What do you think?
Rate this book
Chicken Soup for the Cat Lover's Soul: Stories of Feline Affection, Mystery and Charm
From playful and hilarious accounts of life with cats to heartwarming tales of cat courage, healing and learning, each touching story in Chicken Soup for the Cat Lover's Soul celebrates the special bond we share with our cats.
416 pages, Paperback
First published September 27, 2005
98 people are currently reading
1643 people want to read
About the author
Jack Canfield
1,286 books1,748 followersJack Canfield is an American motivational speaker and author. He is best known as the co-creator of the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" book series, which currently has over 124 titles and 100 million copies in print in over 47 languages. According to USA Today, Canfield and his writing partner, Mark Victor Hansen, were the top-selling authors in the United States in 1997.
Canfield received a BA in Chinese History from Harvard University and a Masters from University of Massachusetts. He has worked as a teacher, a workshop facilitator, and a psychotherapist.
Canfield is the founder of "Self Esteem Seminars" in Santa Barbara, and "The Foundation for Self Esteem" in Culver City, California. The stated mission of Self Esteem Seminars is to train entrepreneurs, educators, corporate leaders and employees to achieve their personal and professional goals. The focus of The Foundation for Self Esteem is to train social workers, welfare recipients and human resource professionals.
In 1990,he shared with author Mark Victor Hansen his idea for the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. After three years, the two had compiled sixty-eight stories.
Canfield has appeared on numerous television shows, including Good Morning America, 20/20, Eye to Eye, CNN's Talk Back Live, PBS, The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Montel Williams Show, Larry King Live and the BBC.
Canfield's most recent book, The Success Principles (2005), shares 64 principles that he claims can make people more successful. In 2006, he appeared in the DVD, "The Secret," and shared his insights on the Law of Attraction and tips for achieving success in personal and professional life.
Jack Canfield was born on August 19, 1944, in Fort Worth, TX. He is the son of Elmer and Ellen (a homemaker; maiden name, Taylor). He attended high school at Linsly Military Institute, Wheeling, WV, 1962. He went to college at Harvard University, B.A., 1966; University of Massachusetts at Amherst, M.Ed., 1973. Canfield married Judith Ohlbaum in 1971 (divorced, November 1976); he married Georgia Lee Noble on September 9, 1978 (divorced, December 1999); he married Inga Marie Mahoney on July 4, 2001; children: (first marriage) Oran, David, Kyle, Dania; (second marriage) Christopher Noble. He is a Democrat and a Christian, and his hobbies include tennis, travel, skiing, running, billiards, reading, and guitar.
Canfield received a BA in Chinese History from Harvard University and a Masters from University of Massachusetts. He has worked as a teacher, a workshop facilitator, and a psychotherapist.
Canfield is the founder of "Self Esteem Seminars" in Santa Barbara, and "The Foundation for Self Esteem" in Culver City, California. The stated mission of Self Esteem Seminars is to train entrepreneurs, educators, corporate leaders and employees to achieve their personal and professional goals. The focus of The Foundation for Self Esteem is to train social workers, welfare recipients and human resource professionals.
In 1990,he shared with author Mark Victor Hansen his idea for the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. After three years, the two had compiled sixty-eight stories.
Canfield has appeared on numerous television shows, including Good Morning America, 20/20, Eye to Eye, CNN's Talk Back Live, PBS, The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Montel Williams Show, Larry King Live and the BBC.
Canfield's most recent book, The Success Principles (2005), shares 64 principles that he claims can make people more successful. In 2006, he appeared in the DVD, "The Secret," and shared his insights on the Law of Attraction and tips for achieving success in personal and professional life.
Jack Canfield was born on August 19, 1944, in Fort Worth, TX. He is the son of Elmer and Ellen (a homemaker; maiden name, Taylor). He attended high school at Linsly Military Institute, Wheeling, WV, 1962. He went to college at Harvard University, B.A., 1966; University of Massachusetts at Amherst, M.Ed., 1973. Canfield married Judith Ohlbaum in 1971 (divorced, November 1976); he married Georgia Lee Noble on September 9, 1978 (divorced, December 1999); he married Inga Marie Mahoney on July 4, 2001; children: (first marriage) Oran, David, Kyle, Dania; (second marriage) Christopher Noble. He is a Democrat and a Christian, and his hobbies include tennis, travel, skiing, running, billiards, reading, and guitar.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
August 16, 2021
A beautiful collection of stories about the cats that change and better our lives. I’ll readily admit to being a cat person over a dog person any day. I do love my dog, of course, but I’ve always had a special bond with cats. I do admit I’d like to give a little smack for whoever thought it was a good idea to include a Farewell chapter full of deaths. Definitely have the tissues nearby while reading!
March 4, 2009
Hello everyone! I decided to help out and write this review for my mom. I’m Jupiter. I’m 10 years old. I am a very handsome orange tabby.
I suggest this book to every cat who has a slightly emotional mother. It will guarantee lots of petting. My mom always likes to pet me when she is sad, mad, upset, etc. She would read a story or two out of this book and then totally burst into tears, usually cuz some cat died. I feel bad for the cat who died, but it was the most glorious thing to hear my mom calling, “Jupiter! Ju-ey! I need you!! (sob sob)” I would dutifully run to her and let her pet me for as long as she needed to. Yep, that was rough.
So, I thought that I would write an inspirational story about myself. Perhaps they will want to publish this in the next edition.
My Triumphant Climb, by Jupiter Snow
My mom was feeling bummed and tired this morning. My brother, Rocco, was just sleeping in the bathroom, using a roll of toilet paper as a pillow. He was not helping her out at all. So I knew I needed to step up and make her smile.
I have struggled with my weight for many years. My vet says that I am a 12 pound cat in a 20 pound body. It’s hard for me to get around sometimes. I can’t jump up on things like other cats can. So, when I try to do that stuff it always looks funny. But for my mom, I was willing to look like a dork. I decided that instead of getting to the bed on top of my scratching post the normal way (a short jump from the floor), I would jump from the kitchen table.
I can easily get on top of the table if the chairs are not all pushed in. Today someone had been sneaky and tucked the chairs all the way under the table, which I didn’t actually notice until I jumped on the chair and bumped my head. So I had to squeeze my belly through a pretty narrow spot and then use my arms to pull myself up onto the table. I heard her start to giggle. It is really hard to get on the table when you are squished against a chair. I might have grunted a little bit, which made her laugh some more.
I finally dragged myself all the way up. I swear I could hear 'Eye of the Tiger' (my favorite song) playing in the background! It was so awesome! I was on top of the world! And my mom laughed! Then I made the several foot jump to my scratching post bed. I stuck the landing and settled in for my day-long nap. My mom laughed her pants off! And…she petted me! See…this is indeed the greatest book ever!
I suggest this book to every cat who has a slightly emotional mother. It will guarantee lots of petting. My mom always likes to pet me when she is sad, mad, upset, etc. She would read a story or two out of this book and then totally burst into tears, usually cuz some cat died. I feel bad for the cat who died, but it was the most glorious thing to hear my mom calling, “Jupiter! Ju-ey! I need you!! (sob sob)” I would dutifully run to her and let her pet me for as long as she needed to. Yep, that was rough.
So, I thought that I would write an inspirational story about myself. Perhaps they will want to publish this in the next edition.
My Triumphant Climb, by Jupiter Snow
My mom was feeling bummed and tired this morning. My brother, Rocco, was just sleeping in the bathroom, using a roll of toilet paper as a pillow. He was not helping her out at all. So I knew I needed to step up and make her smile.
I have struggled with my weight for many years. My vet says that I am a 12 pound cat in a 20 pound body. It’s hard for me to get around sometimes. I can’t jump up on things like other cats can. So, when I try to do that stuff it always looks funny. But for my mom, I was willing to look like a dork. I decided that instead of getting to the bed on top of my scratching post the normal way (a short jump from the floor), I would jump from the kitchen table.
I can easily get on top of the table if the chairs are not all pushed in. Today someone had been sneaky and tucked the chairs all the way under the table, which I didn’t actually notice until I jumped on the chair and bumped my head. So I had to squeeze my belly through a pretty narrow spot and then use my arms to pull myself up onto the table. I heard her start to giggle. It is really hard to get on the table when you are squished against a chair. I might have grunted a little bit, which made her laugh some more.
I finally dragged myself all the way up. I swear I could hear 'Eye of the Tiger' (my favorite song) playing in the background! It was so awesome! I was on top of the world! And my mom laughed! Then I made the several foot jump to my scratching post bed. I stuck the landing and settled in for my day-long nap. My mom laughed her pants off! And…she petted me! See…this is indeed the greatest book ever!
April 19, 2022
There is not a lot to be said here as most readers are familiar with the Chicken Soup For The Soul franchise. If you love cats as I do, you should enjoy this collection of feline inspired vignettes. I admit I skimmed over the "Farewell My Love" section; I'm sure they were wonderful stories but I didn't feel the need to add to my own personal pet sorrows. Most of my favorite stories are highlighted on the back cover including the cat getting stuck in the garbage disposal and the one who saves their owner's home and life from an imminent gas explosion. There are many more touching stories including one about changing the life of a young boy with a bad attitude. They do tend to run together and get forgotten so this book is best kept at hand for reading a story here and there or rereading them when the mood strikes.
January 6, 2019
So this year my reading goal is going to be a little different; yes I want to read new releases and new books that come my way, but I'm also going to try and take a few of the books that have been sitting the longest on my to-read and finally complete them! This book was number two on that list!
I always love a Chicken Soup book, but this one simply never appeared in physical form for me. When I made my decision, I decided to download it on my Kindle just so I could finally read it. It has all the charm of every other Chicken Soup book I've read, and I honestly believe there is a book in this series for everyone. I read the cat and dog books, but they cover all kinds of subjects too.
All of the stories are personal and touching, and some are written in different ways to shake things up. Some are absolute tear jerkers; fair warning. Some make you go and kiss your cats on their furry little foreheads just because.
Basically this is a marvelous book in a brilliant series! Five stars!
I always love a Chicken Soup book, but this one simply never appeared in physical form for me. When I made my decision, I decided to download it on my Kindle just so I could finally read it. It has all the charm of every other Chicken Soup book I've read, and I honestly believe there is a book in this series for everyone. I read the cat and dog books, but they cover all kinds of subjects too.
All of the stories are personal and touching, and some are written in different ways to shake things up. Some are absolute tear jerkers; fair warning. Some make you go and kiss your cats on their furry little foreheads just because.
Basically this is a marvelous book in a brilliant series! Five stars!
December 12, 2019
Touching, heartfelt stories. Always enjoy Chicken Soup for the Soul installments. This one had me snuggling my kitty close, never wanting to let go.
August 28, 2013
Hard to give a solid review of a Chicken Soup book, because it contains so many different things. I laughed, I cried, I snuggled my kitty. I learned about amazing things that cats have done and ways that they have brought joy and love to people who know them. My mother gave me this book for Christmas because she knew I would like it and I did -- good job mom. Kitty was pretty sure I should be spending my time loving her, playing with her, and attending to her every wish and whim instead of reading the book -- but she thinks that about every book, so don't go by her opinion.
November 30, 2019
3.5 stars
I think everyone knows what the “Chicken Soup” books are – little “feel good” stories on whatever the topic is for that book. Mostly, these were good while I read them, but I’ve also already forgotten most of them. There is one I will definitely remember – the cat (he is ok, and we are told that at the beginning of the story) who got his head stuck in the garburator! While reading, I had planned on 3.5 stars (good), but only a day later, I can only remember the one story. I will stick with how I felt about the book while reading (which is usually how I rate, anyway).
I think everyone knows what the “Chicken Soup” books are – little “feel good” stories on whatever the topic is for that book. Mostly, these were good while I read them, but I’ve also already forgotten most of them. There is one I will definitely remember – the cat (he is ok, and we are told that at the beginning of the story) who got his head stuck in the garburator! While reading, I had planned on 3.5 stars (good), but only a day later, I can only remember the one story. I will stick with how I felt about the book while reading (which is usually how I rate, anyway).
April 24, 2013
I'm a cat person. I currently have two of my own and could only wish for more. So, on this streak of Chicken Soup books that I've been reading lately, it only seemed appropriate to read the Cat Lover's Soul book.
Chicken Soup for the Cat Lover's Soul is filled with the normal short stories of the Chicken Soup series. They are broken down into different chapters titled, "On Love", "Celebrating the Bond", "A Furry RX", "Cat-Egorically Wonderful", "Cats as Teachers", "Farewell, My Love", "Rescue Me!", and "One of the Family." Each of these chapters has several short stories relating to the themes and of course, they are all about cats. There are stories of adopting special cats, cats alerting their owners to danger or illness, and many other things. I especially liked the story "The Call of the Lobster" about a cat who talks to a special toy, because one of my mom's cats does the same thing with a fuzzy ball she carries around. I knew she was strange, but at least she's not alone in her strangeness. There were other stories I didn't like though, like the one about a lady who rescued a cat with FIV and then after treating it at the vet let it roam with her other cats (yes FIV can be contained and treated, but it can be infectious and it seemed an unnecessary risk to her other cats).
I'm of the opinion that all cats are pretty wonderful. It's the owners that I sometimes don't care for. There are a lot of people out there that are just cruel to animals (including a story in this book where four teenage boys are practicing target shooting on a cat) and it hurts to read about people like that. Granted, there are just as many if not more wonderful people in this book who adopt cats and take care of them, so it does have that redeeming quality to it. But really, it's the cats that make this book worthwhile and it showcases them.
I will admit that there were quite a few stories in here that made me laugh or cry. The cat getting its head stuck in the garbage disposer (it was rescued successfully) made me giggle. But, despite there being a specific chapter for cat death "Farewell, My Love", kitty death was rampant through this book. I'm fairly convinced that the people at Chicken Soup aren't happy unless there's a death of a person, animal, plant, whatever, every ten pages or so in their books. Not sure what's so inspiring about that, but they've sold a lot of books so it much be working. I just wish there was more life than death in these books, especially this one since I appreciate my kitties being alive and don't want to think about their eventual deaths right now. Still, they had a lot of good stories in this book.
Overall this is one of the better Chicken Soup books. As a cat lover, I did enjoy it and read it in one sitting.
Chicken Soup for the Cat Lover's Soul
Copyright 2005
378 pages
Review by M. Reynard 2013
More of my reviews can be found at www.ifithaswords.blogspot.com
Chicken Soup for the Cat Lover's Soul is filled with the normal short stories of the Chicken Soup series. They are broken down into different chapters titled, "On Love", "Celebrating the Bond", "A Furry RX", "Cat-Egorically Wonderful", "Cats as Teachers", "Farewell, My Love", "Rescue Me!", and "One of the Family." Each of these chapters has several short stories relating to the themes and of course, they are all about cats. There are stories of adopting special cats, cats alerting their owners to danger or illness, and many other things. I especially liked the story "The Call of the Lobster" about a cat who talks to a special toy, because one of my mom's cats does the same thing with a fuzzy ball she carries around. I knew she was strange, but at least she's not alone in her strangeness. There were other stories I didn't like though, like the one about a lady who rescued a cat with FIV and then after treating it at the vet let it roam with her other cats (yes FIV can be contained and treated, but it can be infectious and it seemed an unnecessary risk to her other cats).
I'm of the opinion that all cats are pretty wonderful. It's the owners that I sometimes don't care for. There are a lot of people out there that are just cruel to animals (including a story in this book where four teenage boys are practicing target shooting on a cat) and it hurts to read about people like that. Granted, there are just as many if not more wonderful people in this book who adopt cats and take care of them, so it does have that redeeming quality to it. But really, it's the cats that make this book worthwhile and it showcases them.
I will admit that there were quite a few stories in here that made me laugh or cry. The cat getting its head stuck in the garbage disposer (it was rescued successfully) made me giggle. But, despite there being a specific chapter for cat death "Farewell, My Love", kitty death was rampant through this book. I'm fairly convinced that the people at Chicken Soup aren't happy unless there's a death of a person, animal, plant, whatever, every ten pages or so in their books. Not sure what's so inspiring about that, but they've sold a lot of books so it much be working. I just wish there was more life than death in these books, especially this one since I appreciate my kitties being alive and don't want to think about their eventual deaths right now. Still, they had a lot of good stories in this book.
Overall this is one of the better Chicken Soup books. As a cat lover, I did enjoy it and read it in one sitting.
Chicken Soup for the Cat Lover's Soul
Copyright 2005
378 pages
Review by M. Reynard 2013
More of my reviews can be found at www.ifithaswords.blogspot.com
September 15, 2022
This book didn't turn out to be the "light reading" I thought it would be.
I have never read a book from the Chicken Soup series, but I am a huge cat lover, so I thought I would read this book at my leisure. I was shocked by the content I got. Instead of just cute stories about owners and cats, I got deeply insightful stories about how the bond between human and cat can teach lessons about life, healing, friendship and unconditional love.
As a human who is currently owned by a fluffy Maine Coon, this book both simultaneously warmed and broke my heart. I just felt united with so many cat lovers after finishing this book since we all share the knowledge of the special bond we have with our feline friends.
I have never read a book from the Chicken Soup series, but I am a huge cat lover, so I thought I would read this book at my leisure. I was shocked by the content I got. Instead of just cute stories about owners and cats, I got deeply insightful stories about how the bond between human and cat can teach lessons about life, healing, friendship and unconditional love.
As a human who is currently owned by a fluffy Maine Coon, this book both simultaneously warmed and broke my heart. I just felt united with so many cat lovers after finishing this book since we all share the knowledge of the special bond we have with our feline friends.
July 1, 2019
I watch kitten and cat videos regularly. Cat and kitten memes appear regularly on my Facebook feed. I live with three cats. I was traveling and needed something I could read during travel breaks. This fit the bill.
As is usual with Chicken Soup books, I laughed and cried as I read. I must have gone through about 1/4 of a box of Puffs.
This book had fewer cartoons than I'm used to seeing in a Chicken Soup book but it fit the bill of everything I wanted in a book to read while traveling. I always recommend Chick Soup books for those times you have just a few minutes to read or just need to good reason to get in touch with your emotions.
As is usual with Chicken Soup books, I laughed and cried as I read. I must have gone through about 1/4 of a box of Puffs.
This book had fewer cartoons than I'm used to seeing in a Chicken Soup book but it fit the bill of everything I wanted in a book to read while traveling. I always recommend Chick Soup books for those times you have just a few minutes to read or just need to good reason to get in touch with your emotions.
January 24, 2020
A cute collection of feline-based stories!
December 13, 2012
This is a special collection of true stories, all centered on our feline friends and their undeniable "purrsonality".
Divided into sections, the stories vary in age of cat and the lesson or moral of each story. There is definitely something for every cat lover in this wonderful book. Each account is heartfelt and will leave you feeling good.
I the section on Love, Oscar the Garbage Can Kitty, lived in a garbage can. Then he ends up moving into the hearts and home of some kind people. I connected with this story because I knew a cat like this in my lifetime.
Other sections include Celebrating the Bond, A Furry RX, Rescue Me, and One of the Family. Each section has several stories of the special friendship and bond between human and cat. The feline personality and intelligence is showcased and celebrated.
This book is indeed "Chicken Soup for the Cat Lover's Soul". It is a book to savour, share, and read again.
Divided into sections, the stories vary in age of cat and the lesson or moral of each story. There is definitely something for every cat lover in this wonderful book. Each account is heartfelt and will leave you feeling good.
I the section on Love, Oscar the Garbage Can Kitty, lived in a garbage can. Then he ends up moving into the hearts and home of some kind people. I connected with this story because I knew a cat like this in my lifetime.
Other sections include Celebrating the Bond, A Furry RX, Rescue Me, and One of the Family. Each section has several stories of the special friendship and bond between human and cat. The feline personality and intelligence is showcased and celebrated.
This book is indeed "Chicken Soup for the Cat Lover's Soul". It is a book to savour, share, and read again.
October 29, 2012
I found the book interesting. It's filled with touching stories that remind me of my cat who's a rascal. I think most people would like this book (Unless they don't like cats.).If you’re a fast reader like I am I’d suggest this book for a cool down. It doesn’t leave you hanging so you can read a story eat lunch and read the next story. I've read a lot of cat stories but this book defiantly has some of my favorites. In one of the stories a group of soldiers were in their hide out when a cat came and the cat became their mascot. That was my favorite. Some of the stories I find hard to believe because it seems so unreal but like they say cats have nine lives. Normally you’d think nonfiction is boring stuff but not this book, so if you’re told to read a non-fiction book I suggest this one.
June 24, 2013
I've never been shy about pledging my allegiance to dogs over cats, but I did find these cat stories in short doses to be of my liking. Having never owned a cat, I only know what I do about their nature from books like this and the stories I've heard from my cat-loving friends. These stories did a great deal to educate me, and while I don't see myself adopting one anytime soon, they showed me that cats can be just as loving, friendly, and heroic as dogs, though they make show these things in completely different ways.
June 4, 2019
I listened to this book as I was going to sleep, and had it go to sleep after a short time. I loved the stories, and many of them made me cry, as I recalled stories about our own beloved pets. We miss them very much, but my husband is allergic to cats, and he is breathing easier without them in our home. We also didn't think it was fair to bring more cats into our home, and perhaps outlive them. It would hurt me to think of beloved pets without someone to love them. Anyway, I really enjoyed hearing the stories of beloved pets.
June 5, 2012
For Cat Lovers Soul!
Buku yang akan membuat anda menteskan airmata haru akan kesetian dan kasih sayang, tertawa bahagia bahkan terpingkal2 dengan perilaku kucing, bahkan tersenyum karena nasehat-nasehat yang diberikan.
Diceritakan dengan bahasa yang ringan, setiap pecinta kucing, bahkan semua orang akan mengerti bahwa hewan kecil ini juga bisa menunjukkan sikap setia seperti hewan lainnya.
You should have this book!!
Buku yang akan membuat anda menteskan airmata haru akan kesetian dan kasih sayang, tertawa bahagia bahkan terpingkal2 dengan perilaku kucing, bahkan tersenyum karena nasehat-nasehat yang diberikan.
Diceritakan dengan bahasa yang ringan, setiap pecinta kucing, bahkan semua orang akan mengerti bahwa hewan kecil ini juga bisa menunjukkan sikap setia seperti hewan lainnya.
You should have this book!!
February 23, 2013
This book was heart-warming, funny, and--at times--sad. It's full of stories about cats. Cats who have saved lives, cats who have made a difference in someone's life... there was even a cat who stayed with a troop of soldiers in Iraq until they returned to the United States (the story "Saving Private Hammer").
Any animal lover would enjoy this book. Trust me, if you like animals, you won't be disappointed with this book.
Any animal lover would enjoy this book. Trust me, if you like animals, you won't be disappointed with this book.
May 31, 2012
This is cheating, a bit, because I wrote the piece, "Romeo and Juliet", a story of two ferals, included in this book. I hope readers enjoy this true story of an extraordinary act of feline bravery and loyalty. The latter is a word seldom used when describing cat, but I think that we underestimate our cats' fierce fidelity when desperate situations arise.
Thanks for reading!
Thanks for reading!
May 30, 2015
Great if you love cats :) I myself love cats and so naturally, I cried a lot while reading this book. Great real stories from real people! Made me just want to snuggle my kitty all day. This book really embraces the beauty of animals and I think a book like this deserves great recognition. Power to the animals!
February 20, 2013
This book's main idea was cats have the same feelings as humans. When their owners are sad, they play around with them when they are happy they fill up with joy when their owners have fun with them. They are just like having another friend/family member that always want to have a good time all the time.
April 21, 2013
A heartwarming read which you will enjoy if you are a feline fanatic. These essays run the gamut from sad to hilarious, and everything in between. Some will make you angry. Many will leave you crying and remembering your own long-passed cats.
I would suggest this as a gift for the cat lovers in your lives, and keep a copy for your own collection.
I would suggest this as a gift for the cat lovers in your lives, and keep a copy for your own collection.
November 10, 2012
This is an incredibly touching series of stories about the amazing exploits of the feline species. I identified so much with some of these stories, while others warmed my heart and made me look forward to the future years with my cats. I love the Chicken Soup For the Soul books!
June 5, 2013
This book is such a pleasure and heartwarming one to read. Some stories are just too amazing to believe that it's a true story; just reading it could instantly lift my mood. After reading this, i think i'm ready to welcome another litter of kittens to my mansion!
January 4, 2015
I loved this book. Many great stories!! A must read for all cat lovers!!
January 19, 2016
Great book for a cat lover. Some sad, some uplifting and some happy ending stories.
January 5, 2023
This heartwarming anthology has such a diverse collection—stories told from people of all walks of life. Stories from the modern day, stories from decades ago, there was one from WW2 in Europe as well. Stories with children and adults and babies and old people. Stories where cats become friends with each other or dogs. Stories about cat haters turned cat lovers. Stories about cats with three legs. Triumphant stories where cats beat the odds from the shabby life they came from, to be cared for and assisted by good humans. Cats really bring people together. There are somber stories of people saying goodbye to their beloved cats, and some where it seems the cat’s spirit comes back to them later on. Made me tear up. There are more lighthearted and comedic ones about some of the adventures our cat friends have gone on. A few I specifically remember off the top of my head—a cat that got loose on a plane, made his way up to the first class section, and ate a piece of shrimp out of someone’s cocktail (the cat was safely retrieved, and luckily the first class man was a good sport about it—might well be the most exciting thing that happened in his day or week or month). A cat who is unfortunate enough to get his head stuck in the drain of the sink, to the point where the police had to help the owners remove the entire sink from their house to get the cat to emergency vet (he was saved, happy ending all around), and it’s this book where I first heard of Gregory Popovich, a stage man who does theater with cats. I’ll have to look him up—reminds me of the Savitsky cats! There’s really too many for me to remember them all—maybe in the future I’ll reread this treasure of a book and come back to write more about the individual stories. I wish I’d kept track of them while reading it. It is the definition of a cozy read when you’re stuck indoors on a December single-digit day, with a cup of coffee and your own cat in your lap, with a fire ambience going on your TV. A very relaxing read that you’ll either get through really fast, or in my case, take your time with.
February 4, 2020
I feel like you know what you're getting with the "Chicken Soup" books, and you either like these wholesome anthologies, or you don't. They're not my first choice—I think I'll always prefer getting lost in longer works of fiction—but I enjoyed reading through these stories that covered a range of tones. The short chapters are probably better for reading in spurts over a longer period, as I found it harder to stay focused with the changing stories when I tried to tackle full sections at a time. Mostly, these snippets of cat-lover life made me miss my own fur babies and all their antics... and made me tear up far more than I care to admit!
March 1, 2018
I loved ALL the stories in this book and discovered that a lot of really talented writers choose to write about their feline friends! There are funny stories; sad stories; cute stories; every kind of feline inspired story you can imagine. I love the fact you can read a few stories (if you are crunched for time) put the book down, then go back to it whenever you want. Like I said, the quality of writing is excellent...this was my first experience with a "chicken soup" book and I was not disappointed! This book makes a great gift for any cat lover.
May 23, 2020
It was good to hold a concrete book in my hand, rather than reading from the internet, after all these weeks of quarantine! But the stories are really lovely, and as I’ve lost 3 cats in the last year, it was a good cathartic experience. (One was 21 years old, the other two were outside cats who suddenly disappeared). There are some stories that almost seem a stretch, (cats warning their owners of a gas leak, etc.), but they all share the same element; a love for these sweet innocent creatures. Fun to read!
December 2, 2022
"He was a tiny thing, white with splashes of black and tan, and a black "mask" ringing his eyes. (page 72)
This review will not be fair - at all. I am an animal enthusiast period but especially with cats. Maybe that's why I have five feline companions, who are both a pain in my backside as well as a delight in my life. So there was no question whatsoever that I would enjoy this book as much as I did when I initially picked it up. Therefore, I did not pass any judgments; rather I just enjoyed the flow of the read.
Overall: 4.71 stars
This review will not be fair - at all. I am an animal enthusiast period but especially with cats. Maybe that's why I have five feline companions, who are both a pain in my backside as well as a delight in my life. So there was no question whatsoever that I would enjoy this book as much as I did when I initially picked it up. Therefore, I did not pass any judgments; rather I just enjoyed the flow of the read.
Overall: 4.71 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews