13 Purrfect Books Every Cat Lover Needs to Read

Books for cat lovers to read

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Last year, I got a cat, and I was so excited. 

But, as much as I love furry friends, my allergies made it tough to be the best cat parent I wanted to be. 

Even though I couldn’t give my cat the ideal environment, it made me appreciate the special bond we have with our feline friends even more. 

And if you’re a fellow cat lover, you know that love is a unique kind of magic. 

That’s why I’ve rounded up 13 wonderful cat books, each with its own special charm, to celebrate everything we adore about cats.

1. The Cat Who Couldn’t Be Bothered by Jack Kurland

The Cat Who Couldnt Be Bothered

This adorable picture book is about a cat who just can’t get himself to do anything – no playing, no adventures, nothing. 

His friends get curious, and soon, they discover he’s feeling down. 

It’s a sweet and simple story about how important it is to talk about our feelings and care for our friends when they’re struggling. 

It’s perfect for starting conversations about mental health, which is so important!

2. A Tiger for Malgudi by R.K. Narayan

A Tiger for Malgudi

Here, we follow Raja the tiger, who starts off wild, then ends up in a circus, then movies, before finally finding a more peaceful life. 

It’s a funny yet deep tale where we get to see the world through a tiger’s eyes, which definitely makes you think about the absurdities of life and human behavior. 

I love how it mixes mysticism with humor – it really makes you reflect.

3. Cats Rule the Earth Tarot: 78-Card Deck and Guidebook for the Feline-Obsessed by Catherine Davidson

Cats Rule the Earth Tarot

If you love cats and tarot, this is your dream combo.

This quirky deck has cute cat illustrations for each card, making it a fun way to learn about tarot. 

The guidebook helps you understand the cards, their meanings, and how to use them in your life. 

4. Seven Lives and One Great Love: Memoirs of a Cat by Lena Divani

Seven Lives and One Great Love

Sugar the cat is witty, reflective, and so full of life in this charming story. 

His adventures with his human, Madamigella, are full of love, humor, and some sharp observations. 

I love how Sugar basically domesticates his humans!

5. All My Cats by Bohumil Hrabal

All My Cats

Hrabal’s All My Cats is a heartfelt memoir about his deep bond with the feral cats he cared for. 

It’s a beautiful, raw reflection on love, madness, and nature. 

The way he describes his relationship with his cats shows how they helped him cope with his writer’s life and its challenges. 

It’s a bit intense but so real and moving, especially for cat lovers.

6. Where They Purr: Inspirational Interiors and the Cats Who Call Them Home by Paul Barbera

Where They Purr

This book combines two things I adore: stylish interiors and cats.

Where They Purr showcases homes that are full of personality, with each cat adding its own touch. 

It’s about design and the way cats interact with their spaces. 

Plus, the photography is just beautiful! Definitely a must-see for anyone who loves cats and design.

7. The Hidden Language of Cats by Dr. Sarah Brown

The Hidden Language of Cats

Ever wonder what your cat’s tail flicks or meows mean? 

Dr. Brown dives deep into cat communication and breaks down how cats talk to each other and us. 

I think it’s super fascinating how cats use specific signals like their meow, which is basically a human invention just for us.

If you’re a cat lover and want to understand your furry friend better, this book is a treasure trove of insights.

8. If Cats Disappeared From the World by Genki Kawamura

If Cats Disappeared From the World

This emotional story follows a man with a terminal diagnosis who gets a chance to gain an extra day of life by making something disappear. 

He’s forced to reflect on what really matters in life, especially his relationship with his cat. 

It’s a touching tale about loss, love, and the things we take for granted. 

I think it really makes you pause and think about the small, precious moments in life.

9. The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov

The Master and Margarita by

The Master and Margarita is one of those books that pulls you into a surreal, chaotic world full of mystery, humor, and deep philosophical questions. 

The devil’s visit to Moscow, with his strange companions (including a talking cat!), creates a wild ride of twists and turns. 

It’s a mix of fantasy, satire, and romance that gets you thinking about life, love, and the supernatural.

10. On Animals by Susan Orlean

On Animals

Susan Orlean brings together her reflections on animals in this beautifully written collection of stories. 

From backyard chickens to a tiger sanctuary, she captures the many ways animals impact our lives. 

Each story is a mix of delightful anecdotes and deeper insights into how animals shape our world. 

I think it’s a great reminder of the meaningful, sometimes surprising connections we have with animals.

11. The Goodbye Cat by Hiro Arikawa, Philip Gabriel (trans.)

The Goodbye Cat

In this collection, we get seven beautiful stories about cats and the people they help. 

From a kitten teaching a new dad how to care for his baby to a cat making sure their human stays strong after a loss, these stories are all about love and how cats are there for us, no matter what. 

It’s sweet, warm, and perfect if you need a little emotional pick-me-up.

12. We’ll Prescribe You a Cat by Syou Ishida, E. Madison Shimoda (trans.)

Well Prescribe You a Cat

This heartwarming tale is set in a unique clinic where people are prescribed cats to help them with their personal struggles. 

Each story shows how these cats guide their owners toward healing and self-discovery. 

I think it’s such a beautiful exploration of the power of animals to comfort us. 

If you’re a cat lover, this one will definitely warm your heart.

13. The Cat Who Could Read Backwards by Lilian Jackson Braun

The Cat Who Could Read Backwards

The Cat Who Could Read Backwards is a fun mystery featuring Jim Qwilleran, a reporter, and his cat, Koko, who seems to have a knack for solving crimes. 

The quirky art world setting adds a unique twist to the classic detective story. 

If you love mysteries and cats (and who doesn’t?), you’ll enjoy this clever, cozy read.


I hope you found a few new favorites to add to your reading list. 

Don’t forget to check out our related posts for more cat-filled inspiration.

And drop a comment below to share which book you’re excited to read!

Preye

Hi! I'm Preye ("pre" as in "prepare" and "ye" as in "Kanye"), and I am a lifelong book lover who enjoys talking about books and sharing bits and pieces of all the fascinating things I come across. I love books so much that I decided to become a developmental editor, and right now, I work with authors to help them tell their stories better. On this blog, I share everything from book recommendations to book reviews and writing tips, so feel free to stop by anytime you like!

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