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Cat Man #4
Close Encounters of the Furred Kind
Have you ever moved house, over a distance of 350 miles, with four cats? If you haven't, and are thinking about it, I'll give you some advice: don't.
If you really must move, try to get the cats to arrange their own transport. Focus on yourself instead. You'll have plenty to think about as it is, and the cats will only get in the way with their sarcasm and hairballs. I moved from Norfolk to Devon with four cats and it felt like such an impossible ordeal, part of me believes that I actually died somewhere along the way and am now living in some kind of afterlife: very much like real life, but a little slower moving, and with slightly clearer air. "That's just the West Country," I've been told, but I can't be 100% certain.
If you really must move, try to get the cats to arrange their own transport. Focus on yourself instead. You'll have plenty to think about as it is, and the cats will only get in the way with their sarcasm and hairballs. I moved from Norfolk to Devon with four cats and it felt like such an impossible ordeal, part of me believes that I actually died somewhere along the way and am now living in some kind of afterlife: very much like real life, but a little slower moving, and with slightly clearer air. "That's just the West Country," I've been told, but I can't be 100% certain.
242 pages, Paperback
First published October 8, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
December 31, 2016
My current cat is often referred to as 'Eight pounds of tyranny' -- subject to change at the yearly weigh-in at the vet, though I think (I hope) we peaked at nine pounds of tyranny. I'm an unabashed cat lover, but I almost never read books about cats. I try, from time to time: there was Homer, and then Dewey, but I couldn't get through either because my tolerance for sentimental feel-good heroic animal stories is basically zero.
This is why Close Encounters of the Furred Kind is such a breath of fresh [English countryside] air. Tom Cox knows cats. He knows that they are very often smug, entitled assholes, and recognizes that we love them in spite (and sometimes because of) their insistence on taking over our lives. His four cats are described in piquant detail: there's The Bear, an elderly, melancholy cat-philosopher, Ralph, the aging rock star "known to have the odd celebrity tantrum, swanning around the house, climbing furniture and kicking vases and houseplants to the floor," Shipley, who shouts creative obscenities at the slightest provocation, and Roscoe, small, brisk, and business-like ("a Diana Rigg of cats: dainty but menacing").
Not a whole lot actually happens; the author moves twice, his cats are terrorized by a neighborhood tabby dubbed Gymcat ("the kind of cat who, when he wasn't round here bullying my cats, probably went to a cat gym, overused Lynx deodorant in the changing rooms and constantly boasted to other cats about his pecs"), and Tom is almost adopted by the latest in a series of feral gingers. But the writing is splendidly droll, observant, and often very, very funny.
Beneath the wit is so much genuine love for the cats in his life. I've been following the author on Facebook for some time, and have come to feel like I personally know his cats. Sad news came the other day: The Bear has passed away at the age of 21. It made reading about the last part of his life -- and a long, wonderful life it seems to have been -- all the more poignant.
This is why Close Encounters of the Furred Kind is such a breath of fresh [English countryside] air. Tom Cox knows cats. He knows that they are very often smug, entitled assholes, and recognizes that we love them in spite (and sometimes because of) their insistence on taking over our lives. His four cats are described in piquant detail: there's The Bear, an elderly, melancholy cat-philosopher, Ralph, the aging rock star "known to have the odd celebrity tantrum, swanning around the house, climbing furniture and kicking vases and houseplants to the floor," Shipley, who shouts creative obscenities at the slightest provocation, and Roscoe, small, brisk, and business-like ("a Diana Rigg of cats: dainty but menacing").
Not a whole lot actually happens; the author moves twice, his cats are terrorized by a neighborhood tabby dubbed Gymcat ("the kind of cat who, when he wasn't round here bullying my cats, probably went to a cat gym, overused Lynx deodorant in the changing rooms and constantly boasted to other cats about his pecs"), and Tom is almost adopted by the latest in a series of feral gingers. But the writing is splendidly droll, observant, and often very, very funny.
Beneath the wit is so much genuine love for the cats in his life. I've been following the author on Facebook for some time, and have come to feel like I personally know his cats. Sad news came the other day: The Bear has passed away at the age of 21. It made reading about the last part of his life -- and a long, wonderful life it seems to have been -- all the more poignant.
January 19, 2016
As always, I love Tom Cox and his four cats, Roscoe, Shipley, Ralph and of course the Bear. His books about cats are laugh out loud funny, and especially true to anyone who owns a cat. I particularly like how Ralph calls his own name; when my cat Ivan was an only child he used to spend hours calling in the bathroom for 'Raoul'. When we got a new kitten. Forde, Ivan decided he'd spent enough time searching for the elusive Raoul and he's never done it again! It's stories like Ralph's that remind me of my own two precious boys.
Also funny are the parent anecdotes; seriously, the father is the best. I really am not a laugh out loud kind of reader, but these are one of the only books that get me to that point. Absolutely five stars, and I think I have another of Tom's books sitting on my next Dymocks order (I haven't actually paid for them yet, I have so many to-read books that I'm just waiting to process the next one haha) so look out for more reviews of this series. Can't recommend them highly enough!
Also funny are the parent anecdotes; seriously, the father is the best. I really am not a laugh out loud kind of reader, but these are one of the only books that get me to that point. Absolutely five stars, and I think I have another of Tom's books sitting on my next Dymocks order (I haven't actually paid for them yet, I have so many to-read books that I'm just waiting to process the next one haha) so look out for more reviews of this series. Can't recommend them highly enough!
April 8, 2016
I was debating between a 3- and a 4-star for this because I tend to only give books that really affect me on an emotional level, or that are truly wonderful pieces of literature, four stars. But honestly I had so much fun reading this I just decided to go for the 4-star rating. This was just a joy to read and I laughed out loud in places. I think if you love cats then you'll probably enjoy this book. It was just super enjoyable to read and so much better than I was expecting it to be.
December 12, 2015
What's left to say really?
Once you've become hooked on Tom and his cats, are devoted to The Bear and very fond of all the others there can never be enough books about them all. This one followed George's progression to his new and eventually very happy re-housing and so we had several great chapters with TOM COX'S DAD appearing and HE IS ALWAYS A JOY.
Once you've become hooked on Tom and his cats, are devoted to The Bear and very fond of all the others there can never be enough books about them all. This one followed George's progression to his new and eventually very happy re-housing and so we had several great chapters with TOM COX'S DAD appearing and HE IS ALWAYS A JOY.
October 9, 2016
Tom Cox and his girlfriend, Gemma, live in the UK in a fair-sized home. After having lived there for a number of year, they are ready for a move to another area. Tom takes the reader through the miseries of packing up and throwing out things in preparation for the move. Along the way, he introduces the reader to his four cats. He tells us little stories of each cat’s personality and how they all fit into the family and the neighborhood.
When it’s finally moving day, we share his agony of moving the household and the four cats. What a trial that is!
I enjoyed this book and the funny stories about each of the cats and Tom’s parents. His Dad is a total hoot so don’t miss reading about him.
As a Crazy Cat Mom to three kitties myself, this book really hit home as I found myself nodding my head when Tom shared tidbits about each cat’s behavior and quirks.
You don’t have to be a cat lover to enjoy this book. Cats are funny little creatures that creep up and steal your heart. Enjoy!
When it’s finally moving day, we share his agony of moving the household and the four cats. What a trial that is!
I enjoyed this book and the funny stories about each of the cats and Tom’s parents. His Dad is a total hoot so don’t miss reading about him.
As a Crazy Cat Mom to three kitties myself, this book really hit home as I found myself nodding my head when Tom shared tidbits about each cat’s behavior and quirks.
You don’t have to be a cat lover to enjoy this book. Cats are funny little creatures that creep up and steal your heart. Enjoy!
April 21, 2019
I sure enjoyed reading once again about Tom's cats. Its amazing that The Bear lives to be 20 years old! In this one he adopts a new stray cat and names it George. George is a great cat and very beautiful but his parent's cat gets killed and they want George. So his father trades him some FOOKIN' wood for the cat. Tom feels its a bad bargain but what can he do? George settles right in a makes a new friend of a white cat that lives there so it all works out.
My sister suggested the first book to me about 5 years ago I guess. If you enjoy reading about cats add this one to your list. There are quite a few laughs.
My sister suggested the first book to me about 5 years ago I guess. If you enjoy reading about cats add this one to your list. There are quite a few laughs.
May 21, 2017
3.75*s for just the cute factor.
There is something a little odd to the level he anthropomorphizes his cats, but I do the same all the time with my own. It was just amusing to see it on the page. This is also a very 'cat' book. It's not light on it, so if you don't like cats then it's not going to be a book you'll enjoy. If you love them, and watch cat gifs for fun then this is the book for you. It was super easy and readable, exactly what I needed while I was sick. I'll definitely pick up other books by this writer.
There is something a little odd to the level he anthropomorphizes his cats, but I do the same all the time with my own. It was just amusing to see it on the page. This is also a very 'cat' book. It's not light on it, so if you don't like cats then it's not going to be a book you'll enjoy. If you love them, and watch cat gifs for fun then this is the book for you. It was super easy and readable, exactly what I needed while I was sick. I'll definitely pick up other books by this writer.
January 6, 2016
The trials of owning a cadre of cats, moving house with them, getting them used to a new home and trying to integrate a new cat into the group - with only marginal success. Guest starring Tom's very patient girlfriend, lovely mum and VERY LOUD WOOD-CHOPPING DAD. Lots of fun for cat lovers. If you don't already have a cat, expect to start talking yourself into obtaining several after reading this.
December 1, 2015
TRIGGER WARNING: Cat death.
October 14, 2015
No matter where you read this book - on a train or bus in rush hour traffic crammed with other people as you make the dash home from another bad day at work - it will make you feel as though you are wearing your comfiest pajamas curled up on your favourite sofa with a mug of hot chocolate.
Perhaps home is the safest place to read this wonderful gem, as it WILL make you laugh out loud, grin to yourself like that loon on the bus which nobody wants to sit next to, and maybe even shed a tear in places. Tom Cox writes with unadulterated affection for not only his lovely cats, but for his parents and his friends, who, after finishing this book will feel like yours.
It is a book about cats, but then not really just about cats... It is about everyday life written with wit and observation and just happens to contain some cats...okay, lots of cats. But if cats aren't your thing, don't worry, just keep reading and they soon will be!
The characterisation is quite incredible, each cat is distinct and individual. Shipley the swearer, Ralph the rock God, Roscoe the pub going business woman, George the hippy ex stray and last but by no means least, The Bear, a mournful intellectual, pacifist poet trapped in the aging body of a cat. He can break your heart just by looking at you, and although you will develop a huge crush on Ralph you will fall irrevocably in love with The Bear.
It is also a love song to the natural spaces of Britain that still exist unmolested, particularly the author's now home of Devon and Dartmoor. Tom Cox's enthusiasm for nature shines through in this work. Be warned it will make you want to walk in green spaces, so buy some good boots and go for it!It may also give you the urge to listen to 70s stoner rock or folk music, just go with it.
Having read Tom Cox's previous books, Under The Paw, Talk To The Tail, and The Good The Bad and The Furry, I have to admit that I have waited with baited breath for this book to be published and I was not disappointed!! I could not put it down, it was as though it was glued to my hand just like my eyes were glued to its pages!!
Pick it up and read it... go on, you know you want to... :)
Perhaps home is the safest place to read this wonderful gem, as it WILL make you laugh out loud, grin to yourself like that loon on the bus which nobody wants to sit next to, and maybe even shed a tear in places. Tom Cox writes with unadulterated affection for not only his lovely cats, but for his parents and his friends, who, after finishing this book will feel like yours.
It is a book about cats, but then not really just about cats... It is about everyday life written with wit and observation and just happens to contain some cats...okay, lots of cats. But if cats aren't your thing, don't worry, just keep reading and they soon will be!
The characterisation is quite incredible, each cat is distinct and individual. Shipley the swearer, Ralph the rock God, Roscoe the pub going business woman, George the hippy ex stray and last but by no means least, The Bear, a mournful intellectual, pacifist poet trapped in the aging body of a cat. He can break your heart just by looking at you, and although you will develop a huge crush on Ralph you will fall irrevocably in love with The Bear.
It is also a love song to the natural spaces of Britain that still exist unmolested, particularly the author's now home of Devon and Dartmoor. Tom Cox's enthusiasm for nature shines through in this work. Be warned it will make you want to walk in green spaces, so buy some good boots and go for it!It may also give you the urge to listen to 70s stoner rock or folk music, just go with it.
Having read Tom Cox's previous books, Under The Paw, Talk To The Tail, and The Good The Bad and The Furry, I have to admit that I have waited with baited breath for this book to be published and I was not disappointed!! I could not put it down, it was as though it was glued to my hand just like my eyes were glued to its pages!!
Pick it up and read it... go on, you know you want to... :)
December 8, 2016
Not only do Tom Cox and Gemma wish to find the perfect home for themselves, they have four cats that they want to be sure will be happy as well. The ups and downs of house hunting from a distance and moving are told in Tom’s witty style. While reading, I found myself nervous and worrying just like they were. It was just like being there with them. I enjoyed learning about each of their cats and their personalities. Tom’s dad comes across larger than life with the capital letters he writes him in and his wisdom is something you don’t want to miss.
The book is broken up into little sections like the conversations with cats and their horoscopes. To me they felt like little bonuses along with the story. There are also lots of cat pictures to enjoy as you read. Any cat lover will really enjoy this book.
The book is broken up into little sections like the conversations with cats and their horoscopes. To me they felt like little bonuses along with the story. There are also lots of cat pictures to enjoy as you read. Any cat lover will really enjoy this book.
June 25, 2017
Cat memoir, his fourth, I think. 3.5 stars, but variable. Best parts approach 5 stars.
His account of living with 4 cats -- 5, for awhile -- in the English countryside. I can't imagine the disorder from 4 cats, and he discovers that 5 is over the limit. Not surprisingly.
His parents are pretty entertaining too, and also cat-fanciers. It's a pretty slim book, maybe 2 or 3 hours reading, when you skip over the filler stuff. Cautiously recommended for fellow cat lovers.
His account of living with 4 cats -- 5, for awhile -- in the English countryside. I can't imagine the disorder from 4 cats, and he discovers that 5 is over the limit. Not surprisingly.
His parents are pretty entertaining too, and also cat-fanciers. It's a pretty slim book, maybe 2 or 3 hours reading, when you skip over the filler stuff. Cautiously recommended for fellow cat lovers.
December 21, 2015
I love sharing Tom Cox's cat life, the amusing and touchingly written book finished too soon.
November 10, 2016
Sweet because it's about cats, but not especially well written. In fact, pretty lazy writing from a man who is a full-time writer.
October 6, 2024
This isn't my usual read, but it was gifted to Rosie, from Eileen, before being handed to me so I obviously had to read it.
This was fun and a little sad in places, it's been a while since I finished a book within 24 hours, so I think it's safe to say this was a great read.
Lesson learned here, Working from home with cats is never going to work, especially with 5 of the buggers swanning around.
This was fun and a little sad in places, it's been a while since I finished a book within 24 hours, so I think it's safe to say this was a great read.
Lesson learned here, Working from home with cats is never going to work, especially with 5 of the buggers swanning around.
July 3, 2021
Such a beautiful book, just the thing for cat lovers! (and pet lovers in general). Heartwarming, a little sad, and laugh-out-loud.
October 12, 2022
Love thinking about cats and love all the cat pics but this book wasn’t especially funny
January 31, 2021
#goodbadfurry I absolutely loved this book & the other three in the series. Will miss the adventures of The Bear, Shipley, Ralph, Roscoe & George & his playmate Casper. Will also miss reading about Tom’s dad!
March 11, 2018
When I find a book series, or an author I enjoy, I tend not to gobble all up in one go, wanna savour it.
In the case of Tom Cox, I was about to read a book I also helped to fund (in a tiny, inconsequential way) via Unbound - 21st-Century Yokel. But then I realised I hadn't read the one preceding it.
And so I dove into what I think is the last cat-oriented book of Tom's oeuvre. For me personally, it's unique among the "cat books" preceding it, because it's the first one consisting of Stuff that I've been aware of via Twitter and Tom's blog. But it's also the last book featuring most of the main cat players.
It was a bit bittersweet, reading about Shipley and The Bear being alive and happy and in a relatively peak condition for their age. Sigh.
Interestingly enough, having had read Tom's blog posts covering a lot of the contents of this book didn't diminish the pleasure from reading Close Encounters. Tom's writing is always engaging and entertaining, plus it was great getting context beyond what I've remembered from this point in time.
And then there were passages, like Floyd's unfortunate passing and the way Tom's parents dealt with it, or Tom describing George's probable initial journey to being his and later his parents cat, that made me genuinely cry.
A wonderful, page-turning read!
In the case of Tom Cox, I was about to read a book I also helped to fund (in a tiny, inconsequential way) via Unbound - 21st-Century Yokel. But then I realised I hadn't read the one preceding it.
And so I dove into what I think is the last cat-oriented book of Tom's oeuvre. For me personally, it's unique among the "cat books" preceding it, because it's the first one consisting of Stuff that I've been aware of via Twitter and Tom's blog. But it's also the last book featuring most of the main cat players.
It was a bit bittersweet, reading about Shipley and The Bear being alive and happy and in a relatively peak condition for their age. Sigh.
Interestingly enough, having had read Tom's blog posts covering a lot of the contents of this book didn't diminish the pleasure from reading Close Encounters. Tom's writing is always engaging and entertaining, plus it was great getting context beyond what I've remembered from this point in time.
And then there were passages, like Floyd's unfortunate passing and the way Tom's parents dealt with it, or Tom describing George's probable initial journey to being his and later his parents cat, that made me genuinely cry.
A wonderful, page-turning read!
November 27, 2017
You can't read this book, the fourth in the quartet of Tom Cox 'catoirs', without feeling the weight of sadness that it is nearing the end for The Bear aka @mySADcat who died almost exactly a year ago. Reading this book is therefore so much more like reading an epitaph to the adventure.
It is also a return to the form of the first two books. After the third book which I felt had lost its way somewhat from the story of a man living in with an uncontrollably increasing number of feline waifs and strays. It's also a book that closes the saga - Under The Paw saw Tom arrive in Norfolk with his then partner, and this sees him close that chapter in his life as he moves to Devon for new adventures.
It is also a return to the form of the first two books. After the third book which I felt had lost its way somewhat from the story of a man living in with an uncontrollably increasing number of feline waifs and strays. It's also a book that closes the saga - Under The Paw saw Tom arrive in Norfolk with his then partner, and this sees him close that chapter in his life as he moves to Devon for new adventures.
September 3, 2018
Like its predecessors, this book chronicles the author's daily life and misadventures with his several cats in a series of humorous, contemplative essays. This installment finds them moving house and adjusting to new neighbors and environs, among other things. There is plenty of humor here, but also a depth of emotion; life isn't always pleasant, and the book deals thoughtfully with some of the difficulties that arise. I found myself laughing out loud at several points, but also choking up a bit from time to time as well. Mostly, at this point Tom feels like a good friend I'd love to sit and have a chat and swap cat stories with.
May 28, 2017
Totally one for all the cat lovers out there this is! This is not said to exclude anyone but I think you have to be a bit of a cat person to appreciate Tom Cox's comedy and piss-taking where living with a cat or cats is or are concerned.
Shipley (one of Tom's cats) and Tom's Dad are the scene-stealers in this book. Whilst what takes place in the story is funny enough but it's the inserts between each chapter that made me LOL for real - there's "Ten Short Conversations I Have Had With Cats", "Advice For New Owners Of A Formerly Homeless Cat", "Cat Lists"... All HILARIOUS!
Shipley (one of Tom's cats) and Tom's Dad are the scene-stealers in this book. Whilst what takes place in the story is funny enough but it's the inserts between each chapter that made me LOL for real - there's "Ten Short Conversations I Have Had With Cats", "Advice For New Owners Of A Formerly Homeless Cat", "Cat Lists"... All HILARIOUS!
October 12, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this memoir of the author and his cats and I cannot wait to read his others. I have enjoyed following him and his cats exploits online and it is satisfying to get a deeper look at these real life characters through his book. Even though the Bear and Shipley are no longer with us, their stories will live on through these works and I appreciate that so much.
Also a shout out to the author’s mother’s wonderful artwork!
Also a shout out to the author’s mother’s wonderful artwork!
July 23, 2018
I'm always guaranteed of having a good time when I pick up a book by Tom and his gang. I'm also guaranteed of at least one lump in my throat and giving my cat extra hugs. This time, the experience was bittersweet because I know things changed a lot since this book was written. That said, I tried to ignore most of that and just enjoy hanging out with everyone, especially The Bear, who I still think of as my spirit animal.
June 29, 2017
Firmly into a rhythm now, Cox describes the hecticness of normal life plus 4 cats to a tee. Despite being under a great deal of stress, he writes with his characteristic wit and blunt charm, telling it like it is and pawing no punches. Drama, mystery, excitement and suspense, all trundling along with a healthy dose of cynicism and sarcasm. A heart warming read.
November 27, 2017
Heartwarming hilarity in the form of simple, deftly observed daily adventures with a handful of cats. Cox also excels at creating an evocative and endearing sense of place; as for me, I immediately wanted to move to Devon the second the book was over.
July 4, 2017
Good. Easy to read. Recommend to any cat lovers.
January 20, 2016
Review to follow......
August 16, 2019
Tom relates his move to Devon from Norfolk in England with The Bear, Ralph, Shipley and Roscoe ... truly an adventure that should not be engaged by the weak of heart. The Bear is stoic as always. A new cat - George - tries to adopt Tom. The stories are laugh out loud funny... told as only a man owned by his cats can tell them...from the heart. The only thing that spoiled the book somewhat for me was the same thing that happened with the first book...the constant foul language. The story was good without so much of it.
May 13, 2021
The Cat Man series went from fluffy English middle class autobiography to musings on life, death and rebirth so gradually I hardly even noticed between all the amusing fookwits and nuttahs anecdotes that went by me.
I've legit come to know Tom, his family and his cats as friends -- not in a parasocial way or anything, mind you -- and, I think most charmingly, the county of Devon as well. I'm sorry Cox has only written one instance of folk horror so far because he really brings the countryside alive. I almost feel like I should reread Help the Witch now that I've come to know Devon so well.
I've legit come to know Tom, his family and his cats as friends -- not in a parasocial way or anything, mind you -- and, I think most charmingly, the county of Devon as well. I'm sorry Cox has only written one instance of folk horror so far because he really brings the countryside alive. I almost feel like I should reread Help the Witch now that I've come to know Devon so well.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews