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Cats on the Job: 50 Fabulous Felines Who Purr, Mouse, and Even Sing for Their Supper
True Tales of the Cuddliest Coworkers
Around the world, there are cats earning their keep. Some are mousers, like Princess, a black cat who works at Mill Ridge Farm's stables. Some are circus performers, like Tuna and her furry friends in The Amazing Acro-Cats. And some are even politicians, like Mayor Stubbs, an orange tabby who holds office in Talkeetna, Alaska.
In Cats on the Job, we meet these and other whiskered workers who keep their human colleagues company from 9 to 5—with the occasional break for a nap or a belly rub—and make every day at the office better.
Around the world, there are cats earning their keep. Some are mousers, like Princess, a black cat who works at Mill Ridge Farm's stables. Some are circus performers, like Tuna and her furry friends in The Amazing Acro-Cats. And some are even politicians, like Mayor Stubbs, an orange tabby who holds office in Talkeetna, Alaska.
In Cats on the Job, we meet these and other whiskered workers who keep their human colleagues company from 9 to 5—with the occasional break for a nap or a belly rub—and make every day at the office better.
198 pages, Paperback
First published October 6, 2015
3 people are currently reading
640 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Rogak
51 books136 followersMy new book Propaganda Girls: The Secret War of the Women in the OSS will be published on March 4, 2025.
Lisa Rogak is the New York Times bestselling author of more than 40 books, which have been published in more than two dozen languages. Her books Barack Obama: In His Own Words, and Angry Optimist: The Life & Times of Jon Stewart, hit the New York Times bestseller lists. Haunted Heart: The Life & Times of Stephen King was nominated for both the Edgar and Anthony Awards.
Her books have been reviewed and otherwise mentioned in the Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, USA Today, and hundreds of other publications. She appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show as the featured guest in a show about small towns to promote her book, Moving to the Country Once and For All.
She lives in New Hampshire and is currently at work on a memoir.
Lisa Rogak is the New York Times bestselling author of more than 40 books, which have been published in more than two dozen languages. Her books Barack Obama: In His Own Words, and Angry Optimist: The Life & Times of Jon Stewart, hit the New York Times bestseller lists. Haunted Heart: The Life & Times of Stephen King was nominated for both the Edgar and Anthony Awards.
Her books have been reviewed and otherwise mentioned in the Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, USA Today, and hundreds of other publications. She appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show as the featured guest in a show about small towns to promote her book, Moving to the Country Once and For All.
She lives in New Hampshire and is currently at work on a memoir.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
May 13, 2016
With adorable photographs and cute stories what's not to love? Definitely recommend to read this alongside a friend like I did.
October 4, 2017
Many dogs are honored for their jobs, so this is the cat lovers’ response. Cats on the Job introduces us to cats who work as circus performers, diabetic alert cats, security guards, music studio assistants, and, of course, bookstore cats. I personally thought the cat that taught dogs to search for missing cats was extraordinarily admirable. Many work in Japan, which may mean there are more unemployed cats in the US. A fun gift for cat lovers.
November 19, 2019
I got this book cheaply, only $1, thinking that a relative might like it, but I wanted to read a copy of it myself first. I could imagine myself reading it again sometime, which is my requirement for 5 stars.
This book lists 50 cats (or more) who have had various jobs. I loved the pictures, and the stories were often funny. My favorite pictures were of the traveling company Jalan's tour guides and ambassadors, Nyalan and Deshi, wearing their tiny suitcases like pendants around their necks.
The most famous cat in the book is "Grumpy Cat," Tardar Sauce, of the Grumpy Cat memes.
Another famous cat of note was Lt. Commander Data's "Spot," from the "Star Trek the Next Generation" series, played by three cats, depending on their moods, Brandy, Monster, and Tyler. I loved the story about Brandy being too distracted by Data's yellow eyes to respond to her cues at first.
In fact, I laughed my way through this book, which is why I'd read it again. So many funny cat antics - from the Crossing Guard Cat to the Office Cat conducting interviews.
I marveled at the Dog Trainer Cat that patiently taught search and rescue dogs to find him and at the Messenger Cat, who liked to ride atop the bicyclist's shoulders delivering packages.
I think my relative will especially enjoy the Teaching Assistant Cat and Nurse Cat.
We have seen bookstore cats before, and while I enjoy seeing them, my husband has to leave the store because of his allergies! That's something I wondered about with several of these cat occupations - particularly the Hotel Concierge Cat, the Library Cat, the Cafe Cat, the Stationmaster Cat, and others.
The Minister Cat was too ridiculous for me, though.
Favorite quote: (about the Mayor Cat)
"He hasn't voted for anything I haven't voted for." There's something to be said for that.
This book lists 50 cats (or more) who have had various jobs. I loved the pictures, and the stories were often funny. My favorite pictures were of the traveling company Jalan's tour guides and ambassadors, Nyalan and Deshi, wearing their tiny suitcases like pendants around their necks.
The most famous cat in the book is "Grumpy Cat," Tardar Sauce, of the Grumpy Cat memes.
Another famous cat of note was Lt. Commander Data's "Spot," from the "Star Trek the Next Generation" series, played by three cats, depending on their moods, Brandy, Monster, and Tyler. I loved the story about Brandy being too distracted by Data's yellow eyes to respond to her cues at first.
In fact, I laughed my way through this book, which is why I'd read it again. So many funny cat antics - from the Crossing Guard Cat to the Office Cat conducting interviews.
I marveled at the Dog Trainer Cat that patiently taught search and rescue dogs to find him and at the Messenger Cat, who liked to ride atop the bicyclist's shoulders delivering packages.
I think my relative will especially enjoy the Teaching Assistant Cat and Nurse Cat.
We have seen bookstore cats before, and while I enjoy seeing them, my husband has to leave the store because of his allergies! That's something I wondered about with several of these cat occupations - particularly the Hotel Concierge Cat, the Library Cat, the Cafe Cat, the Stationmaster Cat, and others.
The Minister Cat was too ridiculous for me, though.
Favorite quote: (about the Mayor Cat)
"He hasn't voted for anything I haven't voted for." There's something to be said for that.
August 8, 2024
Stories and photographs of working cats. What a delight.
March 2, 2016
A lovely collection of stories of cats in gainful occupations amidst their human companions!
True stories of the crossing-guard cat Sable and the diabetic-alert cat Pippa show more than a little awareness of themselves and others in our feline friends. I've come to learn this in experiences with Lucy , who adopted my home and me, many years ago. Lucy is of course mistress of the home now.
While the book describes felines assisting humans, there are many instances of cats saving others, their humans, while throwing themselves in harm's way. Most recently, seen in a video circulated widely, a pet cat saved her child companion from a vicious canine attack. This fearless warrior threw herself at the canine, scratched his face, causing him to let go of the toddler's leg he had clamped his jaws on. After the dog let go, she made sure to chase him away before following her human who ran back home. Lisa Rogak's stories add much more to such love cats show us all.
'Cats on the Job,' which I received in a Goodreads First Reads Giveaway, is an enjoyable and easy read. Full color pictures provide pleasing visuals within. Recommended to animal lovers everywhere!
True stories of the crossing-guard cat Sable and the diabetic-alert cat Pippa show more than a little awareness of themselves and others in our feline friends. I've come to learn this in experiences with Lucy , who adopted my home and me, many years ago. Lucy is of course mistress of the home now.
While the book describes felines assisting humans, there are many instances of cats saving others, their humans, while throwing themselves in harm's way. Most recently, seen in a video circulated widely, a pet cat saved her child companion from a vicious canine attack. This fearless warrior threw herself at the canine, scratched his face, causing him to let go of the toddler's leg he had clamped his jaws on. After the dog let go, she made sure to chase him away before following her human who ran back home. Lisa Rogak's stories add much more to such love cats show us all.
'Cats on the Job,' which I received in a Goodreads First Reads Giveaway, is an enjoyable and easy read. Full color pictures provide pleasing visuals within. Recommended to animal lovers everywhere!
January 23, 2016
I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
I love this book. I waited two months for it to come in the mail, and it was well worth the wait. It's absolutely adorable, full of lots of pictures of adorable cats, and makes me all warm and fuzzy inside.
My two favorite cats featured are Tama-san, the Stationmaster cat, and Ketzel, the composer cat. I had heard of Tama-san before, and mainly entered the giveaway because not only do I love cats, but one of my favorite famous cats is featured on the cover. But I didn't know her backstory. I didn't know she became stationmaster because her home was going to be destroyed and someone didn't want her to be homeless.
Ketzel the composer cat is an amazing little anecdote and I'm super curious about the song he wrote. I'm sure it's beautiful.
I'm telling all my cat loving friends about this book. Everyone should read this, everyone should have this, this book brings me so much joy.
I love this book. I waited two months for it to come in the mail, and it was well worth the wait. It's absolutely adorable, full of lots of pictures of adorable cats, and makes me all warm and fuzzy inside.
My two favorite cats featured are Tama-san, the Stationmaster cat, and Ketzel, the composer cat. I had heard of Tama-san before, and mainly entered the giveaway because not only do I love cats, but one of my favorite famous cats is featured on the cover. But I didn't know her backstory. I didn't know she became stationmaster because her home was going to be destroyed and someone didn't want her to be homeless.
Ketzel the composer cat is an amazing little anecdote and I'm super curious about the song he wrote. I'm sure it's beautiful.
I'm telling all my cat loving friends about this book. Everyone should read this, everyone should have this, this book brings me so much joy.
November 9, 2015
I received a free copy of this book to give an honest review on my cat themed blog, 15andmeowing.
I loved it! I had no idea there were cats in so many places from ships to train stations. I thought I knew about every famous cat, but I only recognized a few like Grumpy Cat and Matilda from The Algonquin Hotel in NYC.
I am impressed at all the research that went into this book. I highly recommend it for every cat lover. I guarantee you that you will learn something new.
I loved it! I had no idea there were cats in so many places from ships to train stations. I thought I knew about every famous cat, but I only recognized a few like Grumpy Cat and Matilda from The Algonquin Hotel in NYC.
I am impressed at all the research that went into this book. I highly recommend it for every cat lover. I guarantee you that you will learn something new.
March 17, 2016
It's a book filled with cute cat stories and even cuter cat pictures. What isn't to absolutely adore??
July 11, 2018
So cute! I loved this book about cats on the job! Highly recommended if you love cats!
August 10, 2021
I expected this to be a simple, cutesy, coffee table book, and to an extent it was. But I was pleasantly surprised by the actual research that went into it. I was expecting a few general statements about unnamed cats, or just partial stories pulled from random newspaper articles. But instead, each story was about an actual cat with a name, location, background story and other details about each one. It’s definitely a cute, quick read (I took so long between the start and end date because I just picked it up occasionally here and there), but I feel like I actually learned some interesting facts (albeit trivial facts) while reading it.
February 21, 2019
This non-fiction book tell stories about cats with different “jobs”. There are many classical jobs: chief mouser at bars, corner grocery stores, or horse barns. There are more modern occupations like library mascot, bookstore cat, or therapy cat who visits nursing homes. The author tells the story of the cats who played Data’s cat Spot on Star Trek Next Generation. There are fifty heart-warming stories here, all very sweet. My personal favorite is the cat who nursed orphaned puppies along with her own kittens. A good book for cheering oneself up.
May 8, 2020
Cats, cats, and more cats!!! It doesn't get much better than this. The cats are great subjects and each story is told purrfectly by either the cat itself or their human. I had no idea there were so many actual jobs for cats, its pretty impressive. The photos of the cats on duty or in uniform are also done purrfectly. Enjoy the cats! Meow 😻
July 7, 2020
4.5 stars. What a fun book! 50 awesome cats are highlighted, with photos and explanations of what they do to "earn their keep".
December 21, 2021
Fun read filled with cute pictures. Purrfect for the cat lover!
November 7, 2022
Another good cat book and I enjoyed most of the cat jobs. A pity Lisa Rognak did not mention Larry at No. 10 Downing Street in the U.K.
December 13, 2023
very cute, got as a gift.
September 27, 2015
Cats on the Job: 50 Fabulous Felines Who Purr, Mouse, and Even Sing for Their Supper is the book equivalent of the movie Babe. In other words, you could have a terrible day and come home to this book and be right as rain in no time. The stories are sweet, the photos adorable, and the assorted kitties behind the stories are just an amazing little gift from the universe to the people, other animals, and communities they serve. What a happy, happy read--thanks so much, First Reads Giveaway folks!
June 23, 2016
After reading the wonderful but somewhat sad book by Gwen Cooper about the last days of the famous blind feline Homer, I knew I'd want a funny or uplifting cat book to help ease my literary feline feelings. This book definitely hit the spot! It was interesting and humorous, citing examples of real-life working cats. From the common barn cats to the more unique cat who serves as mayor, each entry includes an informative page or so about the cat and plenty of pictures. A great, light read for cat lovers!
September 18, 2016
For cat lovers everywhere.
This is about a bunch of the "professional" cats out there, from station masters to diabetic-care cats to hospice cats to actor cats, and all things in between. These are cats that, whether brought in for a purpose or having found their own, "work" for their kibble (but let's be honest, most of them would probably get food even if they weren't working for it).
The entries are short and are somewhere between informative and tongue-and-cheek. If you like cats, you'll like this book.
This is about a bunch of the "professional" cats out there, from station masters to diabetic-care cats to hospice cats to actor cats, and all things in between. These are cats that, whether brought in for a purpose or having found their own, "work" for their kibble (but let's be honest, most of them would probably get food even if they weren't working for it).
The entries are short and are somewhere between informative and tongue-and-cheek. If you like cats, you'll like this book.
January 6, 2016
For all the humans that enjoy the company of cats this is a great book. For all the humans that think cats can never be more than a pet this is a great book. For all the humans who don't like cats (boo, hiss, hiss) this is still a great book. Cats on the Job: 50 Fabulous Felines who Purr, Mouse, And Even Sing for Their Supper shows just how special cats are. But, those of us who have (or had) cats in their lives already knew that! Great stories, great pictures, and a joy to read.
January 14, 2016
So...anybody who knows me knows I love cats so it isn't a big surprise that I bought this book. If you are a cat lover, this is a must have. It is full of stories of cat's on the job, if you couldn't tell from the title. It has stories of cats on the job, from store cats to model cats, and yes...grumpy cat is in the book. Each cat gets a few pages and has multiple pictures showing them in action. The book is well written, humorous and lighthearted and the photographs are simply divine.
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January 29, 2016When I spotted this book on the new release shelf at the library how could I leave it there?
I quickly grabbed my treasure and went to the librarian to check it out and she laughed. She said she put that on the shelf not20 minutes before and she couldn't wait for somebody to take it out!
Super cute and funny this book shows cat lovers and haters alike that these furry freaks are useful and adorable!
This book is guaranteed to get you smiling!
I quickly grabbed my treasure and went to the librarian to check it out and she laughed. She said she put that on the shelf not20 minutes before and she couldn't wait for somebody to take it out!
Super cute and funny this book shows cat lovers and haters alike that these furry freaks are useful and adorable!
This book is guaranteed to get you smiling!
March 23, 2016
A fantastic fun book about cats and their jobs. Did you know their is a cat that helps with teaching? Or a cat that travels for a travel agency? Or fire-fighter cat? And then there are 47 other jobs that cats are doing. Often with just one example, but sometimes with more!
Definitely would recommend this book! It also has amazingly cute photographs. <3
Definitely would recommend this book! It also has amazingly cute photographs. <3
January 26, 2016
Purrfect for cat people. Wonderful photographs!
August 2, 2016
If you like cats you'll enjoy this fun book....some of the pics make you smile.
May 14, 2017
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway from the publisher. This is a must-read for cat lovers! This book is an informative, fun read full of candid shots of cats on the job. I loved it!
December 7, 2015
I got some great ideas on finding employment for my kitties! Great pictures and amazing stories from some amazing felines!
December 27, 2015
I was given this book for a Christmas present and much to my surprise I enjoyed the quick read very much and was happy to find one of the featured cats was from a store in Shelburne Falls, MA.
June 11, 2016
A fun read about cats and their various occupations. My felines and I had a great time perusing this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews