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James Herriot's Cat Stories
Between the covers of this perfect gift book, teller and tales finally meet in a warm and joyful new collection that will bring delight to the hearts of readers the world James Herriot's Cat Stories .
Here are Buster, the kitten who arrived on Christmas; Alfred, the cat at the sweet shop; little Emily, who lived with the gentleman tramp; and Olly and Ginny, the kittens who charmed readers when they first appeared at the Herriots' house in the worldwide bestseller Every Living Thing .
And along with these come others, each story as memorable and heartwarming as the last, each told with that magical blend of gentle wit and human compassion that marks every word from James Herriot's pen.
Here are Buster, the kitten who arrived on Christmas; Alfred, the cat at the sweet shop; little Emily, who lived with the gentleman tramp; and Olly and Ginny, the kittens who charmed readers when they first appeared at the Herriots' house in the worldwide bestseller Every Living Thing .
And along with these come others, each story as memorable and heartwarming as the last, each told with that magical blend of gentle wit and human compassion that marks every word from James Herriot's pen.
176 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1994
91 people are currently reading
3937 people want to read
About the author
James Herriot
268 books3,373 followersJames Herriot is the pen name of James Alfred Wight, OBE, FRCVS also known as Alf Wight, an English veterinary surgeon and writer. Wight is best known for his semi-autobiographical stories, often referred to collectively as All Creatures Great and Small, a title used in some editions and in film and television adaptations.
In 1939, at the age of 23, he qualified as a veterinary surgeon with Glasgow Veterinary College. In January 1940, he took a brief job at a veterinary practice in Sunderland, but moved in July to work in a rural practice based in the town of Thirsk, Yorkshire, close to the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors, where he was to remain for the rest of his life. The original practice is now a museum, "The World of James Herriot".
Wight intended for years to write a book, but with most of his time consumed by veterinary practice and family, his writing ambition went nowhere. Challenged by his wife, in 1966 (at the age of 50), he began writing. In 1969 Wight wrote If Only They Could Talk, the first of the now-famous series based on his life working as a vet and his training in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. Owing in part to professional etiquette which at that time frowned on veterinary surgeons and other professionals from advertising their services, he took a pen name, choosing "James Herriot". If Only They Could Talk was published in the United Kingdom in 1970 by Michael Joseph Ltd, but sales were slow until Thomas McCormack, of St. Martin's Press in New York City, received a copy and arranged to have the first two books published as a single volume in the United States. The resulting book, titled All Creatures Great and Small, was an overnight success, spawning numerous sequels, movies, and a successful television adaptation.
In his books, Wight calls the town where he lives and works Darrowby, which he based largely on the towns of Thirsk and Sowerby. He also renamed Donald Sinclair and his brother Brian Sinclair as Siegfried and Tristan Farnon, respectively. Wight's books are only partially autobiographical. Many of the stories are only loosely based on real events or people, and thus can be considered primarily fiction.
The Herriot books are often described as "animal stories" (Wight himself was known to refer to them as his "little cat-and-dog stories"), and given that they are about the life of a country veterinarian, animals certainly play a significant role in most of the stories. Yet animals play a lesser, sometimes even a negligible role in many of Wight's tales: the overall theme of his stories is Yorkshire country life, with its people and their animals primary elements that provide its distinct character. Further, it is Wight's shrewd observations of persons, animals, and their close inter-relationship, which give his writing much of its savour. Wight was just as interested in their owners as he was in his patients, and his writing is, at root, an amiable but keen comment on the human condition. The Yorkshire animals provide the element of pain and drama; the role of their owners is to feel and express joy, sadness, sometimes triumph. The animal characters also prevent Wight's stories from becoming twee or melodramatic — animals, unlike some humans, do not pretend to be ailing, nor have they imaginary complaints and needless fears. Their ill-health is real, not the result of flaws in their character which they avoid mending. In an age of social uncertainties, when there seem to be no remedies for anything, Wight's stories of resolute grappling with mysterious bacterial foes or severe injuries have an almost heroic quality, giving the reader a sense of assurance, even hope. Best of all, James Herriot has an abundant humour about himself and his difficulties. He never feels superior to any living thing, and is ever eager to learn — about animal doctoring, and about his fellow human creature.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/jamesh...
In 1939, at the age of 23, he qualified as a veterinary surgeon with Glasgow Veterinary College. In January 1940, he took a brief job at a veterinary practice in Sunderland, but moved in July to work in a rural practice based in the town of Thirsk, Yorkshire, close to the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors, where he was to remain for the rest of his life. The original practice is now a museum, "The World of James Herriot".
Wight intended for years to write a book, but with most of his time consumed by veterinary practice and family, his writing ambition went nowhere. Challenged by his wife, in 1966 (at the age of 50), he began writing. In 1969 Wight wrote If Only They Could Talk, the first of the now-famous series based on his life working as a vet and his training in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. Owing in part to professional etiquette which at that time frowned on veterinary surgeons and other professionals from advertising their services, he took a pen name, choosing "James Herriot". If Only They Could Talk was published in the United Kingdom in 1970 by Michael Joseph Ltd, but sales were slow until Thomas McCormack, of St. Martin's Press in New York City, received a copy and arranged to have the first two books published as a single volume in the United States. The resulting book, titled All Creatures Great and Small, was an overnight success, spawning numerous sequels, movies, and a successful television adaptation.
In his books, Wight calls the town where he lives and works Darrowby, which he based largely on the towns of Thirsk and Sowerby. He also renamed Donald Sinclair and his brother Brian Sinclair as Siegfried and Tristan Farnon, respectively. Wight's books are only partially autobiographical. Many of the stories are only loosely based on real events or people, and thus can be considered primarily fiction.
The Herriot books are often described as "animal stories" (Wight himself was known to refer to them as his "little cat-and-dog stories"), and given that they are about the life of a country veterinarian, animals certainly play a significant role in most of the stories. Yet animals play a lesser, sometimes even a negligible role in many of Wight's tales: the overall theme of his stories is Yorkshire country life, with its people and their animals primary elements that provide its distinct character. Further, it is Wight's shrewd observations of persons, animals, and their close inter-relationship, which give his writing much of its savour. Wight was just as interested in their owners as he was in his patients, and his writing is, at root, an amiable but keen comment on the human condition. The Yorkshire animals provide the element of pain and drama; the role of their owners is to feel and express joy, sadness, sometimes triumph. The animal characters also prevent Wight's stories from becoming twee or melodramatic — animals, unlike some humans, do not pretend to be ailing, nor have they imaginary complaints and needless fears. Their ill-health is real, not the result of flaws in their character which they avoid mending. In an age of social uncertainties, when there seem to be no remedies for anything, Wight's stories of resolute grappling with mysterious bacterial foes or severe injuries have an almost heroic quality, giving the reader a sense of assurance, even hope. Best of all, James Herriot has an abundant humour about himself and his difficulties. He never feels superior to any living thing, and is ever eager to learn — about animal doctoring, and about his fellow human creature.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/jamesh...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 755 reviews
March 21, 2023
James Herriot endears himself to readers through the affection and care he displays to his feline friends, and to the people who love and care for them.
May 5, 2019
A delightful book for cat lovers and animal lovers in general. An easy read to pick up when we have a few minutes to relax and enjoy the read. I loved it but I am one of the very many fans of James Herriot.
December 4, 2017
This book is a collection of some of Herriot’s cat stories. The book is well written and is a delight to read. I enjoy Herriot’s books in the audiobook format so I can thoroughly enjoy the various accents. Anyone who enjoys animal stores will love this book. It is acceptable for all ages. I find the Herriot books most relaxing and I feel good after reading them. This book was originally published in 1994.
James Herriot (1916-1995) is the pen name of James Alfred Wight, a veterinarian. Wight wrote under a pseudonym to avoid having problems with the ethical rules of not advertising a veterinary practice. The books are autobiographical. His first book was published in 1969.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is three hours. Christopher Timothy does a good job narrating the book. Timothy is a Welsh actor and played Herriot in the BBC production of “All Things Great and Small”. He is an award-winning audiobook narrator.
James Herriot (1916-1995) is the pen name of James Alfred Wight, a veterinarian. Wight wrote under a pseudonym to avoid having problems with the ethical rules of not advertising a veterinary practice. The books are autobiographical. His first book was published in 1969.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is three hours. Christopher Timothy does a good job narrating the book. Timothy is a Welsh actor and played Herriot in the BBC production of “All Things Great and Small”. He is an award-winning audiobook narrator.
August 30, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed the heartwarming short stories that focused on felines throughout Herriot's vetinary career. The illustrations are lovely-ensuring this book will always remain on my bookshelf.
February 13, 2011
My wife loves cats and she had this book in the car as we were driving back to our home in Eagle Mountain after a visit to the warmer climate of St. George. She sometimes reads to me as we ride along and she picked James Herriot's Cat Stories on this trip. I'm a cat tolerater, but hearing the delightful stories in this book almost converted me to cat lover. Herriot has a charming way of relating his stories and his love for animals shines through, whether he's writing about cats, as in this book, or any of the many other kinds of animals he deals with in his other books. And his stories always seem to have a happy ending. I know that isn't necessarily popular these days, but I like it.
October 24, 2016
When I was a child my mother and I loved Herriot’s memoirs of life as a primarily large-animal veterinarian in Yorkshire. One story from this volume – the final, Christmas-themed one – is familiar from a picture book we brought out around the holidays. The rest are all drawn from the memoirs, though, so the fact that I don’t remember them must be a function of time; it could be as many as 22 years since I last picked up a Herriot book! In any case, these are charming tales about gentle medical mysteries and even the most aloof of stray cats becoming devoted pets. I especially liked “Alfred: The Sweet-Shop Cat” and “Oscar: The Socialite Cat,” about two endearing creatures known around the village. I also appreciated Herriot’s observation that “cats are connoisseurs of comfort.” With cute watercolor illustrations, this little book would make a great gift for any cat lover.
Included in my recent blog post on books about cats.
Included in my recent blog post on books about cats.
February 22, 2023
A book gifted to me by a beloved aunt in 2005 (who has since passed away). Beautiful short stories and illustrations (and inscription) make this a treasure.
November 29, 2025
I love love love James Herriot's All Creatures Great and Small series (and of course, I mean the novels here, although I also simply adore the ORIGINAL PBS television series starring Christopher Timothy, Robert Hardy and Peter Davidson as James, Siegfried and Tristan, as well as Carol Drinkwater/Lynda Bellingham as Helen but NOT AT ALL the more recent one, which is annoyingly different from the books and also seems bent on taking on a strange, artificial and anachronistic feminism and sense of inauthentic modernity that totally makes me cringe). And yes, I absolutely do adore everything about these novels (which I have read as the omnibuses All Creatures Great and Small, All Things Bright and Beautiful, All Things Wise and Wonderful, The Lord God Made Them All and Every Living Thing) and about James Herriot's (Alfred Wight's) narratives both in general and also more specifically (Herriot's storytelling, his thematics, from the combination of gentle humour and realism to the fact that the Yorkshire Dales themselves almost appear like an individual and living, breathing character, that landscape is as much an integral part of the featured texts as James Herriot and his wife Helen, as Siegfried and Tristan Farnon and as the Yorkshire farmers and eccentric characters like Granville Bennett, Mrs. Pumphrey and Eugene Ireson are, and with not just humour but also tragedy, pain and heartbreak being shown and presented, since life as a veterinarian and also as an animal lover of course has its major ups and downs for Herriot and in fact for everyone encountered in the All Creatures Great and Small books).
However, while my ratings for the All Creatures Great and Small novels (for the above listed five omnibuses) have been solidly five and four stars (and totally count as favourite comfort reading treasures for me and are reread as such constantly), to be honest, albeit the published in 1994 James Herriot's Cat Stories has a nice and very sweetly readable collection of ten stories from the All Creatures Great and Small series that feature cats as the main characters and participants (with lovely accompanying illustrations and an introduction by James Herriot that quite glowingly shows him to be hugely and totally a cat enthusiast, an avid cat fancier), well, because all of the presented feline themed accounts are not actually individual cat tales in and of themselves but just bits and pieces that have been taken and gleaned by James Herriot from his veterinarian memoirs, for all of these tales, I sure am missing a lot of the context and the James Herriot as a farm veterinarian scope, feel and vision. And since I actually have always most enjoyed and appreciated the farm veterinarian angle of All Creatures Great and Small and the sequels, how James Herriot is first and foremost catering to livestock and not specialising like his friend and fellow veterinarian Granville Bennett in small animals (in pet dogs, pet cats and the like), for me, James Herriot's Cat Stories, they are nice enough, but are basically very much a distant second place to the full texts of his memoirs (with the narratives of James Herriot's Cat Stories often feeling a bit like chapters weirdly yanked out of the omnibuses and existing sans adequate beginnings and endings, still decently readable and enjoyable, of course, but for me and to me, James Herriot's Cat Stories are only a three star reading experience at best and generally work much better in the novels where they originally appear).
But actually and finally, what was originally a three star rating for me regarding James Herriot's Cat Stories is on reflection only a high two stars now. For while in James Herriot's Dog Stories, canine themed scenarios and events both positive and negative (including, disease, death and deliberate animal cruelty) are equally presented, well, I personally do find it totally annoying and also majorly problematic that in James Herriot's Cat Stories many of the more traumatic feline accounts that are presented and featured in the omnibuses have seemingly been rather deliberately ignored and do not appear in James Herriot's Cat Stories. And indeed, I definitely and loudly thus call major BS on the fact that for example the stories of Fred the cat being abused by bullies and then dying of an untreatable kidney infection in The Lord God Made Them All and of the Bramleys' cats dying en masse of feline distemper in All Creatures Great and Small and with there also being no adequate medicine available for James Herriot to administer not making their way into James Herriot's Cat Stories. Because while accounts of feline suffering, abuse and death are of course painful and devastating, this is part of life and also something that James Herriot did experience as a veterinarian and did write about in the All Creatures Great and Small novels (and should therefore and in my humble opinion also be a part of James Herriot's Cat Stories).
However, while my ratings for the All Creatures Great and Small novels (for the above listed five omnibuses) have been solidly five and four stars (and totally count as favourite comfort reading treasures for me and are reread as such constantly), to be honest, albeit the published in 1994 James Herriot's Cat Stories has a nice and very sweetly readable collection of ten stories from the All Creatures Great and Small series that feature cats as the main characters and participants (with lovely accompanying illustrations and an introduction by James Herriot that quite glowingly shows him to be hugely and totally a cat enthusiast, an avid cat fancier), well, because all of the presented feline themed accounts are not actually individual cat tales in and of themselves but just bits and pieces that have been taken and gleaned by James Herriot from his veterinarian memoirs, for all of these tales, I sure am missing a lot of the context and the James Herriot as a farm veterinarian scope, feel and vision. And since I actually have always most enjoyed and appreciated the farm veterinarian angle of All Creatures Great and Small and the sequels, how James Herriot is first and foremost catering to livestock and not specialising like his friend and fellow veterinarian Granville Bennett in small animals (in pet dogs, pet cats and the like), for me, James Herriot's Cat Stories, they are nice enough, but are basically very much a distant second place to the full texts of his memoirs (with the narratives of James Herriot's Cat Stories often feeling a bit like chapters weirdly yanked out of the omnibuses and existing sans adequate beginnings and endings, still decently readable and enjoyable, of course, but for me and to me, James Herriot's Cat Stories are only a three star reading experience at best and generally work much better in the novels where they originally appear).
But actually and finally, what was originally a three star rating for me regarding James Herriot's Cat Stories is on reflection only a high two stars now. For while in James Herriot's Dog Stories, canine themed scenarios and events both positive and negative (including, disease, death and deliberate animal cruelty) are equally presented, well, I personally do find it totally annoying and also majorly problematic that in James Herriot's Cat Stories many of the more traumatic feline accounts that are presented and featured in the omnibuses have seemingly been rather deliberately ignored and do not appear in James Herriot's Cat Stories. And indeed, I definitely and loudly thus call major BS on the fact that for example the stories of Fred the cat being abused by bullies and then dying of an untreatable kidney infection in The Lord God Made Them All and of the Bramleys' cats dying en masse of feline distemper in All Creatures Great and Small and with there also being no adequate medicine available for James Herriot to administer not making their way into James Herriot's Cat Stories. Because while accounts of feline suffering, abuse and death are of course painful and devastating, this is part of life and also something that James Herriot did experience as a veterinarian and did write about in the All Creatures Great and Small novels (and should therefore and in my humble opinion also be a part of James Herriot's Cat Stories).
March 11, 2019
Always have been, and always will be, a fiercely convinced dog-person; nonetheless in my childhood my mother would read Herriot's cat stories to me as bedtime tales and my enjoyment was undeniable.
I remember being engrossed with the kitty adventures and clinging to my blankets anxiously awaiting a happy ending for all Herriot's patients. I enjoyed all the sweet water color illustrations I'd stare at while my mum would carefully narrate stories of variably ill cats, possibly feeling tenderness and sympathy for these majestic creatures that I've sadly never been very fond of.
Given that these are my feelings as a proud dog lover, I'm positive that anyone, unlike me, living in Kitty City would absolutely adore this book.
I remember being engrossed with the kitty adventures and clinging to my blankets anxiously awaiting a happy ending for all Herriot's patients. I enjoyed all the sweet water color illustrations I'd stare at while my mum would carefully narrate stories of variably ill cats, possibly feeling tenderness and sympathy for these majestic creatures that I've sadly never been very fond of.
Given that these are my feelings as a proud dog lover, I'm positive that anyone, unlike me, living in Kitty City would absolutely adore this book.
August 26, 2015
A series of stories involving cats in James Herriot's neighborhood. ALFRED a cat that liked to watch his master in his sweet shop as he waited on customers. OSCAR was saved from near death by Dr. Herriot. His family came looking for him and were elated. He was a social cat, attending gatherings all over town. BUSTER who loved to retrieve a ball. The author had a great love for all cats and wanted most of all to see them healthy and well cared for. The book was illustrated beautifully.
January 18, 2023
2023 reread, and I'm kicking it up to 4.5 stars. Herriot is a great storyteller. His story of chasing Boris around Mrs. Bond's cat establishment had me in stitches! "Old Herriot may be limited, but by God he can wrap a cat." Heh. Except for Boris! -- who didn't stay wrapped for long. Seigfreid! Mrs. Bond made it clear she didn't want him coming back . . .
Most highly recommended for cat-lovers, and some of his stories will bring a tear to your eye. But there are some happy endings too. You've likely seen some of these stories before, but trust me, there just as good for the second or third time!
Most highly recommended for cat-lovers, and some of his stories will bring a tear to your eye. But there are some happy endings too. You've likely seen some of these stories before, but trust me, there just as good for the second or third time!
December 25, 2021
I've been reading James Herriot since those years when I used to select library books for my grandmother. She loved his work, because of the gentleness and also, of course, because of the complete lack of profanity. (Only one mild cuss was enough to damn a book in her judgement.)
This collection of cat stories contains some classics (such as Oscar, the socialite) as well as some pieces that are no more than vignettes. However, every cat story, just like every cat, is complete in itself, even if a bit too brief and mysterious.
This collection of cat stories contains some classics (such as Oscar, the socialite) as well as some pieces that are no more than vignettes. However, every cat story, just like every cat, is complete in itself, even if a bit too brief and mysterious.
August 7, 2017
Wonderful and very comforting stories about the cats that James Herriot encountered on his many years of veterinary rounds in the Yorkshire dales.
July 7, 2016
"Mungkin saja. Dia makhluk kecil dengan insting keibuan dan perhatian. Sepertinya dia sedang mencari rumah yang baik untuk anak-anaknya. Dia tak mau pergi hingga anak-anaknya bisa mandiri, dan mungkin sekarang dia kembali pada kehidupannya yang liar. Dia benar-benar kucing liar." (James Herriot - Cat Stories, hal. 97)
Cat Stories adalah salah satu buku James Herriot yang diterjemahkan ke dalam bahasa Indonesia dan diterbitkan oleh Gramedia Pustaka Utama. Buku ini merupakan kumpulan kisah yang diceritakan oleh James Herriot sebagai "Aku". Kisah-kisah tersebut adalah:
1. Alfred, Si Kucing Toko Permen yang mengisahkan seekor kucing bernama Alfred yang selalu diam di salah satu sudut di toko permen milik Geoffrey Hatfield.
2. Oscar, Si Kucing Sosialita yang mengisahkan seekor kucing yang berhasil diselamatkan nyawanya oleh Mr. Herriot dan diberi nama Oscar (nama sebenarnya Tiger) yang memiliki hobi yang sangat aneh: Oscar (Tiger) adalah seekor kucing yang senang bersosialisasi dan mengunjungi perkumpulan.
3. Boris dan Kucing-Kucing Mrs. Bond yang menceritakan kisah Mr. Herriot setiap kali dia mengunjungi rumah Mrs. Bond, khususnya dengan kucing liar berbadan besar yang dipanggil Boris.
4. Olly dan Ginny, Kucing yang Datang untuk Menetap. Kisah ini menceritakan tentang dua ekor anak kucing liar, yang selalu diberi makan bersama induknya oleh Mrs. Herriot namun tidak pernah bisa didekati. Suatu hari sang induk tidak pernah muncul lagi. Keluarga Herriot mengetahui dari petugas kebersihan mereka kalau sang induk kucing adalah kucing liar dan selalu hidup di alam bebas. Kemudian Mrs. Herriot memberi nama kedua anak kucing liar tersebut Olly dan Ginny, dan keduanya pun akhirnya menetap di gudang milik mereka.
5. Emily dan Pria Pengelana, sebuah kisah tentang seorang pria pengelana yang tinggal dengan kucing betinanya bernama Emily.
6.Olly dan Ginny, Menetap. Kembali lagi ke kisah kedua anak kucing liar. Keduanya tetap tinggal di gudang keluarga Herriot namun tetap sulit didekati Mr. Herriot.
7. Moses, Ditemukan di Semak-Semak. Tentang seekor kucing hitam yang bernama Moses yang ditemukan di balik semak-semak di sebuah peternakan.
8. Frisk, Kucing dengan Banyak Nyawa. Tentang Frisk dan pemiliknya Dick yang sudah tua dan mengidap kanker ganas. Dick tadinya tinggal sendirian setelah istrinya tidak ada, lalu datanglah Frisk yang mengubah hidupnya menjadi lebih berwarna dan penuh tawa.
9. Olly dan Ginny, Kemenangan Terbesar. Kali ini Mr. Herriot mencoba kembali mendekati Olly dan Ginny. Meskipun sulit, namun perlahan-lahan keduanya mau membuka diri mereka pada Mr. Herriot.
10. Buster, Si Kucing Penangkap. Seekor anak kucing yang, dengan perjuangan induknya yang mengidap kanker ganas, dibawa ke rumah Mrs. Ainsworth. Mrs. Ainsworth tidak pernah memiliki dan memelihara kucing, apalagi dia memiliki tiga ekor anjing. Kedatangan Buster, yang memiliki hobi yang agak berbeda dengan kucing lain, menjadi hadiah yang indah bagi Mrs. Ainsworth.
Kesan saya? Keren. Hebat. Awalnya saya membeli novel ini karena terbujuk dengan judulnya, Kisah-Kisah Kucing. Sebagai penyuka hewan berbulu ini, saya penasaran seperti apa isinya. Sebelumnya saya sudah mencari tahu sedikit tentang James Herriot melalui Goodreads. Dan ternyata tidak mengecewakan. Mr. Herriot bagai membawa saya ikut merasakan kisah-kisah yang beliau tuliskan di sini. Saya hampir menangis membaca setiap ceritanya. Dan saya benar-benar bisa memahami perasaan Mr. Herriot saat ditolak oleh Olly dan Ginny.
Tidak hanya kisahnya yang menarik. Kata Pengantarnya pun menarik untuk dibaca. Mr. Herriot menceritakan sedikit tentang dirinya dan kesukaannya akan kucing. And I can relate to his story. Banyak yang mungkin beranggapan kalau kucing hanya menyayangi diri mereka sendiri. It's a big no! Seumur hidup saya yang lahir, makan dan tumbuh dengan kucing-kucing liar dan kucing-kucing yang dibuang di depan rumah saya, saya bisa katakan mereka memiliki cara tersendiri untuk menyatakan kasih sayang mereka pada majikannya. Dan saya setuju 100% dengan apa yang diungkapkan Mr. Herriot di dalam buku ini.
Buku ini juga mengajarkan kepada kita, manusia, untuk juga menghormati binatang ini. Jangan menendang, menembak, ataupun menjadikan binatang ini bahan permainan. Di dalam agama saya, kucing memiliki posisi yang sama istimewanya. Sekali lagi saya setuju dengan cara pandang Mr. Herriot tentang kucing.
Buku ini benar-benar sangat menarik. Selain beberapa kesalahan penulisan nama seperti "Hatfield" menjadi "Harfield" dan "Gibbsons" menjadi "Gibbson", tidak ada kekurangan lain menurut saya
I think I need more stars as this book is so interesting. Probably gonna buy other books Mr. Herriot has written. I still can't get enough of his works. It's amazing.
Cat Stories adalah salah satu buku James Herriot yang diterjemahkan ke dalam bahasa Indonesia dan diterbitkan oleh Gramedia Pustaka Utama. Buku ini merupakan kumpulan kisah yang diceritakan oleh James Herriot sebagai "Aku". Kisah-kisah tersebut adalah:
1. Alfred, Si Kucing Toko Permen yang mengisahkan seekor kucing bernama Alfred yang selalu diam di salah satu sudut di toko permen milik Geoffrey Hatfield.
2. Oscar, Si Kucing Sosialita yang mengisahkan seekor kucing yang berhasil diselamatkan nyawanya oleh Mr. Herriot dan diberi nama Oscar (nama sebenarnya Tiger) yang memiliki hobi yang sangat aneh: Oscar (Tiger) adalah seekor kucing yang senang bersosialisasi dan mengunjungi perkumpulan.
3. Boris dan Kucing-Kucing Mrs. Bond yang menceritakan kisah Mr. Herriot setiap kali dia mengunjungi rumah Mrs. Bond, khususnya dengan kucing liar berbadan besar yang dipanggil Boris.
4. Olly dan Ginny, Kucing yang Datang untuk Menetap. Kisah ini menceritakan tentang dua ekor anak kucing liar, yang selalu diberi makan bersama induknya oleh Mrs. Herriot namun tidak pernah bisa didekati. Suatu hari sang induk tidak pernah muncul lagi. Keluarga Herriot mengetahui dari petugas kebersihan mereka kalau sang induk kucing adalah kucing liar dan selalu hidup di alam bebas. Kemudian Mrs. Herriot memberi nama kedua anak kucing liar tersebut Olly dan Ginny, dan keduanya pun akhirnya menetap di gudang milik mereka.
5. Emily dan Pria Pengelana, sebuah kisah tentang seorang pria pengelana yang tinggal dengan kucing betinanya bernama Emily.
6.Olly dan Ginny, Menetap. Kembali lagi ke kisah kedua anak kucing liar. Keduanya tetap tinggal di gudang keluarga Herriot namun tetap sulit didekati Mr. Herriot.
7. Moses, Ditemukan di Semak-Semak. Tentang seekor kucing hitam yang bernama Moses yang ditemukan di balik semak-semak di sebuah peternakan.
8. Frisk, Kucing dengan Banyak Nyawa. Tentang Frisk dan pemiliknya Dick yang sudah tua dan mengidap kanker ganas. Dick tadinya tinggal sendirian setelah istrinya tidak ada, lalu datanglah Frisk yang mengubah hidupnya menjadi lebih berwarna dan penuh tawa.
9. Olly dan Ginny, Kemenangan Terbesar. Kali ini Mr. Herriot mencoba kembali mendekati Olly dan Ginny. Meskipun sulit, namun perlahan-lahan keduanya mau membuka diri mereka pada Mr. Herriot.
10. Buster, Si Kucing Penangkap. Seekor anak kucing yang, dengan perjuangan induknya yang mengidap kanker ganas, dibawa ke rumah Mrs. Ainsworth. Mrs. Ainsworth tidak pernah memiliki dan memelihara kucing, apalagi dia memiliki tiga ekor anjing. Kedatangan Buster, yang memiliki hobi yang agak berbeda dengan kucing lain, menjadi hadiah yang indah bagi Mrs. Ainsworth.
Kesan saya? Keren. Hebat. Awalnya saya membeli novel ini karena terbujuk dengan judulnya, Kisah-Kisah Kucing. Sebagai penyuka hewan berbulu ini, saya penasaran seperti apa isinya. Sebelumnya saya sudah mencari tahu sedikit tentang James Herriot melalui Goodreads. Dan ternyata tidak mengecewakan. Mr. Herriot bagai membawa saya ikut merasakan kisah-kisah yang beliau tuliskan di sini. Saya hampir menangis membaca setiap ceritanya. Dan saya benar-benar bisa memahami perasaan Mr. Herriot saat ditolak oleh Olly dan Ginny.
Tidak hanya kisahnya yang menarik. Kata Pengantarnya pun menarik untuk dibaca. Mr. Herriot menceritakan sedikit tentang dirinya dan kesukaannya akan kucing. And I can relate to his story. Banyak yang mungkin beranggapan kalau kucing hanya menyayangi diri mereka sendiri. It's a big no! Seumur hidup saya yang lahir, makan dan tumbuh dengan kucing-kucing liar dan kucing-kucing yang dibuang di depan rumah saya, saya bisa katakan mereka memiliki cara tersendiri untuk menyatakan kasih sayang mereka pada majikannya. Dan saya setuju 100% dengan apa yang diungkapkan Mr. Herriot di dalam buku ini.
Buku ini juga mengajarkan kepada kita, manusia, untuk juga menghormati binatang ini. Jangan menendang, menembak, ataupun menjadikan binatang ini bahan permainan. Di dalam agama saya, kucing memiliki posisi yang sama istimewanya. Sekali lagi saya setuju dengan cara pandang Mr. Herriot tentang kucing.
Buku ini benar-benar sangat menarik. Selain beberapa kesalahan penulisan nama seperti "Hatfield" menjadi "Harfield" dan "Gibbsons" menjadi "Gibbson", tidak ada kekurangan lain menurut saya
I think I need more stars as this book is so interesting. Probably gonna buy other books Mr. Herriot has written. I still can't get enough of his works. It's amazing.
October 7, 2021
לקט סיפורים של הווטרינר הכפרי הבריטי הוותיק והמפורסם ג'יימס הריוט, שכולם עוסקים בחתולים שפגש וטיפל בהם. ספר מתוק, מקסים ומרגש לחובבי חתולים כמוני.
August 24, 2019
Kisah yang penuh kucing... kucing.. dan kucing...
Jadi inget kalo di rumah saya itu pasti selalu ada kucing, karena saya selalu melihara kucing. Hingga suatu hari, saya harus pergi ke negeri seberang untuk studi, tak lama setelah saya pergi, kucing saya hilang... TT___TT Kata nenek saya, mungkin dia tahu kalau saya udah nggak ada di rumah, makanya dia pergi.
Terus saya jadi inget dulu pernah baca kisah kucing yang ditinggal pindah rumah sama majikannya, terus dia kabur dari rumahnya yang sekarang (dikasih ke temennya majikannya) dan cari majikan lamanya.. Hauhauu... Oh iya, cerita versi Indonesianya saya nemu disini.
Katanya juga, kucing punya sistem GPS yang canggih. Jadi, mungkin dulu kucing saya nyari saya.. Tapi radar saya menghilang begitu sampai di bandara. Soalnya, saya kan terbang ke luar Indonesia. Huhuhuu...
Dan sekarang, di rumah saya udah nggak ada kucing lagi, karena adeknya si kucing saya itu mati nggak lama setelah melahirkan. Anak-anaknya pun mati karena ketika mereka baru lahir, ada bocah-bocah usil yang megang-megang dan mindahin mereka. Ibunya jadi nggak mau nyusuin mereka, dan meskipun saya sudah berusaha keras untuk memberi mereka susu, tapi saya nggak bisa mempertahankan hidup mereka, karena mereka masih sangat kecil dan saya nggak ada di rumah setiap waktu untuk memberi mereka susu secara rutin... Akhirnya, satu per satu dari mereka meninggalkan dunia fana ini... TT___________TT Dan nggak lama setelah itu, induknya pun mati...
Ah.. tak apa. Itu yang terbaik untuk mereka. Karena di dalam kepala saya, mereka bisa berkumpul kembali bersama-sama, berlari-larian di padang bunga yang indah dan tak akan pernah kelaparan atau kedinginan lagi sepanjang hidupnya...
Jadi inget kalo di rumah saya itu pasti selalu ada kucing, karena saya selalu melihara kucing. Hingga suatu hari, saya harus pergi ke negeri seberang untuk studi, tak lama setelah saya pergi, kucing saya hilang... TT___TT Kata nenek saya, mungkin dia tahu kalau saya udah nggak ada di rumah, makanya dia pergi.
Terus saya jadi inget dulu pernah baca kisah kucing yang ditinggal pindah rumah sama majikannya, terus dia kabur dari rumahnya yang sekarang (dikasih ke temennya majikannya) dan cari majikan lamanya.. Hauhauu... Oh iya, cerita versi Indonesianya saya nemu disini.
Katanya juga, kucing punya sistem GPS yang canggih. Jadi, mungkin dulu kucing saya nyari saya.. Tapi radar saya menghilang begitu sampai di bandara. Soalnya, saya kan terbang ke luar Indonesia. Huhuhuu...
Dan sekarang, di rumah saya udah nggak ada kucing lagi, karena adeknya si kucing saya itu mati nggak lama setelah melahirkan. Anak-anaknya pun mati karena ketika mereka baru lahir, ada bocah-bocah usil yang megang-megang dan mindahin mereka. Ibunya jadi nggak mau nyusuin mereka, dan meskipun saya sudah berusaha keras untuk memberi mereka susu, tapi saya nggak bisa mempertahankan hidup mereka, karena mereka masih sangat kecil dan saya nggak ada di rumah setiap waktu untuk memberi mereka susu secara rutin... Akhirnya, satu per satu dari mereka meninggalkan dunia fana ini... TT___________TT Dan nggak lama setelah itu, induknya pun mati...
Ah.. tak apa. Itu yang terbaik untuk mereka. Karena di dalam kepala saya, mereka bisa berkumpul kembali bersama-sama, berlari-larian di padang bunga yang indah dan tak akan pernah kelaparan atau kedinginan lagi sepanjang hidupnya...
September 27, 2016
Heartwarming. Delightful. If you like cats, this book is full of wonderful stories you will love.
January 1, 2019
We’ve never read James Herriot before but is he ever delightful!
July 7, 2025
I had been avoiding reading this because I thought there would be a lot of death and didn't want to cry. I am trying to read from my shelves for a few challenges I'm doing this summer, so "nonfiction", here we go, it's time.
This was so heartwarming!! I found myself smiling quite often. As for crying, there were a few tears or welling up, but Herriot left those to the last 3 stories, but there was still something to smile about. If you love cats, this is definitely a book for you!
This was so heartwarming!! I found myself smiling quite often. As for crying, there were a few tears or welling up, but Herriot left those to the last 3 stories, but there was still something to smile about. If you love cats, this is definitely a book for you!
January 15, 2021
Un bel libro tenero e dedicato al mondo felino. Chi scrive è un veterinario di campagna d'altri tempi. Conosceva le famiglie del suo territorio e si prendeva cura dei loro amici animali. In particolare racconta le sue vicissitudini con i gatti, che lui ama particolarmente. Bello, una lettura distensiva e piacevole per chi come me adora il "magico mondo dei felini" domestici o selvatici che siano.
Come diceva Charles Baudelaire:
Un bel gatto forte, dolce e vezzoso
Passeggia nel mio cervello
Come a casa sua.
Si sente appena quando miagola,
Per quanto il tono è tenero e discreto;
Ma la voce è sempre profonda e ricca,
Sia che brontoli o s’acqueti.
Questo il suo incanto e il suo segreto.
Come penetra e filtra questa voce
Nell’intimo mio più tenebroso!
Mi riempie come un verso numeroso
E mi rallegra come un filtro!
Che quiete per i mali più crudeli!
Racchiude in sé tutte le estasi!
Non le servono parole
Per dire le più lunghe frasi.
L’unico archetto che morde
Sul perfetto strumento del mio cuore
E fa cantare più regalmente
La più vibrante corda
È la tua voce, gatto misterioso,
Gatto serafico, gatto strano!
Tutto in te, come in un angelo,
È sottile ed armonioso!
Che dolce profumo esala da quel pelo
Biondo e bruno!
Com’ero tutto profumato
Una sera che l’accarezzai
Una volta, una soltanto!
È lui il mio genio tutelare!
Giudica, governa e ispira
Ogni cosa nel suo impero;
È una fata?
O forse un dio?
Quando i miei occhi, attratti
Come da calamita, dolci si volgono
A quel gatto che amo
E guardo poi in me stesso,
Che meraviglia il fuoco
Di quelle pallide pupille,
Di quei chiari fanali,
Di quei viventi opali
Che fissi mi contemplano!
💕💕💕💕💕
Come diceva Charles Baudelaire:
Un bel gatto forte, dolce e vezzoso
Passeggia nel mio cervello
Come a casa sua.
Si sente appena quando miagola,
Per quanto il tono è tenero e discreto;
Ma la voce è sempre profonda e ricca,
Sia che brontoli o s’acqueti.
Questo il suo incanto e il suo segreto.
Come penetra e filtra questa voce
Nell’intimo mio più tenebroso!
Mi riempie come un verso numeroso
E mi rallegra come un filtro!
Che quiete per i mali più crudeli!
Racchiude in sé tutte le estasi!
Non le servono parole
Per dire le più lunghe frasi.
L’unico archetto che morde
Sul perfetto strumento del mio cuore
E fa cantare più regalmente
La più vibrante corda
È la tua voce, gatto misterioso,
Gatto serafico, gatto strano!
Tutto in te, come in un angelo,
È sottile ed armonioso!
Che dolce profumo esala da quel pelo
Biondo e bruno!
Com’ero tutto profumato
Una sera che l’accarezzai
Una volta, una soltanto!
È lui il mio genio tutelare!
Giudica, governa e ispira
Ogni cosa nel suo impero;
È una fata?
O forse un dio?
Quando i miei occhi, attratti
Come da calamita, dolci si volgono
A quel gatto che amo
E guardo poi in me stesso,
Che meraviglia il fuoco
Di quelle pallide pupille,
Di quei chiari fanali,
Di quei viventi opali
Che fissi mi contemplano!
💕💕💕💕💕
April 24, 2015
This is a short, sweet comfort read that all cat lovers will probably enjoy. A few moments of old-fashioned, condescending attitudes toward women are the only notable blemishes in this otherwise perfectly charming collection that captures cats' attitudes and our relationships with them with humor, poignancy and accuracy.
January 15, 2022
Cerita-cerita yang terdapat dalam buku ini lebih mirip cerita anak-anak (kayaknya emang lebih ditujukan buat anak, deh). Overall, selain lumayan page turner, yang bikin saya suka pada buku ini adalah sampulnya yang super eye-catching. Ich liebe es 🐈
3.7 dari 5 bintang.
3.7 dari 5 bintang.
May 24, 2022
the cats were quite cute (when they didn't die)
December 8, 2022
This is the perfect dose of animal heaven until All Creatures Great and Small starts its new season in January on PBS. These Cat Stories warmed my heart. It was fun reading a book where you already know the characters, imagining them as the actors from the series. The characters I didn't know were the cats, and since they were the stars of the book, along with their caretakers, they peaked my curiosity.
Each one had a mystery or moral to convey in their own natural way, cat and human alike.
I would have liked Jim Herriot to be my cat's vet. :)
Each one had a mystery or moral to convey in their own natural way, cat and human alike.
I would have liked Jim Herriot to be my cat's vet. :)
February 20, 2020
As a longtime cat owner, James Herriot's Cat Stories was a pleasant read, reminding me why I love my cats so much. I recently lost one of my pet cats to old age, and reading this book really helped me cope with his passing. Through other cats' stories, I was able to relish in those shared with my own cat Fluffy in order to keep his memory alive and well in my heart.
James Herriot offers up snapshots of a select few cats whom he has encountered in his line of work. Some of these snapshots encompass an entire lifetime, while others err on the side of brevity, touching upon a specific moment in time. James Herriot's Cat Stories acts as his memoirs of sorts, chronicling his personal experiences with both his clients' cats as well as his own beloved pet cats. Initially, I thought this was going to be a collection of fiction written by the acclaimed veterinarian, but I was pleasantly surprised to discover that these “tails” were, in fact, based in reality. Knowing that the cats in these stories were real – had once been alive to bring comfort and joy to real life individuals and families – is a notion I take comfort in as a fellow cat owner.
Many cats have their stories shared in this book, but the two most prominent cats are Dr. Herriot's own pets, Olly and Ginny. These brother and sister cats started out as timid feral kittens without a home and eventually blossomed into two affectionate and personable cats for the Herriots' to love and cherish. Several chapters were dedicated to their development, and by the time their saga came to an end, I felt like I knew these cats myself and could very nearly call them my own. Though the other cats in this book only got a single chapter dedicated to them, James Herriot's writing talents enabled me to still to get to know these animals on a personal basis, so no connection was lost due to the book's length.
As with any set of stories based in reality, there are those which cover heartbreak, tragedy, and loss; Dr. Herriot's Cat Stories is no exception to this rule. As a veterinarian, Dr. Herriot has reveled in the highs of his profession as well as suffered its lows, and Cat Stories encapsulates what it means to be so deeply involved in the lives of animals who are always in need of his help. Though not every story is cheery and uplifting in nature, no story ever delves exclusively into these darker aspects of pet ownership. Where tragedy may strike in one of his stories, something positive is certain to follow, demonstrating that tragedy is not the end, not even when it may feel that way. You will read of loss, illness, and accidents in Cat Stories, but, more than anything, you will come away from this book remembering the happiness that these cats brought to their owners and the love these cats received in return.
Any bonafide cat lover will want to pick this book up, lest they miss out on a truly touching read. James Herriot's Cat Stories will instantly connect with anyone who has ever known what it means to love a cat, acting as a great tribute to this beloved species. Additionally, Cat Stories may help convert the feline-averse crowd into full-fledged cat enthusiasts once they read about a cat's true nature through the eyes of a legendary veterinarian, one who had nothing but love and respect for the oft-misjudged creatures. This is truly a great book and I cannot recommend it enough to animal lovers.
James Herriot offers up snapshots of a select few cats whom he has encountered in his line of work. Some of these snapshots encompass an entire lifetime, while others err on the side of brevity, touching upon a specific moment in time. James Herriot's Cat Stories acts as his memoirs of sorts, chronicling his personal experiences with both his clients' cats as well as his own beloved pet cats. Initially, I thought this was going to be a collection of fiction written by the acclaimed veterinarian, but I was pleasantly surprised to discover that these “tails” were, in fact, based in reality. Knowing that the cats in these stories were real – had once been alive to bring comfort and joy to real life individuals and families – is a notion I take comfort in as a fellow cat owner.
Many cats have their stories shared in this book, but the two most prominent cats are Dr. Herriot's own pets, Olly and Ginny. These brother and sister cats started out as timid feral kittens without a home and eventually blossomed into two affectionate and personable cats for the Herriots' to love and cherish. Several chapters were dedicated to their development, and by the time their saga came to an end, I felt like I knew these cats myself and could very nearly call them my own. Though the other cats in this book only got a single chapter dedicated to them, James Herriot's writing talents enabled me to still to get to know these animals on a personal basis, so no connection was lost due to the book's length.
As with any set of stories based in reality, there are those which cover heartbreak, tragedy, and loss; Dr. Herriot's Cat Stories is no exception to this rule. As a veterinarian, Dr. Herriot has reveled in the highs of his profession as well as suffered its lows, and Cat Stories encapsulates what it means to be so deeply involved in the lives of animals who are always in need of his help. Though not every story is cheery and uplifting in nature, no story ever delves exclusively into these darker aspects of pet ownership. Where tragedy may strike in one of his stories, something positive is certain to follow, demonstrating that tragedy is not the end, not even when it may feel that way. You will read of loss, illness, and accidents in Cat Stories, but, more than anything, you will come away from this book remembering the happiness that these cats brought to their owners and the love these cats received in return.
Any bonafide cat lover will want to pick this book up, lest they miss out on a truly touching read. James Herriot's Cat Stories will instantly connect with anyone who has ever known what it means to love a cat, acting as a great tribute to this beloved species. Additionally, Cat Stories may help convert the feline-averse crowd into full-fledged cat enthusiasts once they read about a cat's true nature through the eyes of a legendary veterinarian, one who had nothing but love and respect for the oft-misjudged creatures. This is truly a great book and I cannot recommend it enough to animal lovers.
October 13, 2012
Judulnya aja udah Cat Stories jadi jangan ngarep ada cerita tentang ayam ataupun ikan. Jujur, kucing bukanlah hewan favoritku. Terlalu banyak kejadian buruk di masa kecil yang berkaitan dengan kucing. Udah hewan paling manja, eh pemalas pula. *curcol
"Kucing adalah makhluk egois yang menggunakan kasih sayangnya hanya untuk keadaan yang menguntungkan mereka, dan mereka tidak mampu merasakan cinta murni seperti para anjing. Kucing adalah makhluk yang sangat memikirkan dirinya sendiri."
Terlepas dari itu, aku sangat menikmati kisah-kisah yang dibagi James Herriot. Khususnya si kucing sosialita. Ada ya kucing yang doyan ikut kegiatan ini itu, rutin pula. Wew! Kucing aja punya daya ingat yang baik, harusnya manusia jauuuuuuh lebih bagus ya daya ingatnya!
Kisah Olly dan Ginny adalah kisah utama menurutku. Pastinya karena diceritakan lebih dari satu bab. Selain itu, kedua ekor kucing inilah yang bersinggungan langsung dengan tokoh utama.
Dan pastinya, rasa salutku terhadap dokter hewan jadi makin meningkat. Gimana enggak? Dokter pada umumnya itu pasiennya hanya manusia. Nah kalo dokter hewan, bayangkan berapa banyak jenis hewan di muka Bumi ini, weew.
Okeh, walau sempet ogah-ogahan bacanya, Cat Stories sudah sedikit mengubah perspektif ku terhadap kucing. Ups! Tetap anti kucing! ^^
"Kucing adalah makhluk egois yang menggunakan kasih sayangnya hanya untuk keadaan yang menguntungkan mereka, dan mereka tidak mampu merasakan cinta murni seperti para anjing. Kucing adalah makhluk yang sangat memikirkan dirinya sendiri."
Terlepas dari itu, aku sangat menikmati kisah-kisah yang dibagi James Herriot. Khususnya si kucing sosialita. Ada ya kucing yang doyan ikut kegiatan ini itu, rutin pula. Wew! Kucing aja punya daya ingat yang baik, harusnya manusia jauuuuuuh lebih bagus ya daya ingatnya!
Kisah Olly dan Ginny adalah kisah utama menurutku. Pastinya karena diceritakan lebih dari satu bab. Selain itu, kedua ekor kucing inilah yang bersinggungan langsung dengan tokoh utama.
Dan pastinya, rasa salutku terhadap dokter hewan jadi makin meningkat. Gimana enggak? Dokter pada umumnya itu pasiennya hanya manusia. Nah kalo dokter hewan, bayangkan berapa banyak jenis hewan di muka Bumi ini, weew.
Okeh, walau sempet ogah-ogahan bacanya, Cat Stories sudah sedikit mengubah perspektif ku terhadap kucing. Ups! Tetap anti kucing! ^^
April 10, 2009
After reading a book about the aftermath and consequence of having a son confess to murdering his flatmate, I just had to grab a sweet, soft book -- and this one hit the mark. I had never read Herriot and just loved this slim gem of a book. His cat stories and simple but not simplistic, poignant without being sappy. I'll have to look for some of his other work.
December 24, 2025
I got this book to give to a friend but read it to make sure it was good first. :-)
I have always been a dog person and have only became a cat person after my son lived with us had one and then we took in a kitten. I get it now, why so many people have them. Why there are so many cat videos online.
This makes a good gift to pass on to someone. Quick read. Only a couple of places where Kleenex is needed for unhappy tears. I remember the story of Olly and Ginny from a previous book of his. There is also a bit with a cat who amazed them because it liked to play fetch. Our cat Sheldon will demand you play fetch with his plastic mesh straw toys until your arm tires.
Only one excerpt to share from it as it sums up my previous thoughts on cats and probably still too many people:
'I think back, too, on the strange views that many people held about cats. They were selfish creatures reserving their affections only for situations which would benefit them, and they were incapable of the unthinking love a dog dispenses. They were totally self-contained creatures who looked after their own interests only. What nonsense! I have felt cats rubbing their faces against mine and touching my cheek with claws carefully sheathed. These things, to me are expressions of love.'
I have always been a dog person and have only became a cat person after my son lived with us had one and then we took in a kitten. I get it now, why so many people have them. Why there are so many cat videos online.
This makes a good gift to pass on to someone. Quick read. Only a couple of places where Kleenex is needed for unhappy tears. I remember the story of Olly and Ginny from a previous book of his. There is also a bit with a cat who amazed them because it liked to play fetch. Our cat Sheldon will demand you play fetch with his plastic mesh straw toys until your arm tires.
Only one excerpt to share from it as it sums up my previous thoughts on cats and probably still too many people:
'I think back, too, on the strange views that many people held about cats. They were selfish creatures reserving their affections only for situations which would benefit them, and they were incapable of the unthinking love a dog dispenses. They were totally self-contained creatures who looked after their own interests only. What nonsense! I have felt cats rubbing their faces against mine and touching my cheek with claws carefully sheathed. These things, to me are expressions of love.'
September 26, 2012
Semua cerita-cerita dibuku ini aku suka.Terutama Oscar, Buster dan Olly dan Ginny. Membaca buku ini mengingatkanku pada kucing-kucing disekitar keluarga kami,keluarga ibu ku tepatnya. Untuk cerita bukunya, silakan dibaca dan anda akan jatuh cinta dengan James Heriot seperti saya....semoga.
Dirumah dulu, saat masih sekolah sampai SMA,kami punya kucing-kucing dengan bermacam kenangan. Nama-nama kucing dirumah si Tua, Uneng ,Senor, si Putih, Tala dan lain-lain.
Si Tua adalah cikal bakal kucing di rumah, Tua kucing betina dengan anak Uneng, Tala, Senor dan Putih, dengan urutan umur yang kami karang sendiri karena mereka sebenarnya 4 anak si Tua pada satu kelahiran. Uneng kucing jantan galak berkharisma , jangan coba-coba membelai kalau tidak ingin terkena cakarnya .Uneng cukup disapa dan dia akan menjawab dengan mengeong. Kalau lagi iseng ingin menggoda Uneng, siap-siap untuk lari karena dia tidak segan-segan untuk mengejar. Kadang aku juga usil menggoda Uneng, sambil siap-siap lari sambil teriak-teriak ke kamar. Uneng cuma takut dengan abangku Harris, sebagai penguasa utama kucing di rumah kami. Bang Ais yang memberikan nama untuk semua kucing kecuali Tala.
Tala kucing betina yang diakui dimiliki kak Anita, sepupu kami yang tinggal dirumah sejak kami kecil. Kak Anita seorang difabel akibat serangan panas tinggi saat kecil sehingga tidak bisa berjalan karena kakinya mengecil. Kak Ita bertugas mengurus rumah termasuk mengawasi kami berlima adik beradik, selama omak -ibu ku- bekerja. Heran?....ya kak Anita, pengurus rumah tangga kami seorang difabel tapi berwibawa, masakannya luar biasa, semua dikerjakan dengan mengesot tapi hasilnya tidak mengecewakan. Kalau kami nakal, karena beliau tidak bisa mengejar kami yang lari setelah memberantaki rumah atau kenakalan lainnya. Dia cukup memanggil dan kami yang akhirnya mendekat untuk menerima cubitannya..hehe..Sebagai difabel, kak Anita punya perasaan inferior, tertutup dan keras. Jika ada tamu, atau orang diluar keluarga dekat yang datang ke rumah dia langsung buru-buru sembunyi, mungkin karena malu dan yang jelas tidak ingin jadi perhatian karena keadaannya. Lucunya, Tala sebagai kucing kak Anita,punya sikap-sikap mirip dengan tuannya. Tala cuma mau dengan kak Ita, kuper, dan memandang kami dengan cuek. Hanya satu yang berbeda diantara mereka , yaitu kehidupan asmara Tala yang bergelora. Jadi Tala yang kuper di rumah, diluar mungkin playgirl yang heboh. Kak Ita kadang harus menyeret-nyeret Tala di sore hari ke dalam kamar bahkan mengikatnya disana supaya tidak berkeliaran dikehidupan malam.Anehnya Tala tidak kelihatan marah, kelihatan takut dan pasrah malah. Tala akan duduk atau tiduran setelah diikat disebelah kak Anita. Hanya jika ada kesempatan, sebelum diseret kekamar Tala langsung kabur, lintang pukang menghindari mama nya yang galak.
Kemudian Senor, pelesetan panggilan ala Mexico, kucing coklat dengan ekor tergelung pendek, kucing jantan yang lembut hati. Kalau berjalan Senor seperti lelaki model, lenggang lenggok tapi tetap kesannya laki-laki....haha. Senor selalu jadi korban akibat kelakuan Tala, saudara betina nya yang genit dan tukang kawin. Akibat perbuatan Tala yang menganut pergaulan bebas segila-gilanya, Senor selalu jadi baby sitter untuk anak-anak kucing hasil pergaulan Tala. Keponakan-keponakannya tersebut lebih sering diasuh Senor, tidur dengan Senor saat Tala melakukan petualangannya di malam hari. Bahkan keponakannya pernah mencoba mengisap susu Senor yang tentu saja ngga ada susunya dan bikin kami serumah terbahak-bahak.
Favoritku sendiri si Putih,dengan bulu putih bersih, bentuk tubuhnya mirip harimau dan manja. Jika sudah pulang sekolah, si Putih selalu menemuiku dikamar dengan masuk melalui jendela. Jika kebetulan sedang tidur siang, si Putih akan mengeong-ngeong dengan gaduh sampai aku terbangun kesal dan menyapanya. Sebelum aku terbangun, putih akan terus mengeong, mungkin maksudnya menyapa setelah dari pagi tidak berjumpa atau minta ijin untuk ikut tidur siang dengan ku. Setelah disapa selanjutnya putih akan berbaring disebelahku untuk bersama-sama tidur siang. Tapi kadang kala, saat tidur kok rasanya tidak bisa bernafas dan dada rasanya berat...bangun-bangun ternyata si Putih sudah tidur diatas dadaku. Putiiiiih.....banguuun.
Latihan favoritku adalah bagaimana membuat si putih tiduran tanpa bergerak bahkan ekornya jg tidak boleh bergerak sama sekali. Aba-abanya putiiiih....tiduraaan. Leher Putih pada tahap ini masih mendongak dengan ekor yang bergerak-gerak sambil mengeong-ngeong. Aba-aba selanjutnya diaaamm...jangan geraaak. Putih akan menjatuhkan lehernya, tiduran dengan mata terbuka dan ekor masih bergerak. Tutuuup mataaa...mata langsung tertutup. Diaaam sambil menyentuh ekor...ekor langsung diam. Setelah semua tidak bergerak, walaupun kelihatan kalau Putih berusaha mengintip, aku memanggil dengan lirih...putiihh...ekornya bergerak sekali, volume suara dinaikkan sedikit..putiihhh..ekornya langsung gerak-gerak....dinaikkan lagi volume nya..putiiiih...Lehernya langsung tegak dan mengeong dengan girang. Diaaaam.....jangan geraaak....Putih langsung freez...berulang-ulang, dalam keadaan diam tak bergerak nampak sekali Putih berusaha mengintip apakah latihan sudah selesai...hahaha.
Kucing bisa paham bahasa manusia dari nada suaranya mungkin ya, karena mereka sepertinya mengerti kalau kita marah, senang atau lagi sedih.
Sejak kuliah, kami tidak punya kucing lagi.Selain karena kesibukan, kehilangan kucing karena kematian juga cukup membuat aku kapok untuk memelihara kucing.
Dirumah dulu, saat masih sekolah sampai SMA,kami punya kucing-kucing dengan bermacam kenangan. Nama-nama kucing dirumah si Tua, Uneng ,Senor, si Putih, Tala dan lain-lain.
Si Tua adalah cikal bakal kucing di rumah, Tua kucing betina dengan anak Uneng, Tala, Senor dan Putih, dengan urutan umur yang kami karang sendiri karena mereka sebenarnya 4 anak si Tua pada satu kelahiran. Uneng kucing jantan galak berkharisma , jangan coba-coba membelai kalau tidak ingin terkena cakarnya .Uneng cukup disapa dan dia akan menjawab dengan mengeong. Kalau lagi iseng ingin menggoda Uneng, siap-siap untuk lari karena dia tidak segan-segan untuk mengejar. Kadang aku juga usil menggoda Uneng, sambil siap-siap lari sambil teriak-teriak ke kamar. Uneng cuma takut dengan abangku Harris, sebagai penguasa utama kucing di rumah kami. Bang Ais yang memberikan nama untuk semua kucing kecuali Tala.
Tala kucing betina yang diakui dimiliki kak Anita, sepupu kami yang tinggal dirumah sejak kami kecil. Kak Anita seorang difabel akibat serangan panas tinggi saat kecil sehingga tidak bisa berjalan karena kakinya mengecil. Kak Ita bertugas mengurus rumah termasuk mengawasi kami berlima adik beradik, selama omak -ibu ku- bekerja. Heran?....ya kak Anita, pengurus rumah tangga kami seorang difabel tapi berwibawa, masakannya luar biasa, semua dikerjakan dengan mengesot tapi hasilnya tidak mengecewakan. Kalau kami nakal, karena beliau tidak bisa mengejar kami yang lari setelah memberantaki rumah atau kenakalan lainnya. Dia cukup memanggil dan kami yang akhirnya mendekat untuk menerima cubitannya..hehe..Sebagai difabel, kak Anita punya perasaan inferior, tertutup dan keras. Jika ada tamu, atau orang diluar keluarga dekat yang datang ke rumah dia langsung buru-buru sembunyi, mungkin karena malu dan yang jelas tidak ingin jadi perhatian karena keadaannya. Lucunya, Tala sebagai kucing kak Anita,punya sikap-sikap mirip dengan tuannya. Tala cuma mau dengan kak Ita, kuper, dan memandang kami dengan cuek. Hanya satu yang berbeda diantara mereka , yaitu kehidupan asmara Tala yang bergelora. Jadi Tala yang kuper di rumah, diluar mungkin playgirl yang heboh. Kak Ita kadang harus menyeret-nyeret Tala di sore hari ke dalam kamar bahkan mengikatnya disana supaya tidak berkeliaran dikehidupan malam.Anehnya Tala tidak kelihatan marah, kelihatan takut dan pasrah malah. Tala akan duduk atau tiduran setelah diikat disebelah kak Anita. Hanya jika ada kesempatan, sebelum diseret kekamar Tala langsung kabur, lintang pukang menghindari mama nya yang galak.
Kemudian Senor, pelesetan panggilan ala Mexico, kucing coklat dengan ekor tergelung pendek, kucing jantan yang lembut hati. Kalau berjalan Senor seperti lelaki model, lenggang lenggok tapi tetap kesannya laki-laki....haha. Senor selalu jadi korban akibat kelakuan Tala, saudara betina nya yang genit dan tukang kawin. Akibat perbuatan Tala yang menganut pergaulan bebas segila-gilanya, Senor selalu jadi baby sitter untuk anak-anak kucing hasil pergaulan Tala. Keponakan-keponakannya tersebut lebih sering diasuh Senor, tidur dengan Senor saat Tala melakukan petualangannya di malam hari. Bahkan keponakannya pernah mencoba mengisap susu Senor yang tentu saja ngga ada susunya dan bikin kami serumah terbahak-bahak.
Favoritku sendiri si Putih,dengan bulu putih bersih, bentuk tubuhnya mirip harimau dan manja. Jika sudah pulang sekolah, si Putih selalu menemuiku dikamar dengan masuk melalui jendela. Jika kebetulan sedang tidur siang, si Putih akan mengeong-ngeong dengan gaduh sampai aku terbangun kesal dan menyapanya. Sebelum aku terbangun, putih akan terus mengeong, mungkin maksudnya menyapa setelah dari pagi tidak berjumpa atau minta ijin untuk ikut tidur siang dengan ku. Setelah disapa selanjutnya putih akan berbaring disebelahku untuk bersama-sama tidur siang. Tapi kadang kala, saat tidur kok rasanya tidak bisa bernafas dan dada rasanya berat...bangun-bangun ternyata si Putih sudah tidur diatas dadaku. Putiiiiih.....banguuun.
Latihan favoritku adalah bagaimana membuat si putih tiduran tanpa bergerak bahkan ekornya jg tidak boleh bergerak sama sekali. Aba-abanya putiiiih....tiduraaan. Leher Putih pada tahap ini masih mendongak dengan ekor yang bergerak-gerak sambil mengeong-ngeong. Aba-aba selanjutnya diaaamm...jangan geraaak. Putih akan menjatuhkan lehernya, tiduran dengan mata terbuka dan ekor masih bergerak. Tutuuup mataaa...mata langsung tertutup. Diaaam sambil menyentuh ekor...ekor langsung diam. Setelah semua tidak bergerak, walaupun kelihatan kalau Putih berusaha mengintip, aku memanggil dengan lirih...putiihh...ekornya bergerak sekali, volume suara dinaikkan sedikit..putiihhh..ekornya langsung gerak-gerak....dinaikkan lagi volume nya..putiiiih...Lehernya langsung tegak dan mengeong dengan girang. Diaaaam.....jangan geraaak....Putih langsung freez...berulang-ulang, dalam keadaan diam tak bergerak nampak sekali Putih berusaha mengintip apakah latihan sudah selesai...hahaha.
Kucing bisa paham bahasa manusia dari nada suaranya mungkin ya, karena mereka sepertinya mengerti kalau kita marah, senang atau lagi sedih.
Sejak kuliah, kami tidak punya kucing lagi.Selain karena kesibukan, kehilangan kucing karena kematian juga cukup membuat aku kapok untuk memelihara kucing.
October 31, 2022
Though these stories ( like his more famous Dog stories ) are compiled by James Herriot from all his books , it was a treat reading them . Gorgeous illustrations accompany the stories adding to their beauty. Must read for any feline / animal lover and of course those with pets of their own
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