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Math Cats: Scratching the Surface of Mathematical Concepts
Math + cats = an infinitely more entertaining exploration of the concepts and principles that are the foundation of our understanding of mathematics.
All cats are cute, but only some are acute. Others are obtuse (no offense) and more are always right (and never let you forget it), as you'll learn by exploring how kitties represent different types of angles. And when they curl out for a mid-day catnap, they perfectly represent the concept of a golden spiral. And when they squeeze into too small boxes or balls, they're providing a geometric lesson in topological equivalence.
In Math Cats, mathematician and professor Daniel Look, along with a clowder of his feline friends, reveals the charming connections between mathematics and cats with 22 fun and fur-filled lessons. Packed with illustrations to guide the lessons, this collection of proofs, theorems, and formulas is equal parts delightful and educational, and perfectly sized for your own cat to knock off our bookshelf.
All cats are cute, but only some are acute. Others are obtuse (no offense) and more are always right (and never let you forget it), as you'll learn by exploring how kitties represent different types of angles. And when they curl out for a mid-day catnap, they perfectly represent the concept of a golden spiral. And when they squeeze into too small boxes or balls, they're providing a geometric lesson in topological equivalence.
In Math Cats, mathematician and professor Daniel Look, along with a clowder of his feline friends, reveals the charming connections between mathematics and cats with 22 fun and fur-filled lessons. Packed with illustrations to guide the lessons, this collection of proofs, theorems, and formulas is equal parts delightful and educational, and perfectly sized for your own cat to knock off our bookshelf.
128 pages, Hardcover
Published October 21, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 26, 2026
It seems like a cheap shot to get book stats, logging short little books with lots of pictures. But this little book is a truly delightful explanation of various levels of mathematical concepts that others may also enjoy.
January 7, 2026
This is a silly, humorous little book that introduces some genuinely advanced math topics using cats and jokes. Feline guides help explain ideas like the Prisoner’s Dilemma and the “Purrthagorean Theorem,” all without leaning heavily on equations, which makes the book very accessible.
I really enjoyed the cartoon cats paired with brief discussions of what are essentially college-level math concepts. It’s light, playful, and surprisingly clever in how much it sneaks in under the guise of nonsense. That said, it’s a bit pricey at around $20, especially since you can read it in an hour or two. Still, I kind of loved it.
I really enjoyed the cartoon cats paired with brief discussions of what are essentially college-level math concepts. It’s light, playful, and surprisingly clever in how much it sneaks in under the guise of nonsense. That said, it’s a bit pricey at around $20, especially since you can read it in an hour or two. Still, I kind of loved it.
December 11, 2025
They added cats to a math book believing it would help explain the concepts and it didn't always work. Cats or not it's still a math book and there's only so many ways you can simplify the information.
January 2, 2026
Delightful short book on major areas of mathematics.
November 21, 2025
My cat says this is the greatest book he has ever read - and I agree!
I seriously can't imagine anyone who shouldn't read this book. Makes a great gift!
It's the perfect size for cuteness. And I do like cats and all the cute pics and puns, but the bit about the power-button blew my mind! Expect the unexpected...
An ideal read for cat lovers, math lovers, math haters...pretty much anyone, except maybe dog people.
I seriously can't imagine anyone who shouldn't read this book. Makes a great gift!
It's the perfect size for cuteness. And I do like cats and all the cute pics and puns, but the bit about the power-button blew my mind! Expect the unexpected...
An ideal read for cat lovers, math lovers, math haters...pretty much anyone, except maybe dog people.
February 15, 2026
A pop culture math book; you've probably seen topics in here covered elsewhere (Monty Hall, Prisoner's Dilemma, etc.) .The treatment is breezy with limited jargon. The appeal will be to those looking for a gift for a math/cat lover who has a closet full of math/cat t-shirts and ties. With the numerous cat puns and artwork that entertains and helps to illustrate (mostly effectively) the math, this will be a well-received gift.
March 10, 2026
Loved reading this! :) The illustrations were adorable, and I think the concepts were explained well. I think there's definitely a chance that this would be helpful with understanding mathematical concepts, but I mainly read for the fun facts, silly cat puns, and to be entertained by Dr. Look's method of covering each page with cat-related cheerfulness.
While I think it's possible for this book to help with understanding math, I don't know that I would necessarily use it to teach someone. I think this book might be best for people who already have a base knowledge of math. I'd say that if you're comfortable with 8th-9th grade algebra, you'd be good to read this book.
While I think it's possible for this book to help with understanding math, I don't know that I would necessarily use it to teach someone. I think this book might be best for people who already have a base knowledge of math. I'd say that if you're comfortable with 8th-9th grade algebra, you'd be good to read this book.
March 23, 2026
What a fun book! Mathematical concepts explained with cats works surprisingly well. Obviously, some of this material is complicated, and it didn’t all make sense to me, but I sure enjoyed this unique perspective. The illustrations are fantastic and the cat humor is top tier. Would make a great gift for math lovers and/or cat lovers. Short chapters in a small book make this one very readable.
January 4, 2026
An interesting book. The cat illustrations are very cute, but as a math major a bit distracting at times. Nevertheless, the book was very good and if you are interested in learning more mathematical concepts it's a good place to start.
November 23, 2025
Adorable way to explain 20+ mathematical theories and their history through cats.
December 13, 2025
end of year frenzy book #4
a really fun experience reviewing some math concepts in terms of cats. very impressive art and overall wholesome experience
a really fun experience reviewing some math concepts in terms of cats. very impressive art and overall wholesome experience
January 1, 2026
A short, incredibly informative beautiful funny book about cats and math. The humor, the easy breakdown of various concepts, the illustrations? I loved all of it.
January 18, 2026
Enjoyable little book about math as explained by cats! I don't really enjoy math very much as a subject but the cats definitely helped keep my attention and retention of the information.
January 19, 2026
Math is fascinating. Add cats and it’s adorably fascinating. Please use cats to teach me everything.
March 9, 2026
Interesting application using complex Math concepts with understandable (and cute) cat examples.
Fun to read.
Fun to read.
May 28, 2026
If you love science and love cats, you can't go wrong with this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
June 5, 2026
Lucuu mau baca lagi dengan lebih serius nanti
January 5, 2026
Un po' troppi giochi di parole
Questo libretto, pensato evidentemente per ragazzi curiosi, racconta alcuni concetti di base della matematica... o meglio li gratta, perché sono tutti visti da un punto di vista felino. In effetti i disegni sono molto carini, e la matematica è corretta, anche se ho notato uno svarione nella parte storica. Devo però dire che dopo un po' mi sono stufato dei troppi giochi di parole, come i "purrfect numbers", che a lungo andare diventano stucchevoli (e che rendono intraducibile il libro...)
Questo libretto, pensato evidentemente per ragazzi curiosi, racconta alcuni concetti di base della matematica... o meglio li gratta, perché sono tutti visti da un punto di vista felino. In effetti i disegni sono molto carini, e la matematica è corretta, anche se ho notato uno svarione nella parte storica. Devo però dire che dopo un po' mi sono stufato dei troppi giochi di parole, come i "purrfect numbers", che a lungo andare diventano stucchevoli (e che rendono intraducibile il libro...)
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews