For many avid readers, the idea of being snuggled up with a furry friend and a great book is the ultimate dream come true. These literary recommendations feature some of our most beloved (and iconic!) feline friends so that you can experience the best of both worlds. From peculiar Cheshire cats, cuddly adventure companions, and daringly devilish feline fiends, this article has got you covered with an unreal selection of books that can be enjoyed by crazy-cat-lovers, young and old.
The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss
The Cat in the Hat by children’s writer and poet Dr. Seuss tells the charming tale of a little girl named Sally and her unnamed, narrating brother, both of whom are stuck inside on a rainy day with little to do besides daydream listlessly out the window. When the children are disturbed by a loud bump, they soon meet an audacious, anthropomorphic cat in a red and white-striped top hat and bow tie who teasingly proposes to entertain them with some fun games and tricks he knows.
Filled with delight and chaos in equal measure, this famous story of childish mayhem is an engaging and playful read that is perfect for little feline fans. Renowned for its cast of its loveable, albeit disorderly, characters — including a grumpy goldfish and a pair of unusual twin creatures aptly named Thing 1 and Thing 2 — this remains a nostalgic childhood classic that will have you falling in love with cats and their mischievous natures for the first time, all over again.
“‘I know some good games we could play,’ said the cat. ‘I know some good tricks,’ said the Cat in the Hat.”
Dr Seuss, The Cat in the Hat
Kiki’s Delivery Service by Eiko Kadono
Famously adapted into an anime movie by Studio Ghibli (1991), Eiko Kadono’s Kiki’s Delivery Service centres a courageous thirteen-year-old witch named Kiki who must spend a year living on her own away from other witches, and there prove that she is able to make her own way in the world and be truly independent. Accompanied by her adorable, talking black cat named Jiji, Kiki sets out to establish a special delivery service in a new town by flying on her broom.
This is a heart-warming story about girlhood and self-discovery, which also offers an exploration into the themes of friendship, family, and the magic to be found in overcoming personal challenges. Written alongside brilliant illustrations, this coming-of-age story wonderfully embodies the connection of cats with the occult, and will have readers of all backgrounds yearning for a cosy, witchy, cat-centred delivery service of their own.
“I’ve come to believe that everyone has some type of magic inside them. If a person can find their magic and lovingly cultivate it, they’ll truly feel alive every day.”
Eiko Kadono, Kiki’s Delivery Service
Varjak Paw by S.F. Said
Varjak Paw, the central character from which S.F. Said has named his book, is a Mesopotamian Blue kitten. He lives high up in an old house on a hill, never leaving home. That is, until his grandfather tells him about the Way — a secret martial art for cats. With the wisdom and guidance of his Elder-Paw, Varjak is forced to contend with and survive a city filled with danger, dogs, rival cat gangs, and, most frightening of all, the mysterious Vanishings.
Accompanied by stunning illustrations, this is a beloved story that has risen to the status of a modern children’s classic. Varjak Paw explores the theme of identity in a poignant and accessible way for young readers, whilst also considering what it means to be persecuted for coming from a different culture to others, yet continuing to find strength and pride in the legacy of your ancestors.
“‘Hold on to your dreams,’ said the tyger. ‘They will help you change the world, or create new worlds, for every time you make a choice, that is what you do.'”
S.F. Said, Varjak Paw
Coraline by Neil Gaiman
Neil Gaiman’s quintessential gothic classic, Coraline, follows a young girl named Coraline Jones who moves into a new house with her aloof, workaholic parents, where she discovers a mysterious door leading to a parallel world. This other world, eerily similar to her own, is inhabited by an ‘Other Mother’ who offers Coraline everything she could possibly desire. But the spoils and riches Coraline is tempted by come with a sinister price — her own eyes being taken out and replaced with buttons.
As Coraline explores this alternate reality, with the help of a knowledgeable cat who is as old as the parallel world itself, she realizes that the ‘Other Mother’ has trapped her real parents, leading her on a journey of rescue and escape. This beloved book was adapted into an award-winning stop-animation movie by Laika (2009), which besides being visually brilliant, loyally captures the suspense and thrills of Gaiman’s original story.
“Cats don’t have names. That’s because you don’t know who you are. We know who we are, so we don’t need names.”
Neil Gaiman, Coraline
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is an incredibly well-known children’s classic by Lewis Carroll about a young girl named Alice who unwittingly follows a White Rabbit down a rabbit hole and into a strange, topsy-turvy, dreamlike world called Wonderland. There, Alice encounters a host of bizarre and memorable characters, including a Mad Hatter, a bloodthirsty Queen of Hearts, twin Dummies, and a riddle-talking Cheshire Cat.
This story offers a whimsical escape for readers of all ages, focusing on themes of curiosity, imagination, and childhood in a way that is mutually entertaining and thought-provoking. Lewis Carroll’s book has been the subject of countless movie adaptations, most notably being Walt Disney’s live-action remake (2010), directed by Tim Burton and starring the likes of Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, and Mia Wasikowksa.
“‘Oh, you can’t help that,’ said the cat. ‘We’re all mad here.'”
Lewis Carroll, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats by T.S. Eliot
Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats by T.S. Eliot is a whimsical collection of light, airy poems all about feline psychology and sociology. Focusing on themes of identity, self-interest, and morality, the poems are highly reminiscent of playful nursery rhymes. Each poem introduces a distinct cat personality, with satirical names and traits that capture their individuality.
This renowned collection served as the inspiration for Andrew Llyoyd Webber’s 1981 musical Cats. This award-winning Broadway show was adapted for the cinema by Universal Pictures (2019), directed by Tom Hooper, and filled with a star-studded cast from the likes of Taylor Swift (an iconic cat-lover in her own right), Idris Elba, and Jennifer Hudson.
“She is deeply concerned with the ways of the mice-
Their behavior’s not good and their manners not nice;
So when she has got them lined up on the matting,
She teaches them music, crocheting and tatting.”
T.S. Eliot, Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats
The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents by Terry Pratchett
Terry Pratchett’s The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents follows a con-artist tomcat named Maurice and his group of literate, talking rat minions. Maurice is a fiendish, streetwise cat who, upon befriending a flute-playing human boy named Keith, partners-up and sets out on a scheme where they trick towns into paying them to get rid of their rat infestations.
Their plan goes somewhat awry, however, when they arrive in the town of Bad Blintz, where they uncover a sinister plot involving the local rat catchers and the rat king. The book was adapted into a family comedy CGI movie called The Amazing Maurice by Narrativia (2023), staying true to the original story’s exploration into themes of leadership, friendship, and the importance of being true to yourself.
“But there was more to it than that. As the Amazing Maurice said, it was just a story about people and rats. And the difficult part of it was deciding who the people were, and who were the rats.”
Terry Pratchett, The Amazing Maurice and his Educated Rodents
The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov
The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov is a novel that blends fantasy, satire, and philosophical exploration. The book intertwines three narratives: the Devil’s visit to Moscow in the 1930s, the illicit love affair between the Master and Margarita, and the Master’s novel about Pontius Pilate. The novel satirizes Soviet society, investigating themes of good versus evil, as well as the power of love and art.
The novel additionally focuses on an intelligent, talking cat named Behemoth who is able to transform into a human for short periods of time. He is a member of the Devil’s entourage and is renowned for his enjoyment of chaos and his sarcastic, mischievous sense of humour. The big, black cat is not merely a character here, but also a symbol of the novel’s supernatural, occult elements. The book was most recently adapted into a Russian Drama film by Mars Media Entertainment (2024), with its true-to-original discourse surrounding Soviet censorship and propaganda lending to its ongoing resonance and success.
“Follow me, reader! Who told you that there is no true, faithful, eternal love in this world! May the liar’s vile tongue be cut out! Follow me, my reader, and me alone, and I will show you such a love!”
Mikhail Bulgakov, The Master and Margarita
The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa
The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa follows Nana — an adventurous kitty with an indomitable spirit and a crooked tail (a sign of good fortune), and his owner, who rescued him as a stray. Together they travel in a silver van across Japan, filled with its ever-changing scenery and vibrant seasons, where they learn about the true meaning of gratitude, loyalty, courage, and love.
This is a poignant and wholesome recommendation that explores the profound bond between humans and their pets in a way that is deeply moving, unique, and relatable. The exploration into themes and family, grief, friendship, and loss also makes this a book that offers a wholly original perspective on life, death, and the enduring power of connection with others (both human and non).
““My story will be over soon. But it’s not something to be sad about. Remembering those who went ahead. Remembering those who will follow after. And someday, we will meet all those people again, out beyond the horizon.”
Hiro Arikawa, The Travelling Cat Chronicles
Cats in books and literature, just as in real life, offer more to us than simply a cute, furry face to brighten our day. They also bring complexity, depth, symbolism, and a unique perspective onto the world that only a feline can offer. From literary classics, childhood nostalgia reads, to books on political commentary that still resonate today, these bookish cats continue to challenge, charm, and captivate us — serving as a constant reminder of the enduring bond between humans and our mysterious, four-legged friends.
Want more bookish cat content? Read our article Paws on Pages: The Truth About Library Cats.
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