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The Cat on My Lap: Stories of the Cats We Love
As any pet lover knows, a wagging tail or a tender purr can soothe the soul after a hard day. And sometimes, the presence of dogs and cats in our lives can do even more. In these delightful books, Callie Smith Grant collects stories that celebrate the dogs and cats in our lives--stories that touch our hearts, renew our spirit, and show us how God created these creatures for unique purposes. Well-known authors, as well as new voices, share their inspirational true stories of these otherwise ordinary cats and dogs whose presence in the lives of humans make them remarkable. Each book also includes interesting sidebars, memorable quotes, and helpful hints for living with dogs and cats. The stories are warm, captivating, and ideal for a good curl-up-and-read or for a gift to any pet lover.
Paperback
First published October 14, 2014
28 people are currently reading
631 people want to read
About the author
Callie Smith Grant
24 books94 followersCallie Smith Grant is the editor of A Prince among Dogs and A Dickens of a Cat. She is also the author of several nonfiction books for young readers and adults as well as many animal-themed stories and poems which can be seen in Guideposts anthologies and in magazines such as Small Farmers Journal.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
December 26, 2017
I love cats, so I thought I'd enjoy this book about people's experiences with their felines. While I like the stories, the constant push to have God at the center of everything (the lab didn't mess up, God cured the cat. The cat didn't make it across the highway under her own power, God sent an angel to guide her) got cloying after a while.
August 11, 2016
I won my copy of The Cat On My Lap through GoodReads FirstReads. It's about various people's accounts of the cats they owned or have encountered through their lives. While some stories were very sweet, I especially liked the first one, some were so depressing I found myself skipping over them. Then there were the ones with such ignorant people I skipped over some more, ( "cats lick? Who knew?" REALLY???) Anyway as an animal lover I found it annoying when so many wrote that they were a dog person and never even considered a cat as a pet, why can't you love both and be an animal person? Plus the stories were more about the people and hardly about the cats. So all in all a mediocre book.
August 14, 2016
A collection of stories on the line of "Chicken Soup for the Soul" books. Great if you want short stories to read on the go, and obviously, if you like cats you will enjoy. Loved the cover! Makes me wish I could have a cat, but alas, will have to stick to reading about them. Great feel good stories, often with a spiritual side to them.
January 31, 2015
“The Cat in My Lap” is a special set of short, true stories about people who love cats and the cats who choose them. After reading it, I am convinced more than ever that the Lord chooses the pets He wants us to care for, knowing that the pet will be more than a furry friend, but rather evidence of God’s grace and love in the life of the person owned by the cat.
Inside the pages of this collection of cat-tales this reader found more than 20 heartwarming true stories of the cats that loved and blessed their people exactly as they needed, penned by 23 authors who write for various publications, primarily for the Christian market. The stories have been collected by Callie Smith Grant, who includes a story of her own. This collection is in memory of her mother, and was formerly published as “A Dickens of a Cat”. For a cat lover such as myself, Callie Smith Grant has shared a must-read, even though I am typically not one who reads short stories. Whether one enjoys short stories or like me, longer novels, this is a book that a cat lover doesn’t want to miss.
The collection was a more than pleasant surprise to this reader. Each author shares a memorable event or series of events with their cat(s) that made a difference in the author’s faith, life, and/or endurance of a time of trial. Sidebar quotes include those by famous authors such as Mark Twain and Cleveland Amory about these wonderful fur babies and a fitting Haiku is part of each story. There is also an elegant yet haunting picture of the cat of the tale in gentle grayscale tones.
From the cat who became the best therapist for anorexic child to a tiny kitten trapped in a storm drain, each of these stories shows the love of a cat, the leading of almighty God, and the person or people who were changed as a result of the soft, furry face with gentle, healing purrs. This book is a keeper, also a wonderful gift; one can see their own pets in light of the pets in this book.
When one thinks that the Lord is no longer caring for them, or if one has said a heartbreaking goodbye to the furry love of their life, it is time to pick up a cup of coffee or tea, the favorite cat or warmest memories, and this book. This crazy cat lady read some of the stories after sobbing goodbye to two of her best cats within three days, and was trying to settle a wary, formerly feral kitten into the house, and can promise that these stories can help sooth even the one with an aching heart. I highly recommend this book to those who love God and cats, and have experienced (or want to experience) the healing grace that the Lord sends on four paws. “The Cat on my Lap” can be enjoyed by adults of any age, including young adults. Some stories may even be read with or to children ages 10 and older. Callie Smith Grant, thank you for this beautiful collection – a labor of love and a gift to each reader!
With a grateful heart, I received a copy of this book through a Goodreads contest. All opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review. (also posted on DeeperShopping, FamilyChristian, CBD, Amazon, BarneesandNoble)
Inside the pages of this collection of cat-tales this reader found more than 20 heartwarming true stories of the cats that loved and blessed their people exactly as they needed, penned by 23 authors who write for various publications, primarily for the Christian market. The stories have been collected by Callie Smith Grant, who includes a story of her own. This collection is in memory of her mother, and was formerly published as “A Dickens of a Cat”. For a cat lover such as myself, Callie Smith Grant has shared a must-read, even though I am typically not one who reads short stories. Whether one enjoys short stories or like me, longer novels, this is a book that a cat lover doesn’t want to miss.
The collection was a more than pleasant surprise to this reader. Each author shares a memorable event or series of events with their cat(s) that made a difference in the author’s faith, life, and/or endurance of a time of trial. Sidebar quotes include those by famous authors such as Mark Twain and Cleveland Amory about these wonderful fur babies and a fitting Haiku is part of each story. There is also an elegant yet haunting picture of the cat of the tale in gentle grayscale tones.
From the cat who became the best therapist for anorexic child to a tiny kitten trapped in a storm drain, each of these stories shows the love of a cat, the leading of almighty God, and the person or people who were changed as a result of the soft, furry face with gentle, healing purrs. This book is a keeper, also a wonderful gift; one can see their own pets in light of the pets in this book.
When one thinks that the Lord is no longer caring for them, or if one has said a heartbreaking goodbye to the furry love of their life, it is time to pick up a cup of coffee or tea, the favorite cat or warmest memories, and this book. This crazy cat lady read some of the stories after sobbing goodbye to two of her best cats within three days, and was trying to settle a wary, formerly feral kitten into the house, and can promise that these stories can help sooth even the one with an aching heart. I highly recommend this book to those who love God and cats, and have experienced (or want to experience) the healing grace that the Lord sends on four paws. “The Cat on my Lap” can be enjoyed by adults of any age, including young adults. Some stories may even be read with or to children ages 10 and older. Callie Smith Grant, thank you for this beautiful collection – a labor of love and a gift to each reader!
With a grateful heart, I received a copy of this book through a Goodreads contest. All opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review. (also posted on DeeperShopping, FamilyChristian, CBD, Amazon, BarneesandNoble)
March 29, 2016
This is an ok book- basic writing, fast read, about cats. Some sweet stories- a couple about cats who find their people after traveling many miles, cats who recover from illness at the same time as their people. Yes, as one reviewer noted, a cat that licks (some cats do- I have one that licks and plays fetch, very unexpected & startling). The "God sent the cat" message throughout the book is odd.
April 27, 2016
What an awesome book of short stories! Several made me cry, but all were wonderful!
March 22, 2019
This book was heartwarming! Some sad stories as well as some uplifting stories!
November 16, 2020
Very sweet and heartwarming cat stories! ❤
February 5, 2019
This book is made up of a number of short stories that are easy to read. There were so many stories that being a cat owner and lover myself, I could relate to. The cats were endearing and made them feel like these animals were little people in their own right. We encounter stories where cats help their owners feel better either because they were sick or possibly grieving. There were also stories about how these cats enabled children who had difficulty relating to other people, come out of their shell and feel empowered to cope with the society that they may find hard to understand. Scattered throughout the book there are instances of Christian elements to the stories. However, these are not overdone but rather tastefully included and only served to add to the stories they’re relating to. I found that I had difficulty putting it down. I couldn’t wait to get back to reading it.
May 17, 2017
This book is as much about humans as it is cats, for at the heart this collection of personal feline recollections is about how cats (often found) and saved the author is some deeply emotional, but very real sense. The book, therefore has a spiritual aspect to it. As an animal lover, some aspects of certain stories were personally difficult to read, but the cats of every individual tale made me smile in my heart, with their distinctly magical love.
January 21, 2017
A fun little read after my weeks spent trying to get through the Soviet camp system. After each heart-warming story I'd go find my cat and try to give her hugs and kisses which she's never been overly fond of. So I'd content myself with scratching her around the ears and then go pick up the book again. A few of the stories weren't written extremely well, but the felines being showcased made each story worth reading.
September 30, 2016
I'm not really one for short stories, I like to really get into my characters more. But I do love cats. These were nice stories, mostly with religion playing a part. But not so much it was intrusive. The cats were all types of cats with all types of humans. I enjoyed this book for a quick read.
December 23, 2018
Easy to read. Some interesting stories, confirming the theory that Cats are spirit animals, that are sent to heal humans. I especially liked the chapter about Cat Lady. I enjoyed reading this book, maybe because I have my own story about our own Cat that came just at the right time to heal my grieving mum.
November 3, 2017
A lovely collection of anecdotes about people and their cats. Many of them brought a tear to the eye and some of them made me laugh. My cats approved of me reading this book, provided I kept petting them throughout.
Read
February 4, 2015Some nice stories. Well-written.
December 24, 2015
A great book for cat lovers!
February 20, 2016
Charming cat stories, some based on religious theories.
May 12, 2016
Simply, a delightful collection of cat stories. Warning: don't read in public if you don't want to be seen with an occasional tear in your eyes!
December 5, 2023
Love stories about cats this is for you. After losing my old cat I needed to read about some feline companions.
May 23, 2017
Great little book of true stories about cats and their power to calm and make people happy! It also shows how smart and intelligent cats are.
June 10, 2019
If you said ‘yes’ to all questions, then READ THIS BOOK.
✅You’re a cat lover.
✅You love books
TRUST ME. YOU’LL BE GLAD THAT YOU DID.
✅You’re a cat lover.
✅You love books
TRUST ME. YOU’LL BE GLAD THAT YOU DID.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2023
My In-laws gifted me this book as I am a cat mom and a person of Faith.
Win win, right? Yes!
I loved the various short cat experiences shared by various authors. Even though, I could not read this book in one sitting as some of the stories were sad or bitter-sweet.
While I overall loved this book I also cringed every time a cat was let outside. But maybe this book is meant to be a cautionary tale (or tail? Haha). More often than not, when a cat was left outside it never returned. We did everything we could think of to keep our own cats safe. We have a catio (cat patio – fully enclosed with screen and fencing), strollers (one for each), one of those cat wheels (think hamster wheel) so they could run and get exercise, and we have cat trees at almost every window. So, I’m one of those cat moms who is highly opposed to letting a cat be able to run freely outdoors. I’ve already had to save a neighbor’s chicken from the jaw of the fox that lives in our yard. I could never imagine that happening to one of my feline kids.
Aside from free running kitties I really did love this book. If you are a lover of cats and you realize they are truly more than just pets, I believe this book is for you!
Win win, right? Yes!
I loved the various short cat experiences shared by various authors. Even though, I could not read this book in one sitting as some of the stories were sad or bitter-sweet.
While I overall loved this book I also cringed every time a cat was let outside. But maybe this book is meant to be a cautionary tale (or tail? Haha). More often than not, when a cat was left outside it never returned. We did everything we could think of to keep our own cats safe. We have a catio (cat patio – fully enclosed with screen and fencing), strollers (one for each), one of those cat wheels (think hamster wheel) so they could run and get exercise, and we have cat trees at almost every window. So, I’m one of those cat moms who is highly opposed to letting a cat be able to run freely outdoors. I’ve already had to save a neighbor’s chicken from the jaw of the fox that lives in our yard. I could never imagine that happening to one of my feline kids.
Aside from free running kitties I really did love this book. If you are a lover of cats and you realize they are truly more than just pets, I believe this book is for you!
December 29, 2024
The Cat on My Lap: Stories of the Cats We Love, edited by Callie Smith Grant, is a heartwarming collection of stories that will resonate deeply with any cat lover. Each tale is filled with warmth, humor, and emotional connection, often illustrating how God has used cats in unique and meaningful ways in people's lives. As a cat owner myself (or more accurately, as someone owned by a cat), I found myself repeatedly thinking, "This is my favorite story," as I read through the pages. The collection is not only entertaining but also emotionally touching, offering a sense of comfort and joy that cat lovers will cherish.
This book is a perfect gift for any cat enthusiast or anyone who has ever experienced the unconditional love of a feline friend. Even non-cat people may find themselves drawn into its warmth and charm. With inspirational true stories that highlight the spiritual significance of cats in people's lives, The Cat on My Lap provides a wonderful reminder of how animals, especially cats, can bring spiritual comfort and purpose, making it an ideal choice for a cozy, uplifting read.
I give it 5 stars—highly recommended for anyone who loves cats or is seeking a heartwarming, faith-filled read.
This book is a perfect gift for any cat enthusiast or anyone who has ever experienced the unconditional love of a feline friend. Even non-cat people may find themselves drawn into its warmth and charm. With inspirational true stories that highlight the spiritual significance of cats in people's lives, The Cat on My Lap provides a wonderful reminder of how animals, especially cats, can bring spiritual comfort and purpose, making it an ideal choice for a cozy, uplifting read.
I give it 5 stars—highly recommended for anyone who loves cats or is seeking a heartwarming, faith-filled read.
September 18, 2025
Cats are more than just furry little creatures. Cats are a means of love, compassion, and kindness.
"The Cat on My Lap" is a collection of stories on cats that have greatly impacted the lives of their humans. These cats helped their humans through serious illness, heartache, and loneliness to find hope, value, and purpose. These cats were all an example of Jesus if only for a moment.
"The Cat on My Lap" is a collection of stories on cats that have greatly impacted the lives of their humans. These cats helped their humans through serious illness, heartache, and loneliness to find hope, value, and purpose. These cats were all an example of Jesus if only for a moment.
December 24, 2020
A good compilation, but a little too sad for me.
February 3, 2021
Received as a gift. It became my "purse book." Read it in little bites. It was delightful!
February 28, 2021
Non-Fiction - Trade 2013
September 22, 2021
Got a bit teary-eyed on several stories. Cats are just sweet and awesome!
December 3, 2021
Loved every one of these stories.
June 12, 2022
I really enjoyed reading this book, the different cat stories. how cats and people help each other .
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews