What do you think?
Rate this book
Cat Walk
Yearning to be more than just a barnyard rat catcher, a young cat in search of a name embarks on a journey that finally leads him to a special place he can call a home.
132 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 1983
About the author
Mary Stolz
89 books34 followersMary Stolz was a noted author for children and adolescents whose novels earned critical praise for the seriousness with which they took the problems of young people. Two of her books ''Belling the Tiger'' (1961) and ''The Noonday Friends'' (1965), were named Newbery Honor books by the ALA but it was her novels for young adults that combined romance with realistic situations that won devotion from her fans. Young men often created more problems and did not always provide happy ever after endings. Her heroines had to cope with complex situations and learn how to take action whether it was working as nurses (The Organdy Cupcakes), living in a housing project (Ready or Not), or escaping from being a social misfit by working for the summer as a waitress (The Sea Gulls Woke Me).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 8, 2024
One cat searches for "home" and "family", leaving behind his barn cat origins.
This is one of the few books I read for myself in elementary school. It certainly changed my thinking on cats--I had always been a dog kid before, and cats were nice but standoffish. Starting after CAT WALK, they were the no-contest favorites!
I never had a chance to write to Mrs. Stolz and thank her for this book--she passed away before I was able to hunt down a copy (having read it from a school library) and find her name. But I hope she knows what a sweet, enjoyable tale this is. In many ways, I think this started me on the path of believing that family is what and who you bring to it, not necessarily dictated by blood... and that sometimes we can all be VERY different than the people we grew up around! :D
This is one of the few books I read for myself in elementary school. It certainly changed my thinking on cats--I had always been a dog kid before, and cats were nice but standoffish. Starting after CAT WALK, they were the no-contest favorites!
I never had a chance to write to Mrs. Stolz and thank her for this book--she passed away before I was able to hunt down a copy (having read it from a school library) and find her name. But I hope she knows what a sweet, enjoyable tale this is. In many ways, I think this started me on the path of believing that family is what and who you bring to it, not necessarily dictated by blood... and that sometimes we can all be VERY different than the people we grew up around! :D
March 28, 2022
Agree with my initial thoughts here. Fine story, but I'm still a little sad he didn't wind up with .
First review
The title can be a bit misleading if you are anticipating a story about a cat literally going on a walk and his adventures on the way. Really, it's more about a cat's walk of life, and it's a fine little story. It's always depressing when the animal can't or doesn't wind up back with the person he loved most, but in this case, it's more realistic than not.
First review
The title can be a bit misleading if you are anticipating a story about a cat literally going on a walk and his adventures on the way. Really, it's more about a cat's walk of life, and it's a fine little story. It's always depressing when the animal can't or doesn't wind up back with the person he loved most, but in this case, it's more realistic than not.
April 7, 2026
Wow. I really enjoyed this 1980s book as a kid. If I recall correctly, I found a copy of it at my school library. Later on, I forgot the name of the book, and I think I eventually got the thought of it mixed up with Socks by Beverly Cleary, a different book about a cat.
Now, I don't remember if I ever actually read Socks as well. But when I came across the cover of Mary Stolz's Cat Walk some months ago, I remembered it on the spot.
I saw the image of the black cat walking in the snow, and I immediately remembered the feeling from way back. The childhood sense that I was reading something serious, not a silly or happy-go-lucky tale.
This time around, parts of the story kind of reminded me of Ribsy, another of Cleary's books, and The Incredible Journey by Sheila Burnford. Granted, although I watched the 1993 movie adaptation, Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey, lots of times, I didn't finish the book.
I used to open it and stare at the first black and white illustration inside, where there must be a warm fire in the fireplace, and a man is sitting comfortably in a wingback chair, reading a newspaper by the light of a lamp, his cat sitting in his lap and his two dogs resting near his feet.
I always felt so cozy staring at that picture.
I'm mentioning this because while, no, Cat Walk isn't a happy-go-lucky tale, I wouldn't have enjoyed it as a child (or as an adult) if I'd found it depressing.
It was a "curl up and read on a rainy Saturday" kind of book to me back then, and so the relaxed reading mood was much the same to me this time. Sure, there's difficulty along the journey for this cat—certainly enough for some heart-squeezing. Maybe even some wincing. But there are cozy moments too, moments to make the heart smile, and such warmth in the friendships that form.
Like the feeling of sitting and reading in a favorite chair on an evening, while a friendly fire's crackling and glowing in the fireplace.
(*contented sigh*) Wow.
After all these years, I'm so glad I came across this book again.
Note:
• brief fights described: child vs. cat, cat vs. cat, and child vs. child
• in one scene, the animals use the alternate word for donkey, in both the literal and nonliteral senses; one instance of mild language from a human, on a "PG" level
Now, I don't remember if I ever actually read Socks as well. But when I came across the cover of Mary Stolz's Cat Walk some months ago, I remembered it on the spot.
I saw the image of the black cat walking in the snow, and I immediately remembered the feeling from way back. The childhood sense that I was reading something serious, not a silly or happy-go-lucky tale.
This time around, parts of the story kind of reminded me of Ribsy, another of Cleary's books, and The Incredible Journey by Sheila Burnford. Granted, although I watched the 1993 movie adaptation, Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey, lots of times, I didn't finish the book.
I used to open it and stare at the first black and white illustration inside, where there must be a warm fire in the fireplace, and a man is sitting comfortably in a wingback chair, reading a newspaper by the light of a lamp, his cat sitting in his lap and his two dogs resting near his feet.
I always felt so cozy staring at that picture.
I'm mentioning this because while, no, Cat Walk isn't a happy-go-lucky tale, I wouldn't have enjoyed it as a child (or as an adult) if I'd found it depressing.
It was a "curl up and read on a rainy Saturday" kind of book to me back then, and so the relaxed reading mood was much the same to me this time. Sure, there's difficulty along the journey for this cat—certainly enough for some heart-squeezing. Maybe even some wincing. But there are cozy moments too, moments to make the heart smile, and such warmth in the friendships that form.
Like the feeling of sitting and reading in a favorite chair on an evening, while a friendly fire's crackling and glowing in the fireplace.
(*contented sigh*) Wow.
After all these years, I'm so glad I came across this book again.
Note:
• brief fights described: child vs. cat, cat vs. cat, and child vs. child
• in one scene, the animals use the alternate word for donkey, in both the literal and nonliteral senses; one instance of mild language from a human, on a "PG" level
February 19, 2022
A great family read-aloud, or a child about 8 might be able to read it independently. Told from the cat's pov, in a series of small adventures, we get to learn a lot about the different people, and other animals, this young cat encounters. Rich and worthy of a reread. And one of my beloved old-fashioned illustrators contributed lots of charming pictures.
I have heard of the author, but I don't believe I've read anything by her... I should remedy that.
Avl. on openlibrary.org
I have heard of the author, but I don't believe I've read anything by her... I should remedy that.
Avl. on openlibrary.org
March 20, 2021
This was the first book I read. This is the book that made me love books and reading. Forever grateful. And as the book quotes: sometimes it’s better not to have any names..
August 6, 2017
I love stories with cats and this one was very beautiful. I like how most of it is told from the perspective of the animals, the quotes regarding how they see the world and humans are the most interesting. It also has social critique regarding issues like animal homelessness which makes you think about how a big responsibility is to own a pet.
Me encantan las historias que incluyen gatos y ésta es muy hermosa. Me gusta cómo la mayoría de ella se cuenta desde la perspectiva de los animales, las frases sobre cómo ven el mundo y a los seres humanos son las más interesantes. También tiene crítica social respecto al problema del abandono de animales que te hacen reflexionar sobre la gran responsabilidad que es tener una mascota.
Me encantan las historias que incluyen gatos y ésta es muy hermosa. Me gusta cómo la mayoría de ella se cuenta desde la perspectiva de los animales, las frases sobre cómo ven el mundo y a los seres humanos son las más interesantes. También tiene crítica social respecto al problema del abandono de animales que te hacen reflexionar sobre la gran responsabilidad que es tener una mascota.
April 7, 2020
A very true story of a cat being passed from home to home. It was hard to read at times due to the compassion I felt for the cat. Overall, good but not great. My kids found it boring at times. They always wanted to hold our pet cat, Diego, while listening to the story.
March 31, 2019
Very sweet book, very lovely story about a cat who tries to find a name and a place he can call home. I'm a sucker for any endearing story about cats. I love cats!
February 12, 2022
❤️❤️❤️
February 21, 2023
I feel like I've read this before
November 10, 2025
If you like kitties... well you know.
September 29, 2012
This was a cute, cute book about a kitten discovering the differences in human behavior toward animals. It was fast-paced, adventurous, and funny too. I highly recommend it for school-age children.
April 14, 2026
Charming book with surprising lessons on the harsh realities of life. Written without being too overwhelming for younger readers. The furry, feathered-and otherwise-companions in this story have wonderful perspectives in contrast to their human encounters. Thoroughly enjoyed as an adult!
December 31, 2008
This book is about the sweetest book i have eva read. ITs about a cat trying to find a home. This is a great children/tween book!
Read
November 18, 2009My mom read this book to me on the bleachers while my brother was at soccer practice... I do not remember anything about it other than this... sad...!!
May 8, 2010
A little barn cat tries to be happy in the barn, in the farm house, on the run and back again. Awww. Very EB White in tone.
September 12, 2012
4 stars from Bea. 3 from me. A story about a cat that doesn't fit in with his family and travels from home to home until he finds his true place. It does have some sadder moments but ends happily.
December 7, 2012
A sweet story by one of my favorite childhood authors!
September 8, 2014
Very good book. If you like animals you will enjoy this book.
November 24, 2014
It this was a realy good book
January 19, 2016
Great children's book. It has been awhile since I have read this book but after I read a couple of other peoples reviews it came back to me.
March 6, 2011
This is cute and sad
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews