Math Cats: Scratching the Surface of Mathematical Concepts

by Daniel M Look PhD

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.

Genres: Nonfiction, Cats, Humor, Science

128 pages, Hardcover

Published October 21, 2025

Reviews

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[MKF · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[Ronald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful short book on major areas of mathematics.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[SMcClure · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Mbur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorable way to explain 20+ mathematical theories and their history through cats.

[bkm · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Carissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Rebecca Albert · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Math is fascinating. Add cats and it’s adorably fascinating. Please use cats to teach me everything.

[Maurizio Codogno · Rating 3 out of 5]

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...)