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Conversations With My Cat
What does Schrödinger's Cat have to do with a chewed computer cord? How do you fit work around a cat's napping schedule? Why do cats change their minds as soon as you open the door for them?
These and other conundrums are addressed in this collection of discussions between one man and his cat, wherein are tackled many of the greatest issues of our politics, human rights, religion, culture, history, and poop. You'll laugh, you'll cry, it'll change your life. Or not. Frankly, we'll say anything to get you to buy this book, which is - fair warning - NOT FOR KIDS, as the cat featured herein is a real pottymouth.
These and other conundrums are addressed in this collection of discussions between one man and his cat, wherein are tackled many of the greatest issues of our politics, human rights, religion, culture, history, and poop. You'll laugh, you'll cry, it'll change your life. Or not. Frankly, we'll say anything to get you to buy this book, which is - fair warning - NOT FOR KIDS, as the cat featured herein is a real pottymouth.
150 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2023
1 person is currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
Chuck McKenzie
19 books14 followersChuck McKenzie was born in 1970 and is still not dead.
He is an award-nominated author of numerous science fiction and horror stories, and he hopes one day to be described by his neighbours as having seemed like such a nice man.
You can stalk him on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/chuck.mcken...
He is an award-nominated author of numerous science fiction and horror stories, and he hopes one day to be described by his neighbours as having seemed like such a nice man.
You can stalk him on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/chuck.mcken...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
November 6, 2023
Fast and funny read written by someone who has lived in an extended intimate relationship with a cat. The conversations on feedings and litter box use are so on point. Every cat owner would enjoy reading this. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 7, 2023
This is a fun, little book, full of strange talks between the author and his two cats. The cats seem to win most of the conversations than Chuck does, leading to many hijinks.
My 9yo daughter has now taken possession of the book, and we will often hear her chortling, though a few parts are not child friendly. It is tagged as not for kids.
My 9yo daughter has now taken possession of the book, and we will often hear her chortling, though a few parts are not child friendly. It is tagged as not for kids.
December 5, 2025
3.5/5
amusing, but not always my cup of tea
amusing, but not always my cup of tea
April 14, 2024
This book contains an abundance of LOLs.
A must for people who like cats, people who despise cats, cats who like people, cats who despise people... basically everybody. Except children: as the book jacket warns, these cats are potty mouths.
Five stars.
A must for people who like cats, people who despise cats, cats who like people, cats who despise people... basically everybody. Except children: as the book jacket warns, these cats are potty mouths.
Five stars.
October 18, 2023
as a fellow cat owner (or cat servant), I needed to read this. I am so glad I did. This book is so relatable and laugh out loud funny. Macready is essentially 3 of my cats in one and during each conversation my mind would go to one of my gang. I also love Aussie lit as an American who would move there in a heartbeat (If I didnt have these damn cat). I’m so getting this for my friends for christmas.
March 11, 2025
4.5 stars
I found this to be a very cute book. I think it could make a cute coffee table or bathroom book but I otherwise to see a whole lot of need for a book like this. But I really liked it and the car was very much so based off of I would assume an actual cat because of how it acts
I found this to be a very cute book. I think it could make a cute coffee table or bathroom book but I otherwise to see a whole lot of need for a book like this. But I really liked it and the car was very much so based off of I would assume an actual cat because of how it acts
February 9, 2025
Chucklesome. Rude, playful and oh-so-real.
One for cat owners and lovers. Though you might feel less loving towards them after this.
This is concise but endlessly fun. A series of short conversations between a cat owner, Chuck, and his kitten - Macready (with occasional one liners from Ripley, Chuck's first and older cat). These imagined (one hopes!) chats range from every topic you might have with your pet - from why they don't use the litter tray to what they really think of your name, your job and your worth.
Poor Chuck. I loved the conversation about Macready's name origin, him wanting to change Chuck's name, not knowing where the food was... and just where the heck he's pooing if it's not in the litter tray. Read a few out to my bloke who also found these worthy of a laugh.
Great gift idea, very entertaining.
With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.
One for cat owners and lovers. Though you might feel less loving towards them after this.
This is concise but endlessly fun. A series of short conversations between a cat owner, Chuck, and his kitten - Macready (with occasional one liners from Ripley, Chuck's first and older cat). These imagined (one hopes!) chats range from every topic you might have with your pet - from why they don't use the litter tray to what they really think of your name, your job and your worth.
Poor Chuck. I loved the conversation about Macready's name origin, him wanting to change Chuck's name, not knowing where the food was... and just where the heck he's pooing if it's not in the litter tray. Read a few out to my bloke who also found these worthy of a laugh.
Great gift idea, very entertaining.
With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.
February 22, 2025
This is a quick, funny read. I feel like it's a mix between Simon's Cat and Ted (from the film) Macready's sarcasm, his temperament and his overall character had me in stitches. You can imagine an inner dialogue with your own Cat and how they can be portrayed.
The neutering bit was comical, or shall I say, when he woke up to find them gone. Although not funny if the tables turned for a human!
I liked how I could picture the scenes, the way the relationship between Chuck and his cats is relatable to me and my cat. She's always after food, conveniently forgetting she's been fed although it's still in her bowl for example. Luckily, she does use the litter tray and not find other 'suitable' places!
Would recommend for a Cat lover!
The neutering bit was comical, or shall I say, when he woke up to find them gone. Although not funny if the tables turned for a human!
I liked how I could picture the scenes, the way the relationship between Chuck and his cats is relatable to me and my cat. She's always after food, conveniently forgetting she's been fed although it's still in her bowl for example. Luckily, she does use the litter tray and not find other 'suitable' places!
Would recommend for a Cat lover!
October 18, 2023
Am I a little biased because Chuck and I were on the same panel at the launch of an anthology we both worked on? Maybe. But I know for a fact* that humour is hard to write and Conversations With My Cat had me grinning from the acknowledgments page onwards. If you are a cat person, this will prove everything you ever imagined about cats. If you are a dog person, it will prove everything you ever imagined about cats.
* Seriously I once wrote a page of funny content or so I thought. I got to watch through glass as my editors had a hushed closed-door meeting and emerged to gravely inform me that my piece wasn’t funny.
* Seriously I once wrote a page of funny content or so I thought. I got to watch through glass as my editors had a hushed closed-door meeting and emerged to gravely inform me that my piece wasn’t funny.
November 5, 2023
Short and sweet little conversations between a cat and their owner. Love the banter between them. Macready does some things that I would kill him for if he was mine! If you like cats, well worth the read!
October 3, 2023
I’ve been reading Chuck McKenzie’s accounts of his conversations with his cat, posted sporadically on Facebook, for a while now, and the exchange always make me laugh. It’s the age-old double act with the hapless and confused (but occasionally winning) on one side, and a cat on the other.
These little chats are not twee or cutesie in the slightest. They’re sharp – as sharp as Macready’s claws, ever ready to be deployed to make a… ahem… point. The topics range from politics to poop, and the consequences of vet visits for both human and kitty, especially when certain ‘required procedures’ are enacted upon unsuspecting felines (and they get their revenge).
Full of dark humour, swearing, and the daily argy-bargy of cats and their people trying to establish dominance, Conversations with my Cat is full of dialogue very familiar to every cat owner in the world. IT’s no coincidence that it’s also full of the deep fondness that humans have for their contrary and sometimes bossy best friends.
Looking for a delightful gift for the cat lover in your life, or the office Secret Santa/Kris Kringle – look no further!
These little chats are not twee or cutesie in the slightest. They’re sharp – as sharp as Macready’s claws, ever ready to be deployed to make a… ahem… point. The topics range from politics to poop, and the consequences of vet visits for both human and kitty, especially when certain ‘required procedures’ are enacted upon unsuspecting felines (and they get their revenge).
Full of dark humour, swearing, and the daily argy-bargy of cats and their people trying to establish dominance, Conversations with my Cat is full of dialogue very familiar to every cat owner in the world. IT’s no coincidence that it’s also full of the deep fondness that humans have for their contrary and sometimes bossy best friends.
Looking for a delightful gift for the cat lover in your life, or the office Secret Santa/Kris Kringle – look no further!
October 12, 2023
This is an accurate representation of conversations with cats. Confronting and demoralising, every cat owner will identify with Chuck.
October 2, 2023
Even as a dog person, I found this an enjoyable read and lots of fun, with lots of funny banter
March 3, 2025
Publishing date: 06.09.2024 (DD/MM/YYYY)
Thank you to NetGalley and Daft Notions for the ARC. My opinions are my own.
TLDR: If your cat could converse with you, this is very likely what they would say to you. 3.5 stars
In this book we follow conversations between an owner and mostly his new orange cat, sometimes his other cat.
These characters are bare-bone, but I think that may be intentional so the reader can project their own cat-human relationship. I was personally imagining myself with my orange cat having these conversations.
There is no direct story, but it has a few plot points that get picked up and resolved on the way. Important note, this book is dialogue only. No descriptions, no third person view, this is dialogue only.
I really enjoyed the conversations. They felt relatively realistic. This is what I imagine my cats would say to me and demand of me. Very funny, as a cat owner. I also enjoyed the fact that it was dialogue only. This kind of format is rare, but very refreshing to see. Looped me out of a pretty rough reading slump.
Intended audience is naturally cat owners. Anyone with cats can relate to parts of or every single conversation. I would also like to say that it is directed at adults, as the humor feels a little more adult. Not explicit necessarily, but the tone is a little adult.
I am giving this 3.5 stars. Refreshing, quick read. Not groundbreaking, but did what it set out to do. I would recommend this to anyone with cats and a little time on their hands.
Thank you to NetGalley and Daft Notions for the ARC. My opinions are my own.
TLDR: If your cat could converse with you, this is very likely what they would say to you. 3.5 stars
In this book we follow conversations between an owner and mostly his new orange cat, sometimes his other cat.
These characters are bare-bone, but I think that may be intentional so the reader can project their own cat-human relationship. I was personally imagining myself with my orange cat having these conversations.
There is no direct story, but it has a few plot points that get picked up and resolved on the way. Important note, this book is dialogue only. No descriptions, no third person view, this is dialogue only.
I really enjoyed the conversations. They felt relatively realistic. This is what I imagine my cats would say to me and demand of me. Very funny, as a cat owner. I also enjoyed the fact that it was dialogue only. This kind of format is rare, but very refreshing to see. Looped me out of a pretty rough reading slump.
Intended audience is naturally cat owners. Anyone with cats can relate to parts of or every single conversation. I would also like to say that it is directed at adults, as the humor feels a little more adult. Not explicit necessarily, but the tone is a little adult.
I am giving this 3.5 stars. Refreshing, quick read. Not groundbreaking, but did what it set out to do. I would recommend this to anyone with cats and a little time on their hands.
November 17, 2023
Co-authored by Chuck McKenzie and his cat, MacReady McKenzie, with whom most of the conversations were conducted (though Ripley McKenzie, also a feline and probably the most serious member of the household, sporadically lets her thoughts be known.)
You don't have to have owned or even known a cat to enjoy reading Conversations With My Cat, but those of us who have been owned by moggies (ask any cat owner, it's never the other way round) will be nodding heads and rolling eyes at some of the exchanges, or else breathing a sigh of relief their cat hasn't thought of that (yet). Consider hiding this book from your cat lest they get inspired!
Written in script form, which concentrates the reader's attention on the dialogue and intensifies the humour, of which there is plenty, it's the reading equivilent of drinking your cordial neat. The conversations are short and punchy, with plenty of LOL moments. Each one stands alone, so the reader can dip in and out of the book at random.
I was fortunate enough to read a prototype of this book and knew I wanted to own a copy of the published version. I also bought a copy as a gift for a cat-loving friend
You don't have to have owned or even known a cat to enjoy reading Conversations With My Cat, but those of us who have been owned by moggies (ask any cat owner, it's never the other way round) will be nodding heads and rolling eyes at some of the exchanges, or else breathing a sigh of relief their cat hasn't thought of that (yet). Consider hiding this book from your cat lest they get inspired!
Written in script form, which concentrates the reader's attention on the dialogue and intensifies the humour, of which there is plenty, it's the reading equivilent of drinking your cordial neat. The conversations are short and punchy, with plenty of LOL moments. Each one stands alone, so the reader can dip in and out of the book at random.
I was fortunate enough to read a prototype of this book and knew I wanted to own a copy of the published version. I also bought a copy as a gift for a cat-loving friend
June 7, 2025
I have not named the cats in the title of the post, only for clarity. I do not follow the author on any social media and therefore this was my first introduction to the conversations and the cats involved.
The language used in some of the conversations was not to my taste, but otherwise I found it funny and a good read. It is the kind of book that cat people would probably find more in-jokes than other non-cat people. My sister has a cat. His personality is nothing like Macready or Ripley’s so I could not imagine their cat behaving this way, but my little experience with cats definitely gave me enough content to definitely imagine the conversations I read. It made sense.
There is not much more that I can say since the author very helpfully gave the most accurate title that this book can have and the purpose of the pages is quite clearly explained. Some chapters were funnier than others but overall I would recommend it to anyone who finds the concept interesting.
I received an ARC thanks to Netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.
The language used in some of the conversations was not to my taste, but otherwise I found it funny and a good read. It is the kind of book that cat people would probably find more in-jokes than other non-cat people. My sister has a cat. His personality is nothing like Macready or Ripley’s so I could not imagine their cat behaving this way, but my little experience with cats definitely gave me enough content to definitely imagine the conversations I read. It made sense.
There is not much more that I can say since the author very helpfully gave the most accurate title that this book can have and the purpose of the pages is quite clearly explained. Some chapters were funnier than others but overall I would recommend it to anyone who finds the concept interesting.
I received an ARC thanks to Netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.
January 15, 2024
Princess Fuzzypants here: Chuck is owned by two kitties, MacReady and Ripley. Ripley chimes in occasionally but most of the conversations takes place between Chuck and MacReady. I suspect that most, if not all, humans who live with a cat- notice I did not say “own”- have experienced similar dialogues. If not verbatim, the gist of the conversation is probably repeated in all feline households in one form or another. Humans are so painfully hard to train and it taxes the most patient kitty. We are constantly reminded that they are, after all, only human.
My Momma was laughing out loud while reading the book. She said it was very funny. Humans are so easily amused. But I have to admit MacReady does have a witty banter and if nothing else, it is a good reminder to us of the feline persuasion of the many trials and tribulations we face in dealing with our humans. *Paw on forehead*
Five purrs and two paws up.
My Momma was laughing out loud while reading the book. She said it was very funny. Humans are so easily amused. But I have to admit MacReady does have a witty banter and if nothing else, it is a good reminder to us of the feline persuasion of the many trials and tribulations we face in dealing with our humans. *Paw on forehead*
Five purrs and two paws up.
August 18, 2025
“Human civilization would be utterly crap without cats.”
Have you ever thought about what conversations would be like between you and your kitty if you could understand one another? This book is exactly what those conversations would be like. Whether it’s why you must leave them for 40 hours a week at “work” or what/when feeding time exactly is or their love of catnip. Most of these conversations and more play out between Chuck and MacReady. I was laughing the whole time. It is worth the read for any cat lover.
#ThxNetGalley #ChuckMcKenzie #ConversationsWithMyCat
Merged review:
“Human civilization would be utterly crap without cats.”
Have you ever thought about what conversations would be like between you and your kitty if you could understand one another? This book is exactly what those conversations would be like. Whether it’s why you must leave them for 40 hours a week at “work” or what/when feeding time exactly is or their love of catnip. Most of these conversations and more play out between Chuck and MacReady. I was laughing the whole time. It is worth the read for any cat lover.
#ThxNetGalley #ChuckMcKenzie #ConversationsWithMyCat
Have you ever thought about what conversations would be like between you and your kitty if you could understand one another? This book is exactly what those conversations would be like. Whether it’s why you must leave them for 40 hours a week at “work” or what/when feeding time exactly is or their love of catnip. Most of these conversations and more play out between Chuck and MacReady. I was laughing the whole time. It is worth the read for any cat lover.
#ThxNetGalley #ChuckMcKenzie #ConversationsWithMyCat
Merged review:
“Human civilization would be utterly crap without cats.”
Have you ever thought about what conversations would be like between you and your kitty if you could understand one another? This book is exactly what those conversations would be like. Whether it’s why you must leave them for 40 hours a week at “work” or what/when feeding time exactly is or their love of catnip. Most of these conversations and more play out between Chuck and MacReady. I was laughing the whole time. It is worth the read for any cat lover.
#ThxNetGalley #ChuckMcKenzie #ConversationsWithMyCat
November 10, 2023
This was a short read, but it was very fun and entertaining. I think all pet owners like to have their own "conversations" with their pets, and I did relate to some of the conversations that Chuck had with his cat, MacReady. I did actually laugh out loud several times while I was reading this, and it cheered me up. There was some profanity, which I know may not be to everyone's taste, so maybe the conversations and the humour in this book wouldn't be for everyone. Personally though, I found this very funny, and if you're a cat owner or cat lover, you might like it too.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
November 1, 2023
Every cat owner (I mean cat servant) needs to read this one. It is completely relatable!
Macready - with his witty, aloof, snarky and altogether hysterical "typical cat" responses to his house mate Chuck is great. So funny.
It is a perfect representation of what I imagine MY cat is thinking and would say, if she could!! Seriously, just so on point!
Chuck has verbalized the same statements as I have, and I felt completely connected to his emotions surrounding their relationship. This is a very entertaining and engaging read.
I recommend this read. I thank the author for his creativity, and Netgalley for my free ARC of this book. I voluntarily leave my review.
Macready - with his witty, aloof, snarky and altogether hysterical "typical cat" responses to his house mate Chuck is great. So funny.
It is a perfect representation of what I imagine MY cat is thinking and would say, if she could!! Seriously, just so on point!
Chuck has verbalized the same statements as I have, and I felt completely connected to his emotions surrounding their relationship. This is a very entertaining and engaging read.
I recommend this read. I thank the author for his creativity, and Netgalley for my free ARC of this book. I voluntarily leave my review.
February 12, 2025
Conversations With My Cat is exactly what it sounds like—hilarious, weirdly insightful, and full of those deep, ridiculous thoughts every cat owner has had but never voiced out loud. The book bounces between philosophy, life’s big questions, and, of course, cat-induced chaos, all wrapped up in a witty and charming dialogue between man and feline. I absolutely loved how it made me laugh out loud while sneaking in some unexpectedly profound moments. If you’ve ever argued with a cat (and lost), you need to get this book.
October 16, 2023
128 pages
5 stars !!!!!!!!!
This is an absolutely delightful book! I’ve even had some of the same conversations with my collection of moggies.
This little book is a must for any cat lover, or someone who just wants to know what cats think about…
I want to thank NetGalley and Daft Notions for forwarding this book to me so that I may read, enjoy and review it. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.
5 stars !!!!!!!!!
This is an absolutely delightful book! I’ve even had some of the same conversations with my collection of moggies.
This little book is a must for any cat lover, or someone who just wants to know what cats think about…
I want to thank NetGalley and Daft Notions for forwarding this book to me so that I may read, enjoy and review it. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.
October 31, 2023
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The best thing about anything cat related on the internet is the pictures of cats. Unfortunately this book does not have any pictures and personally it made it hard for me to enjoy. Yes I've had similar conversations with my cats so has every cat owner. The conversations themselves werent funny. I dont think they even managed to get half a smile out of me.
The best thing about anything cat related on the internet is the pictures of cats. Unfortunately this book does not have any pictures and personally it made it hard for me to enjoy. Yes I've had similar conversations with my cats so has every cat owner. The conversations themselves werent funny. I dont think they even managed to get half a smile out of me.
February 6, 2025
I swear my cat rolled her eyes at me while I read this. 🐱💀 Ever wonder why your cat stares at you like you're an idiot while you open the door for them for the 50th time? This book GETS IT. Conversations With My Cat is a wild ride through politics, poop, and existential feline dilemmas. It’s witty, it’s weird, and it made me snort-laugh in public. Read it if you love cats. Read it if you love sarcasm. Just read it. 🐾📖😂
February 7, 2025
Conversations with My Cat is one of the funniest books I’ve read in ages. The dynamic between a wise, world-weary older cat who rules his domain, and a mischievous, overconfident kitten had me laughing out loud on nearly every page. Their exchanges perfectly capture the hilarious frustrations and joys of living with cats. I’ve already recommended this book to all my fellow cat owners, if you share your home with a feline, you’ll instantly relate to these all too familiar antics!
February 9, 2025
A hilarious, sarcastic, and fun read. If our cats could talk, what would they have to say to us? Bite-size chapters of conversations between the author and his cats are quick reads that are sure to make you laugh. And who doesn't love cats and laughter? Purrfect reading with your favorite cat(s) nearby.
Thank you to Daft Notions and NetGalley for the advance reader's digital copy. #ConversationsWithMyCat #NetGalley
Thank you to Daft Notions and NetGalley for the advance reader's digital copy. #ConversationsWithMyCat #NetGalley
March 1, 2025
Conversations With My Cat is a short read featuring many of the conversations cat owners have with their pets ("feed me", for example), posed as a two way discussion where the human comes out looking clueless and the catsnarky and sarcastic.
I wanted to like this, but found it repetitive and the humor fell a little flat for my taste.
~Many thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ~
I wanted to like this, but found it repetitive and the humor fell a little flat for my taste.
~Many thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ~
March 22, 2025
Thank you Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book. The opinions written are completely honest and my own.
Although I did find the book numerous and entertaining, I feel like it would be better suited a a comic strip style book. It would lend itself to illustrations so we'll and would give it the extra push. However McReady and Chuck's relationship is relatable and I think cat owners will enjoy it
Although I did find the book numerous and entertaining, I feel like it would be better suited a a comic strip style book. It would lend itself to illustrations so we'll and would give it the extra push. However McReady and Chuck's relationship is relatable and I think cat owners will enjoy it
March 30, 2025
This was a fun, easy read and perfect for cat lovers. Written as the author talking with his cats, and the cats answering back! It was fun, had some amusing parts which made me laugh out, and I could just imagine my cat answering back to me like his did. There were more to some of the chapters, some however were very short. I liked most of the book but did find, towards the end, that there is only so many conversations between the author and his cats that I could read about! It's a fairly short read, so easy to finish in a day or so.
January 17, 2024
This made me laugh so loud and often, the cats left the room. These conversations felt like echoes of some of the 'talks' I've had with my own cats...with just about as much success. I loved it! It's not for the kiddies, though (who knew cats had such litterbox (er potty) mouths.)
I received an ARC from StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
I received an ARC from StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews