What a Small Cat Needs

by Natalia Shaloshvili, Lena Traer (translator)

Sweet, tender, and perfect for the youngest picture book readers, this book from a standout, upcoming illustrator names a child’s need for trust, experience, and deep affection through the story of an adorable kitten.

What does a small cat need? Two little eyes, two little ears, big whiskers, and a tail, to start. What else does a small cat need? Maybe a walk in the flowers, a sip of milk, or a warm spot to laze around in the sun.

But above all else, what a small cat needs is... someone big or little—maybe someone just like you!—with cuddly arms and a huge heart to pet it and hear it purr. Yes, every cat needs that!

Author-illustrator Natalia Shaloshvili and translator Lena Traer, the team behind Miss Leoparda, return with another gorgeously illustrated picture book featuring charming animal characters about an important our physical and emotional needs, in what we seek out in the world and what we can provide to each other.

Genres: Picture Books, Cats, Childrens, Animals, Fiction, Storytime

40 pages, Hardcover

Published January 27, 2026

About the author

Natalia Shaloshvili is an artist, children's book author and illustrator.

Natalia started her creative career as a fashion and editorial illustrator, having worked with several established international magazines and creative agencies. Later she found her true passion in children's books and paintings. Currently, she works with some top publishing houses to release new, exciting and rather peculiar stories to the world. Her characters are cute, calm, humble and amusing, living their ordinary lives in a strange and curious world out there. Her paintings can be found in private galleries and many homes all around the globe. She lives with her family in London, UK.

Reviews

[Nancycampbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author illustrator Natalia Shaloshvili's picture book for young readers is gentle and whimsical. The multi-media illustrations that show kitten learning about himself and exploring his world are gorgeous and relatable. Adorable.

[Juli Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rich, wacky illustrations bring giggles to an otherwise rather trite text.

[Jamie Johnson Leach · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sweet 😸

[Serhiy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations, but I feel like something is lost in translation....

[YSBR · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cozy read for cat lovers. Readers will not be able to resist the Small Cat’s beseeching blue eyes set against Shaloshvili’s soft, rain-streaked palette. From forlorn to funny, the illustrations and text keep the reader (and titular feline) off-balance, until the warmth of a human companion brings some closure: “Because every cat–big and small–needs that very much. Very much indeed”. Philosophical in nature, What a Small Cat Needs has more questions than answers, but readers will relate to the universal need for shelter, food, warmth, companionship, and love. Translated from Russian. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 2 out of 5]

An odd little book that received high acclaim. Readers are introduced to a black cat that apparently lives outside. The cat needs to be able to catch mice or drink milk if the mice run away; they need "a flower patch. For this and that." This somewhat nonsensical ramble continues as the cat moves indoors with a small child.

Regardless of the praise this title has received, I am not a fan. As an adult cat owner, I know that the cat's flower patch is meant to be the outdoor litter box, but how are children going to understand that with the vague references? The illustrations are delightful, if unsophisticated. But I'd pass on this one.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

a very cute, quiet story, with lovely art. potentially an enjoyable storytime book but there was one page where "roof" seemed to be used instead of "umbrella" in the translation based on the illustration and that could confuse little ones.

[Raven Black · Rating 3 out of 5]

Both cute and odd images, this book is a sweet and little silly book that can be read anytime, but is a good calming down story for anytime a rest is needed. Read via an online reader.

[Iván Grande López · Rating 5 out of 5]

Es lindísimo, me lo quiero comprar

[Rebecca]

The illustrations in this book were amazing. Very unique and evocative. (It felt Russian!) And it had a sweet ending.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is 100% adorable. Highly recommend. The art is beautiful and the text is just the right amount. Thank you for the advance review copy.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable book with evocative illustrations show asking the titular small cat with its needs big and small.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

CAT ST. Short sentences on each page. What does a cat need? Food, a window to watch silly birds, a warm patch of sun. A cute short book about cat needs, big and small.

[Justice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sad that this book excludes cats without tails. Love the illustrations though.

[Kelly Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet book about kittens translated from Russian. Cute and funny, not sure about reading it for storytime but would be a great one-on-one read for a kid who likes cats.

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cozy, but I'm willing to wager some meaning was lost in translation.

[Desa Rae · Rating 1 out of 5]

Maybe a nice book for cat lovers, but I just didn’t agree with some of the things mentioned in this book

[Tina Hoggatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful celebration of kittens and cats, their wants and needs, delightfully illustrated by the author and ending with the most important thing, love and attention.

[Karlajansenmiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable illustrations, almost like you could reach out and touch the small cat. Made a gift of this for a favorite teacher and they've already created an idea for a student project using the book.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars
A small cat needs love! Delightful

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a sweet picture book......charming, soft illustrations accompany the story of an adorable small cat, searching for a home. I can't wait to purchase a copy for my own little cat-loving niece!

[createitlibrarian (Amanda) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this somewhat different art style! Sweet little book.

[Aimee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very sweet reflection and look into a small cats life with very quirky adorable illustrations.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet. Nice painting style.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 8 year old daughter read this no problem.

[Marcie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another cat book that I will want to hear about at cbc discussion.

[Alisha (booksmellz) · Rating 5 out of 5]

An adorably illustrated children’s book on what a cat needs most of all.

The illustrations in this book are beautiful - I love the little cat and its bright blue eyes. I love the textures and whimsy and color created on the pages.

Some translations are a little rough, but to be honest, it’s a children’s book and I think they would get even the different word selections.

Overall, a lovable picture book for cat lovers of all ages.