I'm Still Here: A Cat's Purpose Forever

by Cathryn Michon, Michelle Detering (Illustrator)

FROM THE NATIONAL BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF I’M STILL A DOG’S PURPOSE FOREVER, a beautiful, comforting gift for anyone grieving a beloved cat—told from the clever, loving voice of an angel cat who gently reminds your bond is forever.

Losing a cat—the most discerning and self-possessed of beings—means losing a companion who chose you, trusted you, and made your days brighter. I’m Still A Cat’s Purpose Forever offers tender comfort through the voice of a confident, clever, ever-loving feline who wants you to know that the connection you shared will never fade.

Speaking from beyond with warmth and gentle humor, this furry angel cat reassures readers that love continues in ways we cannot see—that they still watch over you, guide you, and wait in a place where all animals run free without pain.

This collection of poetic reflections becomes a soothing companion for anyone navigating loss. Author Cathryn Michon, co-writer of the hit film, A Dog’s Purpose, writer and director of the Netflix film A Dog’s Perfect Christmas, and author of the bestselling book I’m Still A Dog’s Purpose Forever brings her signature blend of empathy, hope, and heartfelt storytelling to this deeply comforting volume.

A perfect sympathy or remembrance gift, I’m Still A Cat’s Purpose Forever honors the cats we’ve loved—and reminds us that their spirits stay close, until we meet again.

128 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication September 8, 2026

About the author

Cathryn Michon has an eclectic career as a filmmaker, actor, comic, nationally bestselling author, animal advocate and TV host. She is perhaps most proud of being a screenwriter on the films A Dog's Purpose, A Dog's Journey, A Dog's Way Home, all made from the #1 NYT bestselling novels written by her husband, W. Bruce Cameron. Having met thousands of people who have loved and lost a dog, she dreamed for ten years of doing a gorgeous graphic book told from the point of view of an Angel Dog who wants you to know they are still *here* watching you and loving you, but they are also *there* where all the people and animals you have loved run free and without pain. Thus I'm Still Here: A Dog's Purpose Forever was born.

As a writer/director of feature films and television she's written a lot of characters, but she enjoys writing the character of a dog almost more than any other. Who wouldn't want to write a character who loves you unconditionally for all time and who is always happy to see you? Dogs are teachers of joy and Cathryn is so here for that.

Tucker, who is both her muse and her best friend, kindly agreed to model for the paintings of the angel dog in the book, but he would also like people to know that he basically dictated it to her during his many naps. He is that talented, but since he doesn't have opposable thumbs, he graciously allows his Mommy to be his typist.

Reviews

[STEPH · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was crying the whole time I was reading this. I think of all the cats that I lost, and I genuinely wish to be forgiven—for not being there for my cats all the time.

This hits so deep; I can picture all my cats. I long for the warmth of their touch, the calm I get from their every purr. Losing a cat is like losing a childlike part of you—something so hard to get back no matter what you do.

Even though the cats I lost are no longer here, I am still their person. I grieve and miss them every day.

If you want a heartwarming and funny read, get this book.

[Sara]

Thank you to Andrews McMeel publishing and NetGalley for the advanced review copy.
Full review to come closer to publication date.

[kaffeezeilen]

(review to be added once the book is published)

[Paige]

Welp. This was a tear jerker to say the least.

It felt reassuring knowing that my little kitty will be better on the other side one day. That my dog is ok on the other side. All the other pets are doing ok.

This was a heart warming story. Illustrations were very well done and suited the book well.

There were just a few lines that were repetitive and felt they could have been changed to lightly touched on another part of life.

**thank you netgalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for the copy for a review with my own thoughts and opinions**

[Rachael Jakubowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Andrew McMeel Publishing for an ARC of this. All opinions are my own.


“you will understand that you and i are for always”
—resonated with that profound, quiet space in my heart reserved for the cats who have shaped my life

There is a specific, iridescent kind of grief that comes with losing a cat—a loss of a "childlike" piece of one’s own soul that seems to vanish into the floorboards along with them. In I’m Still Here: A Cat’s Purpose Forever, Cathryn Michon and Michelle Detering capture this bittersweet frequency with remarkable grace, proving that while a cat’s physical presence may be finite, their "personhood" is an indelible mark on the heart.

Michon’s prose strikes a masterful balance between wry humor and devastatingly beautiful sentiment. The prose acknowledges the physical ache of longing for that specific warmth and the meditative rhythm of a purr—the "white noise" of a happy home.

Michelle Detering’s illustrations serve as the perfect atmospheric companion to the text. They don't just depict scenes; they evoke the "warmth of a touch" and the sensory memory of a familiar silhouette. They capture the ethereal quality of a cat’s memory, reminding us that we remain "their person" long after the last treat has been given.

The Eternal Bond that validates the feeling that our roles as caretakers don’t end at the Rainbow Bridge; we are stewards of their legacy indefinitely. The book manages to be both "wordy" in its emotional depth and accessible in its humor, making it a rare find in the bibliotherapy space. A Cathartic Experience; for anyone currently navigating a home that feels far too quiet, this book offers a resonant "meow" in the dark.

"To love a cat is to accept a permanent alteration of your domestic universe. This book is the manual for living in that newly shifted world."

I’m Still Here is a masterful exploration of the "Cat’s Purpose," extending far beyond their final nap. It is a mandatory addition to the shelves of anyone who has ever been "owned" by a cat. Prepare to weep, prepare to smile, and most importantly, prepare to feel seen.

[Mikey ಠ◡ಠ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I lost my soul cat last year and I still really struggle with his passing. I heard once that grief is love with nowhere to go so I guess it makes sense that I don't ever see my grieving ending any time soon because I loved him so very much. I still love him so much that I had his adorable little face tattooed on my right arm where he always snuggled me at the end of every day.

(Y'all I am literally crying so hard I am struggling to write this through tear blurred eyes lol) I appreciate this book addressing the idea that just like how I still love my cat and don't know where my love is supposed to go now & that my cat still loves me and is sending me his love from the great beyond.

These two excerpts really stood out to me (but PS these are quotes from an advance copy and may be subject to change before the finished copy is printed, but I hope they don't because I love them so much!)"You will understand that you and I are for always." "My love is still here because I am still here you are still my person always and I am your cat forever."

I don't really talk about how much I miss my cat anymore because a lot of people react with "Really? It was just a cat. Get another one." so I really appreciate this book saying hey, it's okay to still love and miss your cat, not only that but your cat still loves and misses you too! It's a comfort to read a book that doesn't steer you away from your grief but urges you to embrace it and let this book comfort you.

RIP Charlie, I wish I could still hold you and give you a thousand smoochies on your forehead and smell your stinky cat breath and cuddle you in the middle of summer even though it's too hot to and hear your little "wow-wow!"s when you wanted a treat. I miss everything about you and I really hope we meet again one day. Wait for me please. Stay here with me please. It's really the least you can do since you left me here to live in a world without you. I love you.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a DRC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Lacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Andrew McMeel Publishing for an ARC of this. All opinions are my own.


"Please understand we're still in this life together and you need to be ready for when I send another cat to love you until we meet again."
😭😭😭
This picture book is illustrated with beautiful watercolors, many of which are of the author's own pets who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge. It's written from the point of view of a very sassy cat who is trying to explain to their "person" that they are still with them though they have crossed the Rainbow Bridge. And also explain the world in very simple terms that even humans can understand, because clearly we are the lesser beings. But you can see from that first quote, it also pulls on the heart strings.

I lost my soul cat over 3 years ago, and lost my other remaining cat 6 weeks ago. I was crying and laughing at the same time because I could picture my cat's "voices" in the dialogue, especially my soul cat. She was a pampered princess and I can imagine she'd have all the same opinions with all the same sass.

"Most cats here are retired mighty hunters."
This line hit close to my heart had me sobbing because my Jethro was a fantastic hunter, and in his older years I told people that he was honorably discharged from his duties as hunter.

Despite being a picture book, I knew this would be an emotional for me, and I was indeed in tears even before I finished the Foreward. It wasn't quite what I expected, which is probably good for my emotional state. But I hoped that reading it would give me some sort of emotional closure. I will never be fully healed from the loss of them, but somehow I can breathe a little easier.
If you've ever had or lost a cat, I recommend this.

5 stars because I know my soul needed this.


Quotes from the ARC (final version may differ):

"You are my person always and I am your cat forever."
---

"But once I've explored I find my way back to you as I always did and always will until we meet again."

[Eunice Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Love continues in ways we cannot see..."

This book completely melted my cat mom heart. It is a beautifully illustrated collection of poems and reflections told from a cat's perspective, offering comfort to anyone who has loved and lost a furry companion. It's gentle, heartfelt, and surprisingly funny in places.

One of my favorite things about this book was the artwork by Michelle Detering. The illustrations add so much emotion and meaning to the poetry. I loved seeing all kinds of cats represented including disabled cats and even a few dogs. The soft watercolor style feels incredibly calming and pairs perfectly with Cathryn Michon's warm, comforting words.

Reading this while my two cats were nearby hit me harder than I expected. It filled me with both joy and sadness as I thought about the day they'll eventually cross the rainbow bridge. There were moments when I found myself hugging them a little tighter afterward. If you're a pet parent, especially a cat parent, this book will probably tug at your heartstrings.

I also loved the balance of emotions throughout the collection. There's happiness, longing, hope, and unconditional love woven into every page. And as a lifelong cat lover, I couldn't help laughing at how the cats were still teasing the dogs right until the very end. Some things never change. 😂

While the book's message about opening your heart again after loss is beautiful, I personally know that no one could ever replace my two boys. They are the reason I became a cat mom in the first place. I've loved and lost five dogs over the years, and I never replaced them either. Every pet leaves a unique imprint on our hearts, and this book captures that feeling so well.

Tender, comforting, and filled with love, this is the kind of book you'll want to keep on your shelf for the days when you need a reminder that our beloved pets never truly leave us.

Perfect for cat lovers, pet parents, and anyone missing a furry friend.

And yes, I'll definitely be getting my own copy when it's released in September.

[KC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: I’m Still Here: A Cat’s Purpose Forever by Cathryn Michon

I’m Still Here: A Cat’s Purpose Forever by Cathryn Michon is a gentle, illustrated meditation on grief and continuing bonds after pet loss, told from the perspective of a cat in an imagined “there” beyond death.

The premise is simple but effective: a beloved cat reflects on life on earth while also describing an ongoing existence where familiar joys and routines continue in another place. The “here” and “there” structure avoids framing death as an ending and instead presents it as a shift in where love and presence are experienced.

The strength of the book is its emotional clarity. It doesn’t overcomplicate grief or try to intellectualize it. Instead, it leans into recognition, especially for readers who have lived closely with an animal for many years. The watercolor illustrations reinforce that tone, soft and slightly blurred, giving the sense of memory and presence existing at the same time.

At times, the sentimentality is heavy-handed, and readers looking for restraint or ambiguity may find it a bit direct. But that is also part of its intention. It is designed less as a narrative with tension and more as a comfort object, something to sit with rather than analyze.

For those grieving a long-term companion animal, it can feel less like a story and more like language given to familiar feelings that don’t always have clear expression. It doesn’t push toward closure so much as continuity.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Juli Stadler · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who has loved and has cared for many cats over the years, there are some deaths that are more painful than others. The reason I wanted to read this book was because in 2021, I lost my soul cat Niko due to complications that arose following surgery for chylothorax. His death was particularly hard on me because due to circumstances, I did not get to properly say goodbye. It also made me really sad that his last moments were spent in a large emergency veterinary hospital room, surrounded by other animals who were also in critical condition.

“I’m Still Here” brought me to tears, but it was also very cathartic and healing. I especially loved page 80, which says “Please understand we're still in this life together and you need to be ready for when i send another cat to love you until we meet again.” About 6 months after I lost Niko, I brought home Oliver, a kitten who I believe was paw-picked by Niko. Oliver was and continues to be the most loving boy. Every time I hold and cuddle him, I feel like I’m blowing kisses to Niko.

“I’m Still Here” is a wonderful book that I would recommend to anyone who’s ever loved and lost a cat. It would also make a wonderful gift for a friend or family member who is grieving the loss of their cat.

P.S. For those with dogs, the author’s husband W. Bruce Cameron has written a similar book titled “A Dog’s Purpose.”

Thanks to Andrews McMeels Publishing and NetGalley for the complimentary eDRC. All opinions are my own.

[Caitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

My soul cat is nearly seventeen years old and though he is spry and a kitten at heart, he is slowing down.

Immediately I was drawn to this book by the title and cover (yes I sometimes judge a book by its cover).
As an avid cat lover with all their quirky and loving behaviors I knew I needed to give this one a read even though I am not currently grieving the loss of a beloved cat.

The writing is purely calming and gentle on the heart for those that are in the active grieving stages. There were many moments of pause between each page as I reflected on all the cats I’ve come to love in this lifetime.

The author definitely speaks from the heart and the reader can feel how deeply they adored their soul cat.

The illustrations were absolutely beautiful. It made me want a cat watercolor collage on all the walls in my home. I also wanted to reach through the pages to pet them all.

I will be giving this book another read when the time comes for me to grieve as I know it will feel like a warm, cozy sweater and big hug for my heart.

This book will make an excellent gift to a loved one that is processing the grief of their beloved soul cat.

I found this book on a whim but I am so incredibly thankful it crossed my path. I rate it five whiskers!

Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for allowing me to read and review I’m Still Here by Cathryn Michon.

[Carey Handley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was delighted to learn that "I'm Still Here: A Cat's Purpose Forever" was available digitally so I could read it before my purchased copies arrive in the mail. I was able to download the digital copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. After having read Cathryn Michon's previous book, "I'm Still Here: A Dog's Purpose Forever", I was looking forward to reading this book because I was a cat person long before I was a dog person. Once again, Michon captures the essence of some of our most trusted friends and her free verse touches on the many ways cats enhance the lives of those who love them. The watercolor illustrations are truly beautiful (and I loved seeing the illustrations of Cathryn and her husband, Bruce)! The page that was the most touching and emotional for me was the illustration of their dog, Tucker, who recently passed away with the statement, "Sometimes dogs are worth our time". I know about Tucker because I follow the social media account for A Dog's Purpose and have read about him for years. The melding of their cherished pets, both now over the Rainbow Bridge, is bittersweet. Sad, because they are gone from "HERE" but happy because they are together "THERE." I've purchased two copies: one for me as a tribute to all the cats I've loved and lost and one for my mother, who lost her cherished cat last year. This book will be cathartic to anyone who has loved and lost a cherished cat. It's a reminder that love goes on long after life ceases to exist.

[Josie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

This was a cute and simple read, and I may have potentially teared up at a spot or two where some lines really struck a chord with me & my penchant for becoming a blubbering mess over losing pets and missing them always.

I did love the illustrations and thought they were beautifully done in this new world of AI slop we're slowly heading towards, so I really loved seeing this illustrated by a real artist in its entirety. The ending did get me when it talked about helping cats (and other pets) come to the end of their lives, bc that's something I struggle with :'(

I will say it was a little repetitive at times with some themes, but I understand that's likely because it's from a cat's perspective. Additionally, I struggled to connect with what was being said at some portions due to the religious undertones. As an agnostic, religion isn't my cup of tea, but I can appreciate and respect the message and comfort it brings others.

With that being said, this is a light book on grief and how our cats that we love and bond with stay by our side forever and always, even long after they are gone. As someone who dearly misses her childhood cat every day, I appreciated this book's overall message and shared grief it gives. 3.25/5 stars

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley, Andrew McMeel Publishing and Cathryn Michon for the eARC!

This beautiful book brought tears to my eyes. I don't personally own a cat as my family is not big on pets. However, I definitely have had my fair share of cats that I bonded with through friends, relatives, and just in the neighborhood. This book would definitely be a great gift for cat lovers. I wished this was published when my coworker was going through a rough patch of losing her senior cat. It would probably have brought tears to her eyes as well. Nonetheless, it also would have taught her that even though the cat isn't physically around anymore, it is still pretty much "here" around her, as well as in her heart.

The watercolor style was very beautiful. It also makes me think about how fluid the cats are. The way that the words fly over the page also very much feel like how cats can be - calm at times (when lines are align) or erratic (when words dance across the page). This book will definitely live in my head and I will most definitely be getting a copy for each friend/relative who struggles when their pet cat passes away.

[Ivy Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and author Cathryn Michon for the ARC.

In its essence, this quick read is a message from a cat (or the reader's cat if they are going through this unbearable loss) that just crossed the rainbow bridge. It is written in an accessible language and with a poetic style that pairs very nicely with the lovely illustrations of Michelle Detering.

It is a very short book, but it can be very powerful for cat parents who are going through that hard time that we all know after a loss. It is very sweet with a deep emotional side to it. For other cat parents who are still with their fur babies, this book might be a tear-jerker (that would be me). However, I still liked the way it reassured me that although such a hard time will eventually come, there will also be a reunion over the rainbow bridge, and for that I am thankful to the author.

I think every cat parent should pick up this book, because one day they might need to turn to it.

[Danielle Ault · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I’m Still Here: A Cat’s Purpose Forever is a wonderful book for cat lovers, especially anyone who has experienced the loss of a beloved feline companion. The story is incredibly heartwarming and offers a beautiful glimpse into what a cat might think of us as humans, along with how and why they help us throughout our lives.

The watercolor illustrations are absolutely incredible and add so much emotion and beauty to every page. I have always known that a cat’s purr means something special, but the clarity and depth this book brings to the human-cat bond is truly impressive.

This book beautifully explores the relationship between humans and cats, both here and beyond, offering comfort, understanding, and hope. It touched my heart and left me with an even greater appreciation for the profound connection we share with our feline friends. Highly recommended.

Great as a gift or for the coffee table!

[Kourtnee Blow · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I opened up NetGalley looking for ARCs today, I didn’t expect to leave crying over it. “I’m still here” tells a story from a cat who has crossed the rainbow bridge’s perspective. In the story, the cat explains that they loved their human every bit as much as their human loved them, and that despite no longer physically being around, they are still with you every day. The artwork in this book is beautiful, and the writing is sure to resonate with anyone who has lost a cat. In January I lost my soul cat incredibly unexpectedly, so I cried the whole time I read this book and I’m crying now writing this review. Thank you to NetGalley for this arc, despite it making me cry. Cathryn Michon, you have written a beautiful book. “I’m still here” hits shelves on September 8th. Hopefully you don’t need this book, but if you do, it is beautiful.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The artwork is gorgeous and the message is heartfelt and meaningful. However, it did get a big repetitive after a bit.

The author’s style strongly reminds me of EE Cummings. There’s no punctuation or capitalization. The visual placement of words across the page adds additional depth to the book. If you don’t like poetry or this style of writing, this book is not for you. The lack of periods did make it harder for me to read.

I really enjoyed how the POV is of a conceited cat. My favorite quote is probably “we both love me so very much”.

My favorite part is at the end, when the cat thanks you for helping them cross the bridge. I've had to make that decision for several elderly cats over the last few years, and I found the ending especially soothing.

Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the ARC.

[Haley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

My "soul cat" Shadow died in December, and the loss is still heavy in my heart, which is why I picked this one up. Within the first couple of pages, I was tearing up. Michon was able to say a lot of the things that I think grieving pet owners need/want to hear from their cats and the feelings they have for them. I also loved the watercolour artwork by Detering.

I think in the middle/end I became a little bit detached from the story Michon was trying to tell because she just kepttt mentioning dogs. The first couple mentions of dogs were sweet but I wasn't a big fan of how much cat/dog relationships were emphasized.

Overall, a quick, heartfelt read for individuals who are missing their cat(s).

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for providing a free Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.

Gorgeous illustrations! What you see on the cover is a great example of the water color painting you will see throughout this short, heart-felt graphic book. The sparse text--formatted to look like poetry--is a bit saccharine at times, but there are genuine moments of heart, nostalgia and humor throughout. It touched that hole in my heart left by the departure of my foster-kitty, and even though I'm grateful she's safe and happy in her forever home, I can still hear her purrs, know her spot in bed, and remember her enthusiastic birdwatching by the window in my room. Cat lovers are going to adore this.
4.5 stars rounded up.

[Meeoak · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a dog-person, and I still bawled my way through this touching and comforting book. The POV is a dearly loved cat that has crossed the “rainbow bridge.” It’s a love letter to the cat’s humans (aka subjects & servants *grin*) and a reminder that the cat is always with them in spirit and heart, even after it is gone. The author perfectly captures the voice and personality of a dominant and intelligent household feline. Some of the narrative had me cracking up through my tears. The illustrations are beautiful and add so much to the story. Great book for all animal lovers, and would be a thoughtful gift for anyone walking through the loss of a fur-baby. Thank you to #NetGalley, the author, and publisher for the opportunity to review an ARC. All views expressed are my own.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I'm Still Here" by Catherine Michon. is a perfect book seen through the eyes of a cat. It had me laughing out loud, tearing up and just fully enjoying this wonderful tribute to a cat. This is a cat's narrative of the life he or she has had on Earth. Explaining being a cat to a human. From being your devoted lap cat who rubs against you to claim you are theirs. of why they prey on dinner like mice and birds. Comparing themselves to dogs who they tolerate and sometimes even life. The end where they cross that rainbow bridge and encouraging you to get another cat to love like them. I very much enjoyed reading this delightful book. Anyone who has had a cat in their lives may love reading this well written book.

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I lost my cat to lymphoma in March. It happened very fast and sudden. I miss him like crazy. How I wish he were still here. We are also about to move house. After a decade of moving from one rented flat to another, we are finally getting a place of our own but he won't be moving with me this time, at least not in physical form. I just pray every single day that when the day of moving comes, he will follow me and his feline brother into the new flat so that we will always be together.

Sorry for rambling on, but this book brings back so many memories. I hope I could still hear his purr but I can't. I hope I could still feel the weight of his body pressing against my back in bed but I can't. I hope he were still here but he isn't.

[Екатерина Fireheart❤️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

A small book, yet filled with so much genuine emotion.

I cried, really cried. Thankfully, I have never lost a beloved pet, but there is a little white kitten that I love with all my heart.

He sleeps beside me every night. We adopted him when he was very small, and now, when I look at him all grown up, I realize that no matter what, I will always love him.

My deepest condolences to everyone who has lost a beloved animal companion.

This book is perfection. It is written so beautifully and authentically. Absolutely incredible! Thank you to the author for writing it!

The illustrations were beautiful!

[Kerri Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm still here. A cat's purpose. The beautiful watercolours are what attracted me 1st to this book. The beautiful illustrations really jump from the page. This book shows how much the author adored their cat. And I feel this book could be more directed to grieving pawrents than children due to the fact that it was quite long. Despite it's length, it was very descriptive as the title says of a cat's purpose in this world. You can feel the authors, sadness and grief jumping from these pages and it resonated with me as I have previously owned cats who I loved dearly. Overall this book has a great meaningful story to be told therefore . I rate this book 4 stars.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Andrew McMeel Publishing for an ARC of this. All opinions are my own.

Wow. I could hardly see the last few pages through all the tears. I loved this book and read it in one sitting. It was such a heartwarming and funny read, and my cat sat beside me the whole time.

The watercolor illustrations were beautiful. The moment I turned to an illustration featuring a black-and-white cat, I completely lost it. My cat happens to be black and white too.

I can’t wait to get my hands on a physical copy and put it into the hands of every cat lover I know. What a beautiful love letter from a cat.

[Hailey Petersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for the early review copy! Read this if you want to cry your eyes out. This is not the typical book I normally read/review but as a cat lover, the cover and title instantly pulled me in.

I am lucky that both my cats are currently alive and well, but as someone who fears pet loss every single day, this book brought me so much heart warming comfort. This book is a mix of art/poetic writing, and I think that was the perfect way to discuss such a personal and sad topic. I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone with a cat! Even if you have not experienced pet loss, it really left me feeling comfort about a topic I really try not to think about.

[Tracie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolute read for any cat lover!!! I have lost a few in my life but there is that one cat, Snowball, that is ALWAYS on my mind. He was the most loving cat I have ever had and I still miss him terribly. He chose me, I was his favorite person and he showed this everyday of his short life of seven years. I will be immediately ordering copies of this book for my two girls as they have already lost their best buddies just like me. Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for a chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[EllasEnchantedReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm Still Here: A Cat's Purpose Forever is a comforting, heartfelt and beautifully illustrated picture book about grieving your beloved kitty—told from an angel kitty who gently reminds you that your bond is forever. This was sweet, humorous, comforting, and I definitely needed tissues at times. I loved the watercolor illustrations of all the cats, and the story was very comforting. I have known and loved (and grieved) many cats, and I could easily tell that this book was written from a place of deep love.

Thank you Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley for a copy of this ARC.

[Jennifer T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

So when I saw this on NetGalley I almost did not get it because I knew it would make me cry. And it did. On the very first page. But if you’ve ever loved a cat and been loved by a cat I highly, highly recommend reading this short and beautiful little book. It is heartwarming. I lost my soul cat in October 2025 and I almost wasn’t sure I could read it but I’m glad I did. The watercolor illustrations are beautiful.

**Thanks to the author and illustrator and publisher for the e-ARC I received via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.**