The Zen of Cat: An A–Z of Japanese feline philosophy

by Carla Francis

There's no doubt cats are a meaningful feature of Japanese from folklore to fashion, they've left a giant paw print on the culture. It's believed that felines first appeared in Japan with the arrival of Buddhism via China in around 552, when their main role was to stop vermin from damaging scriptures.

But what can we learn from these philosophical felines? Surely they can teach us a thing or two, through the wisdom gleaned over the centuries residing in ancient temples and co-existing with artists, courtesans, monks and writers.

The Zen of Cat is interwoven with stories and facts about cats, Japan and Zen philosophy. Carla Francis includes discussions with Japanese cat lovers, and invites reflection and 'mindful mewsings' on life through an A-Z of Japanese words to inspire.

Cats are unburdened by worry. They maintain an enviable equilibrium. Maybe we can too?

Genres: Nonfiction, Cats, Philosophy

227 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2023

Reviews

[Dillan Bruen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the insightful observations and practical exercises, the book demonstrates how our feline friends can guide us towards a more mindful and serene existence.

[Eilidh · Rating 2 out of 5]

I bought this because I like cats and I'm interested in zen teachings, so when I spotted it on the shelf in the bookshop it seemed like a good find. It's a gentle book and it is clear that writing it was a meaningful personal project for the author. I think it would have made for decent content on an informal blog. However, overall I wouldn't really recommend it.

Things are a bit disjointed throughout the book. The A to Z structure doesn't work particularly well, as ideas that are conceptually adjacent end up being chapters apart, and so the book keeps repeating different iterations of the same vague conclusion and circling back to old topics. With regard to individual ideas, it is not always clear how conclusions relate to the content of sentences that preceded them.

Most of the allusions to cats are contrived and often irrelevant - there were some interesting pieces of cat-related information, but once the observation has been established that cats live in the moment more than humans do, there's really not much else to say on cats.

There is not much authority in the author's voice. Several times, something that seems interesting and relevant is mentioned but then swiftly dropped without any further details. I think the author lacks confidence in her ability to do justice to other people's ideas or to explain scientific findings, and so she uses the book to signpost these things to the reader instead of actually explaining them. The book therefore doesn't really fulfil its purpose. Most ideas the author offers are things that any reader interested in zen will already have considered. Together, these things meant it didn't really feel like I was learning anything as I read.

Sources are not particularly reliable. Sometimes a scientific study is mentioned in the text but the listed source is a third-party article about the study instead of the study itself. Wikipedia is referenced multiple times (in secondary school and university this is a big no-no). Sources largely consist of webpages the author has presumably found on Google and friends she has chatted to. I think that a dedicated, structured research process might have had the potential to lead to some good analysis and original insights on the part of the author, but instead, any references to sources seem like attempts to bulk up the book around the author's existing ideas, which are not particularly original.

The above points aren't dealbreakers, but the reason I felt compelled to write a review is that to be honest, I really, really struggled to get through the book, and this is because I was distracted by how poorly written it is. I'm astonished that it made its way past a professional editor. The pages are rife with bad grammar, awkward sentence structure, and misuse of words. There is also a lot of repetition of buzzwords ("transformative" "powerful" "deeply" etc). In some places, there are blatant direct copy-pastes from the introductory sentence of a Wikipedia article. The author has made sure each sentence is as long as it can possibly be, usually by making tautologies. Presumably this is for fear of sounding blunt, but it makes for quite a chaotic read and I think the book would be about two thirds of its length or less if it was written more concisely. The book could have been an easy, gentle read, but instead I found myself constantly pausing to figure out what the last clause I'd read was actually adding to the text, and finding more often than not that the words were just acting as padding or rephrasing something that had already been said.

[Emma B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Calming ideas, Japan and Cats

This is an interesting, easy to read book about how to achieve a more balanced and calm life. As well as many useful ideas on restoring calm into our often (always) hectic lives, there is plenty of wonderful information about Japanese culture, and of course cat comparisons and stories are interwoven into the narrative.

Straight away I must admit that I don’t know anything about Zen, apart from what was within these pages, however I loved the various ideas around habits, lifestyle and intuition which all make sense and are easy to incorporate into everyday life and thinking patterns. The chapters, which are labelled as letters of the alphabet (minus the 4 letters that don’t exist in Japanese) are further broken down into small sections, so this is a perfect book to read in small chunks – if you can put it down.

Carla Francis refers to the many people she has spoken to about beliefs and customs in Japan, plus books she has read – these are referenced at the end. The writing style is light and enjoyable to read, with great cat anecdotes, and ideas on how humans might learn from cats. I must admit that there were moments when I thought “but my cat doesn’t have to pay the bills”, but I quickly put aside these frivolous thoughts and got back to enjoying this book and its message.

5*s for this beautiful and enjoyable book which I read because I loved The Cat With Three Passports by CJ Fentiman (same author, different name), not because I felt any great need to be calmer. I loved so much about this book including learning about many aspects of Japan’s culture and lifestyles, and enjoyed the ideas to bring more calmness to my inner world – I’m already incorporating many of these into my days.

Afternote: I am now going to lend this book to my young Ragdoll cat, in the hope that he can be a little more Zen-like, and a little less manic, though he is always “in the moment”! (for the picture that goes will this comment, you will need to visit EmmabBooks.com)

[Roy Guzman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the writing style - which is poetic and accessible. It captures the essence of felines and their quiet wisdom. The author’s deep appreciation for cats is evident in every page, and the ability to draw parallels between a cat's behavior and Zen principles is both refreshing and enlightening.

[May Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw this book at the bookshop and it was the last copy left. As an admirer of cats and Japanese culture I felt I had to get it. I'm glad I did because after a rough few months, it gave some much needed reflections and insights. I liked the fact I could pick it up and find inspirations in the writing and reflect on the content I read through the rest of the day.

[SS · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mostly Zen Buddhism philosophy, some Shintoism, mixed in with some cat and Japanese culture. An easy read. Perhaps not what I was expecting (actually thought it was going to be focused on cats).

Best wishes to Carla

[Jemi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cat with Three Passports is a heartwarming read that will captivate animal lovers and adventurers alike. This book offers an insightful blend of travelogue and memoir, centered around an extraordinary feline who holds not one, but three passports.

[Skye Schmeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a gem for those interested in mindfulness and meditation, especially if you’re a cat lover. The Zen of Cat integrates the calm and poise of cats with Zen principles, providing practical exercises that can be easily incorporated into daily life.

[Geo Bashirian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked how each chapter offers a blend of philosophical insights and practical advice, enriched by delightful cat anecdotes. This book is a meditative journey that will appeal to both cat enthusiasts and those seeking greater peace and presence in their lives.

[Captain Absurd · Rating 4 out of 5]

At times this cat zen is very far-fetched, but the book gives a necessary overview of Japanese philosophy and culture. I usually don't read this kind of literature, I decided to because of the small volume. I don't regret it and I still dream of adopting a feline.

[Olivia Livingstone · Rating 4 out of 5]

a very peaceful book ! made me want to go visit japan

[Tita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vejam a minha opinião em vídeo, AQUI

[Cortez Hammes · Rating 5 out of 5]

The format is easy to read and offers daily insights that you can pick up when you need it most.

[Michale Goldner · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a great read for anyone looking to enhance their mindfulness practice with a touch of feline grace.

[Esther Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each chapter is sprinkled with charming cat anecdotes that beautifully illustrate the principles of Zen.

[Juana Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book comes with great life teachings. Highly recommended.

[Edwardo Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a beautiful book to read – simple and short with cute cats as guides.

[Bryce Holder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m halfway through this book and really enjoying it. I love the feline philosophy concepts.

[Jasper Lin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book blends cats, Zen, and self-help. Some of the takeaways for me were learning about mottainai and wabi sabi.

[Eric Rios · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s an easy and pleasant to read book with some useful insights on Japanese culture and cats.

[Frederick Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book explains various Japanese concepts and is filled with anecdotes and engaging insights.

[Russel Zuniga · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has done a great job, explaining the concepts in a clear and easy to understand way.

[Dorthy Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book that my sister has given me that I really enjoyed!

[Sal Sparks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. I’d recommend for anyone looking to remain present, be mindful and loves cats!

[Mafalda Monteiro · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 ⭐️

[Ana Sofia Carvalho · Rating 4 out of 5]

Livro para ir lendo com calma, não para “devorar”. A autora conseguiu expor os pensamentos e costumes da cultura nipónica muito bem, e foi ao mesmo tempo criando alguma interligação com os nossos amigos felinos.