O Bom, o Mau e o Peludo

Cat Man #3

by Tom Cox, Artur Lopes Cardoso (Translator)

Venha conhecer O URSO - o gato que transporta o peso do mundo sobre os seus ombros peludos e cujos olhos sábios e semelhantes aos de um mocho parecem perguntar: Por favor, podes dizer-me porque é que sou um gato? Tal como muitos intelectuais, O Urso teria preferido uma vida calma de solidão com imenso tempo para contemplar desoladamente o mundo e refletir sobre os males da sociedade.
Lamentavelmente, está condenado a passar os seus dias rodeado de felinos com QI significativamente inferiores ao seu…
RALPH: um tigrado belo e vaidoso, que morre de medo do estendal da roupa.
SHIPLEY: um rufia malcriado e campeão da caça aos ratos, que fica insensível quando virado de cabeça para baixo.
ROSCOE: uma gatinha ferozmente independente, atormentada pela sua sósia no espelho.
E, depois, há o Tom, que escreve com a graça e encanto muito próprios sobre as inesperadas aventuras inerentes a uma vida à inteira disposição de quatro gatos… ou três gatos e um poeta sensível que, por acaso, tem trinta centímetros de altura e está coberto de pelo.

Genres: Nonfiction, Cats, Animals, Memoir, Humor, Biography, Autobiography

285 pages, Paperback

First published October 10, 2013

Reviews

[Nat K · Rating 3 out of 5]

”...people who hated cats were often control freaks who felt the world owed them a living.”

Supposedly the world is divided into two types of people. You’re either a “dog” person or a “cat” lover, and never the twain shall meet. While I agree there will always be rabid (pardon the pun) devotees for either camp, I think we can all appreciate the charms of our animal friends, regardless.

I was in need of something warm and fuzzy to read. And how could I go past this, with a picture of “The Bear” on the cover. I’ve had this book for ages, and it’s one of those that’s come along to be read at the right time.

It’s a quirky, whimsical story set in Norfolk. Tom Cox has recently undergone a relationship breakup, and is now rattling about in his “upside down” house (with the kitchen on the top floor), with his four felines for company.

He talks about their very distinct personalities, the occasional stray cat that breaks in through an upstairs window to gorge on the cats’ kibble, and mentions taking long rambling walks in the countryside. It sounds pretty blissful to me.

Ralph is good looking (think of a feline Rob Lowe). He likes to say his name over and over “Raaaaaaaaalph!”.

Shipley swears like a petulant teenager. He hisses a lot. But turn him upside down, and he’s all purrs and happiness.

Roscoe is a cartoon, black’n’white kitten, who fights her nemesis in the mirror daily.

And there’s The Bear. Sigh. A dignified, philosophical being. With large, owl-like eyes that take in everything. There’s definitely a person in that feline body. I know exactly what Tom Cox means when he describes The Bear that way.

Case in point, here is an example of some deep pondering from The Bear:

”So, if so many people love the music of Nick Drake, why did he die depressed and unappreciated at the tender age of just 122 cat years?”

(If you don’t know who Nick Drake is, or haven’t yet listened to his utterly beautiful music, with haunting lyrics scurry along NOW and do so. At the very least, listen to "Five Leaves Left". Sublime).

Janet, you're not forgotten! Though I didn't get to learn much about you in this book. Perhaps if I'd read books 1. and 2. I would've known you better.

We meet Tom’s Dad who’s a wee bit short of hearing SO ALL OF HIS DIALOGUE IS WRITTEN IN UPPER CASE, as he talks quite loudly to make up for it. He’s quite the character, I can just picture him in my head.

“I THINK I’VE LEFT MY CHOCOLATE UNDER THE CUSHION OF YOUR SETTEE. I HIDE IT FROM MYSELF UNDER SETTEE CUSHIONS SO IT’S FUN TO FIND LATER. SORRY IF I’VE MADE THE SETTEE STICKY.”

”WATCHOUT FOR FOOKWITS AND LOONIES.”* (This would make a great inspirational quote)

”I’M GOING TO CHANGE PHONES, I CAN’T HEAR YOU ON THIS ONE. FOOK! THE KITTEN'S GONE UP THE CHIMNEY.”

Tom’s Mum is a delight, and we also meet his equally quirky group of friends, nature lovers, all. We meet voles, deer, toads, frogs, foxes and hedgehogs. An entire chapter is dedicated to our prickly, needle spined friends.

Anyone who's had that deep bond with animals of any persuasion will enjoy this. The funny stuff that they do. Cats seem to be particularly prone to finding themselves in impossible positions, due to their innate stickybeakness (curiosity killed the cat), wanderlust and incredibly flexible bodies. Nine lives anyone?

And of course, cats can be just as empathetic as dogs, and provide great company (often with the proviso, that it has to be when it suits them...sounds like some people, right).

There are some sad bits. There has to be. It’s the cycle of life and nature. There’s parts about aging. Watching our pets change from rambunctious kittens to elder statesmen. But that’s ok. It’s done with utter charm and buckets of love. There are lots of pictures of the kitties, which had me going oooooooooo and ahhhhhhh. I smiled often. Very often. Tis lovely.

This book is like a big warm hug. Or freshly made toast with lashings of butter and loads of honey oozing down the sides.

* Lovingly abbreviated to WOFFAL at the end of his Dad’s emails to Tom. Awwwwww.

[Donald · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you follow my reviews, you'll know one of my pet hates, (boom boom), is covers that bear no resemblance to the contents, here, finally, and majestically, The Bear, Tom Cox's melancholy cat gets to be the cover star of this book. Well, he shares it with his feline siblings, but it's mostly about him. Tom fought for this, after his previous two cat books featured cute, but not in any way related to the books, kittens on the cover, as marketing ploys. Thankfully, his publishers agreed, and as well as The Bear on this one, future reprints of his earlier excellent books will feature his other cat, Ralph (the smug handsome one) and The Bear on the first one too.
All his cats feature here, along with his mum, hilarious SHOUTY DAD, various shoe dwelling amphibians, some kittens and strays, as well as the last few stories about Janet. There's some stuff about his life, moving on from his divorce, dating, his house falling into disrepair, and his decision to sell up. Twitter/Facebook followers knew about this already, and his writing never gets self pitying or bitter, even when his ex doesn't seem that bothered about Janet, or the lack of work/money coming in. It's always a pleasure to read about Tom, his cats, and his SHOUTY DAD, and Tom himself is lovely, replying to me personally when I tweeted about one of his earlier books to thank me for it and my amazon review. :)

[Joanne Moyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book of Tom Cox's that I've read, all of which are about life with his cats. This one focuses on The Bear, The World's Most Melancholy Cat, who I first met on his Facebook page My Cat Is Sad Because..... I found the writing very enjoyable, about a subject I obviously very much enjoy, and look forward to reading his other books

[Kieran Kimberley · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a book about the adventures and misadventures of cat ownership. Yet... it has made me very happy over the passed few days. I felt a range of emotions, the kind of roller-coaster you'd want from any fictional novel, packed into to a rather amusing memoir. People I know have actively avoided me whilst I've been reading this book, because as I have come face to face with them I have only wanted to talk about it and have done nothing but recommend this book to everyone. This is a brilliant book to read at this time of year, to read on cold wet evening and will help with that had bonfire night not quite Christmas feeling. It gave me a warm homely sensation. Seriously, read it! Everyone needs to read about this man's cats and they're idiosyncrasies.

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has left me feeling the most wonderful things. Fun, witty, endearing, and poignant in capturing the essence of what it's like sharing a life with cats. I have grown fond of The Bear, Shipley, Ralph, and Roscoe, who are each distinctly brilliant, as well as equally entertaining non-feline characters like the garden hedgehogs, shoe-dwelling frogs, and the author's shouty dad (sidenote: WOFFAL). And like all memoirs about pets, the topics of death and the numbered days of an aging pet are addressed, but it's never too heavy-handed, and I appreciate the author's effort in making me cry and laugh at the same time. Still made me sad though, and I desperately clutched my cat for comfort (who was disgruntled that I disturbed her nap just for cuddles). All in all, an absolute joy for my first book of 2015. A must-read for all cat lovers!

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing wrong with it. Tom and his cats are interesting and deserve our support, even if it's only a circulation number at the library. But the book is so slight. A little humor, a little poignancy, a bit about Tom, a bit about friends and family... all add up to "ok, now what." I guess I'm supposed to read more of his books... but I don't feel the need to.

I guess my main problem is that I never felt like I really knew the cats. They didn't come alive for me. The cats I knew were nothing like these. Maybe it's me. Maybe if I saw videos of them, heard their special meows and purrs, heard Ralph say his own name... maybe then I'd like the book better.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure and the privilege to be owned by a cat...little gray stripped Margie, for 18 wonderful fun-filled years. Although we never quiet lived up to her expectations of us...after all we only had two legs and couldn't climb a tree or bat a ball around worth a darn and we just reeked of inadequacy, but she loved us any way and allowed us to co-exist in her world. Tom Cox has our situation x 4. How I would love to meet his fur babies. Some authors you read for the subject...some for the writing style... Tom Cox has excelled the art to where you are entranced by both. If you love cats or just enjoy a moment of humor you'll love Tom Cox...and I guarantee you'll love his cats.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was Cox’s third memoir about his life with cats. (You don’t so often hear blokes talking about their cats, do you? That crazy cat lady stereotype dominates.) It’s a fairly entertaining book, and cat owners will recognize the ways in which cats’ requirements impinge on their owners’ lives (but we wouldn’t have it any other way, really). Cox starts and ends the book with four cats, but – alas – goes down to three for a little while in the middle, with some occasional visitors putting it up to 3.5 sometimes. The Bear, Ralph and Shipley are the stalwarts, with The Bear described as “the only cat I’d ever seen who appeared to be almost permanently on the verge of tears.” He’s melancholy and philosophical, where Ralph (who apparently says his own name when he meows) is vain and smug. “The Ten Catmandments” was my favorite little aside: “Thou shalt not drink the water put out for thee by thy humans” and “Thou shalt ignore any toy thy human has bought for thee, especially the really expensive ones.”

*Includes lots of black-and-white photographs of cats and kittens!

[Monet · Rating 5 out of 5]

filled with charm and cozy melancholy

[Heino Colyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this just as much as Under the Paw: Confessions of a Cat Man. After reading one of his books, Tom Cox feels like an old friend and The Bear like my spirit animal. I laughed. I nodded knowingly. I had a single tear and hugged my cat. It was nice hanging out with Tom and his cats again, and I can't wait to see them again.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Tom Cox. Def worth buying even though I've read the last 2 books in this series (well listened to them via the library). I would recommend even if you havent read either of the previous books as any major event that would have occured in these is well integrated in to the prose but there is not too much repetition for those who have read them. It is easy to read, not too small font, lighthearted yet very well written and laugh out loud funny (again). There are also several pictures in this book (black and white). I'm not sure if there were in the previous 2 books as they were audiobook form that I had them. Some chapters are very short and mainly picture based and others are longer. Its a nice book to dip in to as well as read fully. I'd say this book is definitely more suited to people who are already cat lovers and owners, whereas the second book ('talk to the tail') would have been probably equally suited to people who werent especially mad about cats but enjoyed humourous books, as it included Cox's experiences adventures in life generally and with other animals. The only slight criticism about this book that I have is that it does not really have much of a plot despite it being very enjoyable. Cox describes his cats foibles and quirks, gets a new cat and so do his parents and a new girlfriend. There is a bit of humour related to his dad as there is in 'talk to the tail' hence a fair amount of bad language and the use of the 'f' word, so it's not suitable for children. Id give it 4 and a half stars. Love his books and him as a writer. He also has a blogspot, a facebook page ('Under the paw' - the name of the first book which has many pictures of his cats and appears to be updated regularly or was when I last looked last year) and twitter accounts for himself @cox_tom and his cats, including @mysadcat @myswearycat and seems to have a good fanbase/following.

[Elinor Hurst · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love reading about Tom Cox's cats, as I have read his previous books about them and a number of his magazine articles. He writes very amusingly and charmingly about them, and conjures up pictures of a mostly happy, semi rural existence in Norfolk, England that is also intriguing to read about. The book consists mostly of vignettes rather than a sequential narrative, which makes it the sort of book you can easily dip into and read bits and pieces from at leisure. It also includes a number of black and white photos of his cats and various other cats, which enhances the story telling.

Having said that, I was somewhat disappointed as I was expecting more of a narrative novel format. I think the author's strength currently lies in pithy stories and witty flights of fancy that are more suited to an article format than a juicy book that allows one to escape fully into the author's world. I would contrast this book with "A Strret Cat Named Bob", which was a totally gripping and emotionally engaging read. I have the sense that Tom Cox prefers to keep his readers at arms' length, and hence his writing leaves them amused but ultimately feeling somewhat unsatisfied.

I hope that Tom Cox will write more books about his cats, but I would like to see the next one focus more on a narrative story and build up his relationship with his cats in more depth. And while he clearly is devoted to his parents and finds their doings amusing, I would prefer to have a bit less of the shouty father and his quirks in the next book - this running joke became a bit tiresome.

[Anne Nerison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an absolute delight, and a must-read for anyone who lives with little furry cat friends. I found myself chuckling at parts, and nodding along thinking, "Yep, that's [insert cat] to a T," at others. And I admit I may have gotten a little teary, too. Plus, there are pictures!

The Bear (the title's "most melancholy cat") is a cat who can see into your soul. He's the wise old philosopher of the bunch, who can give the best hugs. Ralph likes to meow his own name at the top of his lungs ("Raaaaaaaalph.") I had to wonder if he got that name before or after his penchant for shouting became clear. Janet is actually a male cat. Rodent-hunter extraordinaire. Also tends to catch his tail on fire walking by candles. Shipley is a mouthy fella, with a bit of attitude. The cure: flip him upside down and he'll turn to putty. Roscoe is a cute little tuxie who is still learning to meow.

Though the book centers around Tom Cox's life with these four cats, a few more make appearances throughout, making for a rather interesting cast of characters. Also appearing, in no particular order: toads, frogs, hedgehogs, dogs, foxes, horses, heron, koi . . . and other humans. If you're looking for a good, pretty quick read, love cats, enjoy memoirs, and/or like reading about England, I would very highly recommend this one.

[Yvonne Aburrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Tom Cox’s writing and the only reason it took me so long to read this was that his books make me homesick.

I love his quirky take on the world, all the quotes from his dad, and the adventures of the cats. I think he should do a coffee table book, titled “WATCH OUT FOR FOOKWITS AND LOONIES” and subtitled “The wit and wisdom of Mick Cox” with pictures of his dad and a quote of things he says on each page.

Laughed out loud several times while reading this. If you like toads hiding in shoes, cats with a philosophical outlook on the world, and if you loved “My Sad Cat” on Twitter, buy this book.

[Noelle Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

As far as cat books go, this is one of the best. With a gorgeous picture of The Bear on the cover, you can just tell this book would be a great one with plenty of stories about The Bear and his cat siblings. Throw in a "shouty dad" and a sweetheart of a mom (plus some amphibians for good measure), and you've got what I would consider something close to a masterpiece of cat literature. A must-read for cat lovers the word over!

[Joana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another brilliant book in this series. Cat lovers will both recognise their cats in these "characters" but also look at them in a different way afterwards. Besides cats, there are other interesting characters both animal and human and the writing is witty and hilarious.

[Novelle Novels · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really fun non fiction perfect for cat lovers

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

What's not to like? Cats and Tom Cox's Dad, I'm happy.

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This isn't a bad book. I'm just not seeing a whole lot of reasons to write it. I'm the owner of two cats and I could certainly write 300 pages about my cats too and tell their tale - however, nobody would really care because they're my cats. I don't know the author - I picked up this book during a sale - but it seems like some of his cats are internet famous. If that's the case I would have liked for that to be clearer in the book and I'd like to hear more about how it happened. It's not that I don't think the stories are cute - I just don't see why the entire world needs to know about them.

[Andrea Wirkus · Rating 2 out of 5]

dei algumas risadas, mas não fui capaz de terminar um livro sobre a vida pacata de um jovem e seus gatos... 🤷‍♀️

[Bo Manson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cat persons, somone who own more than two or three cats, can relate to this author's everyday life plus other human friends and family plus other whiskery and other fauna that came across and somehow recorded in this comedy. It's not about the story of a particular cat but all of them here and there and their unique characteristic plus with other non-feline creature mentioned in this book. Although, in the end the author reveal who won his heart. He’s not gonna use “win” anyway because he loves his cats. (I have cats, I know!) It may sounds like a hectic life revolving around the author, his other bipedal species and his furry companion but I think he'll manage. Towards the end of the chapter, like I said, the author loves his cats but one, The Good, has a special, invincible and strong connection with the author perhaps due to its past murky histories. The author somehow thinking about what it’s like living without The Good one day. Though the time will come, we all have to accept.

[Kimb · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for cats and memoirs, but even three stars feels generous. Life doesn't always make for good stories, but I guess when you're third book is due you work with what you've got.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I fell in love with, "The Bear," after my aunt referred me to Tom Cox's twittter and Facebook spots called, "My Sad Cat." (He also has one called, "My Smug Cat," featuring his cat Ralph.) It was inevitable then that I finally read one of his books. Anyone who loves cats will love this. That's a no brainer. I think it will also appeal to anyone with a good sense of humor and a love for all animals and humanity. It is mostly about his cats. Wise and deep thinking, "The Bear," smug Ralph, his brother Shipley and the kitten Roscoe. However you'll also meet Tom, his girlfriend Gemma, his neighbors and friends and his parents. His mom, dad, their cats (and the toad that lives in his dad's shoe!) practically steal the spotlight from Tom and his feline friends. Truly a treasure to read and a book with lots of heart.

[Kirsti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another foray into Tom Cox's wonderful world of cats and nature. Of course I love the Bear, but there is also a host of other cat stories to enjoy, as well as the funny anecdotes about Tom's father. I was extremely glad to find a second hand copy of this book, because I've had it on my to-read list for ages and didn't know how to get a copy without paying full price. Love second hand book shops!

I will warn you, there is an animal loss in this book. I know it can turn people off to read sad books, so heads up. Let's just say I held my boys a little closer that night!

A fantastic animal memoir, and I hope to see more from this author!

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book I won it after trying for quite some time to win a copy.It was a first reads giveaway. I laughed at the fact that some of the cats were mistakenly named with names meant for the opposite gender such as Jacob the cat who was actually female. I have made that mistake before when I had a boy cat named Sheba the author captures perfectly what its like to live with a moody persnickety feline.I recommend this book to anyone who loves animals but especially cat lovers. the book was delightful and captured the very essence that we dont own cats they own us!

[phazleeanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bought this book out of love. Fell in love with @MYSADCAT on Twitter, and instantly became a stalker for a feline called The Bear.

I pretty much could relate to this book -- having a black cat is certainly different than owning cats of different hues.

Some people say they bring bad luck. Well I say they brought unconditional love and affection to the house.

And dead pests, of course.

Nonetheless, black cats rock.

[Stef A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bear and I have a lot in common.

Also, I personify my animals like the author does. For instance, my cat Marley is a know-it-all even though he's hardly ever right, he says hurtful things but means well, he mispronounces words and then argues with you that he is right and you are wrong. He shops at Best Buy because he thinks that's where you get the best deals on electronics, though we've told him repeatedly that he might find better prices on Amazon.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good entry in the series from Tom Cox. This edition also has the bonus of pictures of the cats throughout- not great quality, but they're all on the @mysadcat twitter in any case. At the beginning of the book, I was genuinely moved by Cox's writing about losing one of his oldest cats, and I enjoyed the way he wrote about his personal life.

[Mackie Welch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really funny and not just about cats, which was surprising. I mean mostly about cats yes, but also about the author's finding his love of nature and all of the inhabitants that come with it. Great book to maybe not read straight through but to have on hand when you need a break. Love his descriptions of feline behavior.

[Andi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quiet but delightful read - a memoir of sorts, in which not much actually happens, but that's okay, it's entertaining anyway. It's like sitting down for a chat with a witty good friend who happens to spend quite a lot of time thinking about his cats. Very pleasant read.