on Discworld knows the stories about rats and pipers, and Maurice - a streetwise tomcat - leads a band of educated ratty friends (and a stupid kid) on a nice little earner. Piper plus rats equals lots and lots of money.

Until they run across someone playing a different tune.

Now he and his rats must learn a new concept: evil . . .


Book cover of Bathe the Cat

Lori Degman Author Of Cock-a-Doodle-Oops!

From my list on humorous pictures in rhyme.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve always written funny, rhyming poems so, when I began reading picture books to my kids, I decided to give writing one a try. I now have seven published books (six are in rhyme). I love creating humorous, alliterative stanzas – I think that’s what makes rhyming picture books so much fun to read aloud! Here's an example from my book Cock-a-Doodle Oops: “I know that I’m quiet, but I’d like to try it. Here goes said a shy little sheep. / Her cock-a-doodle baaaa didn’t travel too faaaa. In fact, she made barely a peep.” I hope you enjoy reading the books I’ve listed and other humorous, rhyming picture books!

Lori's book list on humorous pictures in rhyme

Lori Degman Why did Lori love this book?

This charming story follows a family frantically getting ready for Grandma’s visit.

To avoid getting bathed, the cat cleverly rearranges the magnetic, refrigerator letters listing the chores, leading to hysterical mix-ups: “Sarah, feed the floor. I’ll sweep the dishes. / Robbie, rock the rug. Dad will scrub those fishes.” The Rhymes are so fun, and the stylish illustrations add to the humor!

By Alice B. McGinty, David Roberts (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Bathe the Cat as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 3, 4, and 5.

What is this book about?

Bathe the floor? Sweep the dishes? This riotous romp of a picture book follows a frantic family as they try to get some chores done-with no help from the family cat, who keeps scrambling the list of chores with hilarious effects. Get ready for a rollicking read-aloud with a truly purrfect ending.

It's cleaning day, but the family cat will do anything to avoid getting a bath. So instead of mopping the floor or feeding the fish, the family is soon busy rocking the rug, vacuuming the lawn, and sweeping the dishes. Bouncy rhyme carries the story headlong into the…


Book cover of What's My Cat Thinking? Understand Your Cat to Give Them a Happy Life

Celia Haddon Author Of Being Your Cat: What's really going on in your feline's mind

From my list on cat lovers and cat rescuers.

Why am I passionate about this?

I adore cats and am anxious to improve their welfare. Late in life, I took a second degree and a masters in animal behaviour to learn more about feline welfare. People are now researching cats’ needs and discovering more about their welfare. I passionately want to get the message out there to ordinary cat lovers. Purrlease, the more you learn about cats, the more your cats will benefit. 

Celia's book list on cat lovers and cat rescuers

Celia Haddon Why did Celia love this book?

This is a really good book for someone who wants to be able to pick up a book and read a little bit at a time.

It’s got information about everything you need to know about keeping a cat, from cat problems to why cats do the odd things they do. Jo Lewis is a vet and obviously loves cats.

By Jo Lewis,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked What's My Cat Thinking? Understand Your Cat to Give Them a Happy Life as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Have you ever wondered why your cats behave the way they do? This authoritative guide has all the answers! 

Cats are weird, and sometimes their behavior can leave you scratching your head. Discover what’s really behind those things cats do – whether they’re amusing, irritating or just downright bizarre.

What’s My Cat Thinking will help cat lovers unlock the secret code of cats for a deeper connection with the feline in your life. Inside, you’ll find:

   • Accurate descriptions of behavior will help you understand your cat’s body language nuances and act accordingly.
   • Covers a range of breeds. 
   •…


Book cover of Lending a Paw: A Bookmobile Cat Mystery

Catherine Dilts Author Of The Body in the Cattails

From my list on women sleuths and cats solving mysteries.

Why am I passionate about this?

I love escaping into a story I know will have a dependably happy ending. I’m an avid reader of cozy mysteries because life is hard. I don’t need my fiction to be a mirror image of the horrors of the daily news. I like puzzling through the clues, trying to solve the mysteries before the characters reach the solution. Series are fun because you really get to know the protagonist and the people in his or her world. They become old friends. The best cozy mystery authors rise above the formula and create unique characters, plots, and settings. 

Catherine's book list on women sleuths and cats solving mysteries

Catherine Dilts Why did Catherine love this book?

I love my local library and its bookmobile. This cozy mystery series has both. Even better, it has a clever cat. I enjoy getting a behind-the-scenes look at library operations.

Eddie, the cat, begins as a stowaway on the Michigan bookmobile and quickly becomes a huge attraction for library patrons. Minnie Hamilton and Eddie are in a unique position to discover bodies on their rural bookmobile route. There is a long romance arc in the series that slowly builds to a sweet conclusion. In a unique living situation, Minnie lives on a houseboat during the summer and in her aunt’s B&B during the winter.

I like how Eddie is involved with uncovering the mysteries in a perfectly logical way, considering he is a cat.

By Laurie Cass,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Lending a Paw as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.


Book cover of A Street Cat Named Bob

Dion Leonard Author Of Finding Gobi: A Little Dog with a Very Big Heart

From my list on animal and human connections.

Why am I passionate about this?

Dion Leonard is an Australian/British ultra runner who competes around the globe in endurance ultra running events ranging from 100 miles to over 240 miles in some of the most extreme conditions known to man. He has numerous top 10 finishes in some of the toughest races on the planet. An international bestselling author with 5 books in over 21 languages; Dion’s story has been featured on CNN, NBC Today Show, Good Morning Britain, CBS, CNBC, ABC America, Associated Press, ESPN, Pickler and Ben, CCTV, BBC, and many others. Dion is an inspirational speaker, animal welfare advocate and raises money and awareness for animals in need.

Dion's book list on animal and human connections

Dion Leonard Why did Dion love this book?

A fascinating story about two unlikely comrades, who, in their own way, save each other. James Bowen, the Author, is a London street performer (a busker), who earns a living playing his guitar. He's a recovering drug addict, who struggles to stay focused and clean. Bob is a homeless Ginger Cat who James finds injured in his apartment building and takes to the vet. James spends most of cash-on-hand to get antibiotics to treat Bob's wounds, and this act of kindness and sacrifice is the beginning of a beautiful friendship. You'll come to care about them both very quickly and you'll really hope that everything turns out well for both of them. James tells his story in very blunt terms, about dealing with addiction and trying to turn his life around.

By James Bowen,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked A Street Cat Named Bob as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

From the author of A Christmas Gift from Bob, the original bestseller and heartwarming story of the life-saving friendship between a man and his streetwise cat

'[Bob] has entranced London like no feline since the days of Dick Whittington.' (Evening Standard)

'A heartwarming tale with a message of hope' (Daily Mail)

'Reminded me how amazing having a cat can be' (Glamour)

* * * * * * * *

The uplifting true story of an unlikely friendship between a man on the streets of Covent Garden and the ginger cat who adopts him and helps him heal his life. Now…


Book cover of The Nerd Herd

Cristy Burne Author Of Ultra Violet: Down to Business

From my list on funny graphic novels for kids when you need a mood boost.

Why am I passionate about this?

I love inventing inventions and experimenting with experiments–all in aid of blending science and story to inspire innovation and positive change. My career covers six countries, 15+ novels for primary-aged children, and jobs that include science journalism at CERN (home of the Large Hadron Collider), exploding things at Questacon (as part of a science circus), and collecting bins in the back of a ute (as a garbage analyst). I write for children because I believe (and it’s scientifically proven) that our children are the future. 

Cristy's book list on funny graphic novels for kids when you need a mood boost

Cristy Burne Why did Cristy love this book?

I read this book anytime I’m feeling down and want an upbeat reminder that there are good things everywhere–you just need to find your tribe.

As a nerd myself, I love that Barny the Lamb, Shaama Llama Ding Dong the…llama, and Billy the Kid have all fallen into an odd but relatively successful friend group. But life as a nerd can be tricky, especially on a farm with ferocious bulls and mean cats.

I love the whole series!

By Nathan Luff, Chris Kennett (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Nerd Herd as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Barny the Lamb and his friends are sick of being picked on. So they decide to form a gang to show everyone that they are not as soft as they look. But how do three fluffy friends stand up to a cunning fox, a gigantic cat, and a bull with behavioural issues?


Book cover of Small in the City

Barbara Lehman Author Of Red Again

From my list on celebrating city life.

Why am I passionate about this?

I especially love books for children that capture city life in a way that feels both unique and child scaled. I have set most of my books in cities because I love the story possibilities that exist in what are almost entirely human-made environments. Paradoxically, city settings make any kind of connection to the natural world or animals even more important. On this list are all books I feel show a particularly special aspect of city life for children.

Barbara's book list on celebrating city life

Barbara Lehman Why did Barbara love this book?

I love how this book captures a child’s perspective of city life and landscape, by using the child’s view of what they imagine would be the experience of a lost cat. The illustrations here are nothing short of beautiful, using a loose appearing style that captures an evocatively accurate impression of the colors and atmosphere of city life on a snowy winter day. The child narrator is captivating and the story is quietly poignant.

By Sydney Smith,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Small in the City as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

I know what it's like to be small in the city...
Being small can be overwhelming in a city. People don't see you. The loud sounds of the sirens and cyclists can be scary. And the streets are so busy it can make your brain feel like there's too much stuff in it. But if you know where to find good hiding places, warm dryer vents that blow out hot steam that smells like summer, music to listen to or friends to say hi to, there can be comfort in the city, too.
We follow our little protagonist, who knows…


Book cover of Littered with Trouble

Jacqueline Diamond Author Of The Secrets She Learns

From Jacqueline's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Curious Empathetic Wordsmith Original Unexpected

Jacqueline's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Jacqueline Diamond Why did Jacqueline love this book?

Like most writers and readers, I love bookstores. And my heart goes out to cats in need of rescuing.

Littered With Trouble combines them with a well-constructed mystery and an engaging amateur sleuth. As a mystery author myself, I understand how tricky it is to create a believable story in which a nonprofessional—in this case, a new widow who opens a bookstore featuring cats available for adoption—encounters a death and confronts clues to help solve the case, while maintaining credibility (such as respecting the work of police detectives).

The author pulled me out of my ever-analyzing brain and swept me along in the story.

Book cover of Cat Dog Dog: The Story of a Blended Family

Elizabeth Suneby Author Of No Room for a Pup!

From my list on for dog lovers.

Why am I passionate about this?

Growing up, my brothers and I begged for a dog, but our parents never gave in. Fortunately, when my kids begged for a pup, my husband and I gave in. So, as a children’s book writer, I wanted to give kids a book to help them convince their parents that there’s always room for a pup in the family, and at the same time, subtly emphasize the importance of gratitude and inclusion.  

Elizabeth's book list on for dog lovers

Elizabeth Suneby Why did Elizabeth love this book?

With two simple words--“dog” and “cat”-- in several configurations, Cat Dog Dog explores the stress of settling into a blended family as well as the power of pets to bring people together. If a child can recognize these two three-letter words, they can read this book independently. The illustrations are worth a thousand words.

By Nelly Buchet, Andrea Zuill (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Cat Dog Dog as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Here is the oh-so-hilarious and adorable story of a blended family-- using just a few words in various configurations-- from the pets' point-of-view!

Cat and Dog live with their human in a suburban house with a big backyard. Sure, they fight like.... well, cats and dogs, but they're used to one another. Dog-- a different dog-- lives a happy only child life in the city with his dad. He has the bed to himself, he never has to share his toys, and that's the way he likes it. So what happens when the Dog's dad and Cat and Dog's mom…


Book cover of Lost Cat: A True Story of Love, Desperation, and GPS Technology

Britt Collins Author Of Strays: The True Story of a Lost Cat, a Homeless Man, and Their Journey Across America

From my list on non-fiction for cat lovers.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am an international bestselling author of Strays and a London-based journalist for The Guardian, The Observer, The Sunday Times, and other publications. I've written about animals, conservation, and volunteered at sanctuaries around the world, from tending big cats and baboons in Namibia to wild mustangs in Nevada—a labour of love that has inspired features for The Guardian, The Independent, and Condé Nast Traveller. I've raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for many charities through my investigative animal-cruelty stories; as an activist, I helped shut down controversial breeders of laboratory animals in the UK. I also created Catfestlondon, a sell-out boutique festival that rescues and rehomes Moroccan street kittens in the UK.

Britt's book list on non-fiction for cat lovers

Britt Collins Why did Britt love this book?

Lost Cat centres around the author’s two 13-year-old tabbies, Tibia and Fibula, named after the bones and nicknamed Tibby and Fibby. Caroline was recovering from a plane crash, healing broken bones, and sinking into depression when Tibby disappears. Hobbling on crutches and painkillers, she and her partner Wendy, the illustrator of the book, begin their frantic search flyposting their San Francisco neighbourhood, touring animal shelters and feral-cat colonies before moving on to GPS tracking and animal psychics and pet detectives. Weeks later, Tibby saunters back home with the smug confidence of Jacques Costeau after a wild adventure to parts unknown. Caroline, also an animal-rights activist, poignantly captures the deep, elusive kinship between us and our animals. Cat people will understand this obsessive behaviour in this warm, funny memoir that, along with the gorgeous full-colour pen-and-watercolour drawings, is a fantastic feel-good read.

By Caroline Paul, Wendy Macnaughton (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Lost Cat as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Caroline Paul was recovering from a bad accident (she had been flying a plane when it happened) and thought things couldn't get worse. But then her beloved cat Tibia disappeared. She and her partner, illustrator Wendy MacNaughton, anxiously waited for his return, before resigning themselves to their loss. But weeks later, Tibia waltzed back into their lives. His owners were overjoyed. They might also have been a bit jealous. All right, they were very jealous! Where had their sweet anxious cat disappeared to? Had he become a swashbuckling cat adventurer? Did he love someone else more? His owners were determined…


Book cover of The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents
Book cover of Bathe the Cat
Book cover of What's My Cat Thinking? Understand Your Cat to Give Them a Happy Life

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