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Paws for a Moment
For fans of Makoto Shinkai, Syou Ishida, and Hiro Arikawa, this luminous memoir-in-miniature is an ode of gratitude from a man to his beloved feline companion.
When the author first meets Cato—a scrappy, stubborn kitten—it is impossible to know how deeply this cat would shape the course of his life. Over the course of two decades, Cato proves himself more than a a constant, a companion, and, in many ways, a mirror to his owner’s own life.
Through the years and pages of their lives, the author reflects on the moments that built their shared world, moving between love and loss, presence and memory. With poetic precision and raw honesty, they explore how even the smallest gestures—a paw resting on a hand for just a moment—can hold lifetimes of meaning.
When the author first meets Cato—a scrappy, stubborn kitten—it is impossible to know how deeply this cat would shape the course of his life. Over the course of two decades, Cato proves himself more than a a constant, a companion, and, in many ways, a mirror to his owner’s own life.
Through the years and pages of their lives, the author reflects on the moments that built their shared world, moving between love and loss, presence and memory. With poetic precision and raw honesty, they explore how even the smallest gestures—a paw resting on a hand for just a moment—can hold lifetimes of meaning.
118 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 26, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
October 8, 2026
A Beautifully Painful Reminder of the Love We Shared
I lost my best pal on May 30th of this year, and I miss him more than words can explain. He was the best companion I’ve ever had, and reading Paws for a Moment has brought back so many memories of our time together, both the good and the bad.
This book reminded me that our relationship was real and that the bond we shared was something truly special. It brought back the little things I never want to forget: the ways we showed our displeasure with each other, the way we communicated without words, and all the little ways we said “I love you.” Those memories made me smile, cry, and sometimes tear up with both happiness and sadness.
I don’t know if this book has given me any sort of closure, but I know it has allowed me to remember him in a way that feels meaningful, even when it hurts. Grief is such a complicated thing, and sometimes remembering someone you’ve lost can be both the most beautiful and the most painful experience.
Reading about the loss of Cato helped me feel less alone. I found myself understanding what the author went through because I know what it feels like to lose someone who was such a huge part of your life. It was comforting to see those feelings reflected in someone else’s experience and to be reminded that I’m not the only one who has loved and lost a companion so deeply.
This book didn’t take away the pain of losing my best friend, but it reminded me of the love we shared, and that love is something I’ll always carry with me.
If you’re grieving the loss of a beloved pet, this book might bring tears to your eyes, but it may also remind you of all the beautiful moments that made your bond so special. ❤️
I lost my best pal on May 30th of this year, and I miss him more than words can explain. He was the best companion I’ve ever had, and reading Paws for a Moment has brought back so many memories of our time together, both the good and the bad.
This book reminded me that our relationship was real and that the bond we shared was something truly special. It brought back the little things I never want to forget: the ways we showed our displeasure with each other, the way we communicated without words, and all the little ways we said “I love you.” Those memories made me smile, cry, and sometimes tear up with both happiness and sadness.
I don’t know if this book has given me any sort of closure, but I know it has allowed me to remember him in a way that feels meaningful, even when it hurts. Grief is such a complicated thing, and sometimes remembering someone you’ve lost can be both the most beautiful and the most painful experience.
Reading about the loss of Cato helped me feel less alone. I found myself understanding what the author went through because I know what it feels like to lose someone who was such a huge part of your life. It was comforting to see those feelings reflected in someone else’s experience and to be reminded that I’m not the only one who has loved and lost a companion so deeply.
This book didn’t take away the pain of losing my best friend, but it reminded me of the love we shared, and that love is something I’ll always carry with me.
If you’re grieving the loss of a beloved pet, this book might bring tears to your eyes, but it may also remind you of all the beautiful moments that made your bond so special. ❤️
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February 19, 2026If you are currently experiencing the loss of a pet this is not a book to read now.
Having had many house cats during my adult life, my children, husband and I have experienced the ups-and-downs of the human-cat relationship. This book details life with Cato the cat and his human companion. From the beginning when Cato according to the Vet is 3 or 4 weeks old to his passing at 21 years of age.
I am unable to rate this book because like the relationship of myself and our various cats I experienced multiple highs and lows while reading. About a third of the way through I was ready to move on to any other book not enjoying the bouncing through various stages of life without chronological arrangement. But I persevered and completed the reading.
If you have had a close relationship with a pet, you may relate to the wandering thoughts of the author even if sometimes it’s overly philosophical writing.
Having had many house cats during my adult life, my children, husband and I have experienced the ups-and-downs of the human-cat relationship. This book details life with Cato the cat and his human companion. From the beginning when Cato according to the Vet is 3 or 4 weeks old to his passing at 21 years of age.
I am unable to rate this book because like the relationship of myself and our various cats I experienced multiple highs and lows while reading. About a third of the way through I was ready to move on to any other book not enjoying the bouncing through various stages of life without chronological arrangement. But I persevered and completed the reading.
If you have had a close relationship with a pet, you may relate to the wandering thoughts of the author even if sometimes it’s overly philosophical writing.
March 4, 2026
Cat Love Soul
This quick read is heartbreaking and heartwarming, filled with grief and wonder, love, appreciation, devotedness, the miracle of connection even after death. For any person who lives with a beloved cat
This quick read is heartbreaking and heartwarming, filled with grief and wonder, love, appreciation, devotedness, the miracle of connection even after death. For any person who lives with a beloved cat
January 2, 2026
A heartwarming book. It bought back many memories of the pets that have owned me over the years.
Zohar expressed his love for Cato well.
Zohar expressed his love for Cato well.
April 8, 2026
I lost two very senior cats 6 months apart in 2015. Though years have passed, my memories of those two girls has never dimmed. I loved reading this story and the memories of cats I have lost.
April 29, 2026
Memoir of a cat
Kohavi writes through his grief from the death of his cat Cato. Having recent lost a cat to illness, his reflections had me at times smiling and at others crying.
Kohavi writes through his grief from the death of his cat Cato. Having recent lost a cat to illness, his reflections had me at times smiling and at others crying.
November 10, 2025
This is a lovely, heart tending tale of coexistence and love. Tough at times to read, but I’m glad I did.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews