Cat Caught My Heart: Purrfect Tales of Wisdom, Hope, and Love

by Michael Capuzzo

In this captivating and heartwarming book, America's premier pet columnist, Michael Capuzzo, shares astonishing true tales celebrating the unique and unbreakable relationship between people and their cats.  Drawn from history and literature as well as from cat lovers--both famous and not so famous-- from all walks of life all over the world, here are unforgettable tales that take us behind the cool, independent facade of the cat to reveal the sweet, sensitive, devoted creature within.  Here are just a few of the cats guaranteed to catch your

Priscilla, who meowed at her apartment door for two days.  Finally her owners thought to check on their elderly neighbor and discovered that she had broken her hip and was unable to move.

Pearl and Skittles, the Keystone Cats, who watched over their household with total vigilance.  Any problem--a clogged drain in the kitchen, a stereo left on at night--and they sounded the alarm, waking everyone in the house.

Murry, the cat who became the constant companion and protector of a young boy suffering from cystic fibrosis.  His devotion was so great that when the boy's health began to fail, Murry seemed to lose his own will to live.

Nicholas, who every day fed the family pit bull; he jumped up on the kitchen table, grabbed a dog bone, and dropped it down to his pal.  Later each day, as if to repay Nicholas, the pit bull happily licked the cat's head for ten minutes.  

Subway, the beautiful orange tabby who not only survived being shot with a shotgun, but later, apparently killed in an accident, jumped out of the box he was to be buried in and frolicked among the guests at his own funeral.

In Cat Caught My Heart you will see cats in all their glory--their unique personalities, their irrepressible spirits, their gentle souls.  You'll laugh at their antics, weep at their passing, and thank the heavens that these remarkable creatures are part of our lives.

Genres: Animals, Nonfiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

Michael Capuzzo is a syndicated animal columnist and author of "Wild Things". Formerly a feature writer for the Philadelphia Inquirer and Miami Herald, Capuzzo has written for Esquire, Life, and Sports Illustrated. His numerous awards include the National Headliner Award and his animal stories have been honored by the ASPCA and American Humane Association. He lives in Wenonah, New Jersey.

A four-time Pulitzer Prize nominee, his recent bestseller, "Close to Shore: A True Story of Terror in an Age of Innocence", tells the blood-curdling truth about the deranged great white shark that became the prototype for the villian of Peter Benchley's "Jaws".

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have had this book for many years and it remains one of my favorites. It is uplifting and so heartwarming! Definitely a feel-good collection of stories that every cat-lover should read and own.

[Lori Schiele · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read for cat lovers. Along the lines of the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" books, this contains short stories about heroic, intelligenct, uncanny, heartwarming cats both famous and not so famous.

[Megan Kinderman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book. Cats are so smart, and I tend to forget that, but they are. Some people may think they're little demons..but there is nothing evil about a cat. They just need caring and love. And I am happy that God has created them..and for very good reason.

[E.]

I think I'll get this for my mom.

[SouthWestZippy · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a cat lover, this is a must read. Wonderful short stories.