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Stray
A proud old alley cat tells his life story to his grandson, including his adventures in a convent, in a feline commune, and with his hearer's grandmother.
247 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1987
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540 people want to read
About the author
A.N. Wilson
118 books244 followersAndrew Norman Wilson is an English writer and newspaper columnist, known for his critical biographies, novels, works of popular history and religious views. He is an occasional columnist for the Daily Mail and former columnist for the London Evening Standard, and has been an occasional contributor to the Times Literary Supplement, New Statesman, The Spectator and The Observer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
May 20, 2022
This was a very engaging story about the life of a cat. It is told from the perspective of an old alley cat to his young grandson. Very much like a cat version of Black Beauty. The story takes place in England as reflected by some of the language in the book. The old cat telling the story is called Pufftail but he really doesn’t consider that his name. He tells of his memory of being sold along with his brother when they were kittens to a pet shop with a very nasty owner and then living with a kind woman, Granny Harris. But then his fortunes turn when he and his brother go to live with Granny’s daughter and son-in-law. After some neglect and wickedness, Pufftail winds up alone, gets rescued by some nuns, is sold to a test lab, falls in love, and suffers heartbreak and loss.
This narrative was filled with emotion including humor and sadness. I thought it was well written and really got you into the mind of a cat including his love for the hunt. This was probably meant for younger readers but some of it was quite shocking and sad. But overall a very good tale for any cat lover.
This narrative was filled with emotion including humor and sadness. I thought it was well written and really got you into the mind of a cat including his love for the hunt. This was probably meant for younger readers but some of it was quite shocking and sad. But overall a very good tale for any cat lover.
November 30, 2009
This book started out as a cute, funny tale about what it might be like to be a stray cat from a cat's perspective, but turned out to be a dreadfully sad story about a cat's hard times and losses. I swear I was almost in tears after I read what Pufftail endured at the laboratory, and poor Tom-Cat, the horror! I highly recommend this book, a must read for sure, but very sad!
June 10, 2014
I've always liked animal fiction, and this book was no exception. There is sadness and death, or the great stillness as the stray cat calls it. There are examples of great animal owners and people who through neglect and cruelty should never own an animal. This book is short but I enjoyed reading it. It is like Warriors, or the Animals of Farthing Wood. I wouldn't recommend this book for children who aren't ready to deal with death, as some of the scenes here are very disturbing, especially at the Laboratory. Five stars.
July 31, 2025
I must begin by thanking TV Tropes for making this book’s existence known to me. (For the uninitiated, www.tvtropes.com is an excellent resource for learning about storytelling tropes and conventions.) Recently after reading the novel Washington Square by Henry James, I was curious about the character Dr. Austin Sloper’s casual request of his sister to drown the cat’s kittens (she refuses!) and wondered about similar instances in other books and other media. As of this writing in January 2024, the top quote on the TV Tropes page for Drowning Unwanted Pets is attributed to this book: “My mother must have had decent human minders. They had let her give birth to us. They had not drowned us as so many people drown kittens; and, as I say, they left us in peace.”
Based on the grim TV Tropes entry where I found this quote, I had a good idea what kind of book I was getting myself into—and I was correct! Stray by A. N. Wilson is a very nice, dark book about one stray cat’s life, and exists on the opposite side of the Cat Book Spectrum compared to lighter fare such as Socks by Beverly Cleary. Our main character cat has been known by different monikers—Fluffie, Mildred, Miles—but most often, Pufftail. But don’t call him any of those names unless you want a terse response like this: “‘What did you say?’ I hissed back. ‘I am a cat of no name. Remember that.’” Names are a human convention that Pufftail calls “useless” at every opportunity, and he is hesitant to share his various names throughout the story.
Pufftail is even more reluctant when speaking about other cats like his great love Tammy (“But I hardly need stress that we did not have names for each other.”) or his brother, Bootsie (“My brother will always be my brother but for me he is the brother without name and until the point in the story where it seems right to use the foolish name which human beings bestowed upon him, I will not sully my lips by using it.”). Pufftail tells the story of his life to his “Grandkitten,” Kitchener, “ […] to try to teach you to be brave and free and independent, for you are a cat and not a slave to any other creature in the universe.” At times, Pufftail is very sage about life: “People, you will discover, consider themselves the only creatures in the universe capable of communication, and unless you ape their particular set of noises they think you can’t ‘talk’, as they call it.”
I was frequently amused by Pufftail’s talk of past romances, from his commenting that a specific neighborhood’s “female population kept one consoled” but most especially when Pufftail reminisces about his youth thusly: “Modesty forbids me to boast of the number of amorous conquests which I made in those years.” Despite the wisdom of his many experiences, I was very surprised by Pufftail’s stubborn refusal to accept the truth of his own mortality: “I was utterly shaken that anyone could hold this point of view, and I am completely sure that it is not true. It must be some wicked human idea that my poor beloved had picked up from the household where she lived. She said that it was the shortness of our lives which lent such sweetness to being in love. But I still believe that, with caution, we can all avoid the Great Stillness.” I rate this book as four-out-of-five-stars and heartily recommend it to any other fans of books written from an animal’s perspective—particularly with adults in mind.
Based on the grim TV Tropes entry where I found this quote, I had a good idea what kind of book I was getting myself into—and I was correct! Stray by A. N. Wilson is a very nice, dark book about one stray cat’s life, and exists on the opposite side of the Cat Book Spectrum compared to lighter fare such as Socks by Beverly Cleary. Our main character cat has been known by different monikers—Fluffie, Mildred, Miles—but most often, Pufftail. But don’t call him any of those names unless you want a terse response like this: “‘What did you say?’ I hissed back. ‘I am a cat of no name. Remember that.’” Names are a human convention that Pufftail calls “useless” at every opportunity, and he is hesitant to share his various names throughout the story.
Pufftail is even more reluctant when speaking about other cats like his great love Tammy (“But I hardly need stress that we did not have names for each other.”) or his brother, Bootsie (“My brother will always be my brother but for me he is the brother without name and until the point in the story where it seems right to use the foolish name which human beings bestowed upon him, I will not sully my lips by using it.”). Pufftail tells the story of his life to his “Grandkitten,” Kitchener, “ […] to try to teach you to be brave and free and independent, for you are a cat and not a slave to any other creature in the universe.” At times, Pufftail is very sage about life: “People, you will discover, consider themselves the only creatures in the universe capable of communication, and unless you ape their particular set of noises they think you can’t ‘talk’, as they call it.”
I was frequently amused by Pufftail’s talk of past romances, from his commenting that a specific neighborhood’s “female population kept one consoled” but most especially when Pufftail reminisces about his youth thusly: “Modesty forbids me to boast of the number of amorous conquests which I made in those years.” Despite the wisdom of his many experiences, I was very surprised by Pufftail’s stubborn refusal to accept the truth of his own mortality: “I was utterly shaken that anyone could hold this point of view, and I am completely sure that it is not true. It must be some wicked human idea that my poor beloved had picked up from the household where she lived. She said that it was the shortness of our lives which lent such sweetness to being in love. But I still believe that, with caution, we can all avoid the Great Stillness.” I rate this book as four-out-of-five-stars and heartily recommend it to any other fans of books written from an animal’s perspective—particularly with adults in mind.
December 6, 2012
God this book. Absolutely astoundingly good. At first your taken quickly into the curious life led by Pufftail and it absolutely draws you into the security you imagine him to have felt then it is very suddenly and very violently all brought down. I hadn't expected such a great read. It had me in tears and I'm not afraid to admit that!
August 7, 2015
My childhood favorite.
June 13, 2022
TW: violence, death, animal abuse,
A very interesting retelling of Puffy and his brother's POV on the life of a cat. A very sceptical, cantakerous sort of rendition with a bit of sass and dry humour you can almost catch in some cat's eye. Even though we have no idea what they are thinking.
One example being they hate their human name, or that cat's don't understand why we act so shocked when they bring a live bird early in the morning as a gift.
I know more recent tellings have come to fruition such as the cat chronicles which I look forward to reading in the future. This novel has a few stories to tell including an awful part about animals being used in labs. The adventures this cat goes on, it certianly has used up a few of its 9 lives.
A classic, original book. Whereby humans (although not all) are the ultimate enemy and danger. It makes me miss my lovely moggy who we rescued from Woodgreen in the photoalbum in the background. A solid ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star, morose yet emotive read. With a twist in the tale to boot right at the end.
A very interesting retelling of Puffy and his brother's POV on the life of a cat. A very sceptical, cantakerous sort of rendition with a bit of sass and dry humour you can almost catch in some cat's eye. Even though we have no idea what they are thinking.
One example being they hate their human name, or that cat's don't understand why we act so shocked when they bring a live bird early in the morning as a gift.
I know more recent tellings have come to fruition such as the cat chronicles which I look forward to reading in the future. This novel has a few stories to tell including an awful part about animals being used in labs. The adventures this cat goes on, it certianly has used up a few of its 9 lives.
A classic, original book. Whereby humans (although not all) are the ultimate enemy and danger. It makes me miss my lovely moggy who we rescued from Woodgreen in the photoalbum in the background. A solid ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star, morose yet emotive read. With a twist in the tale to boot right at the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
uncertain
January 5, 2026Promo blurb at end of The Midwinter Watch:
Stray is the wonderfully imagined life story of Puffball, an alley-cat. It is a tale of adventure, love, high comedy and terrible tragedy...
"A must for moggie maniacs." The Daily Mail
"A clever, moving, imaginative book for cat lovers of any age." The Daily Telegraph
"A.N. Wilson has pulled a very distinguished cat out of his hat. It is an excellent book... A book for the whole family." The Spectator
August 6, 2021
A well thought-out and well-written story albeit being a little sad. But on the flip side, Pufftail keeps on going and living his life on his terms in spite of the hardships and losses he faces, which is inspiring. I also liked the author's style of writing: humorous and witty and yet poignant and deep. I recommend the book. :)
May 18, 2024
First published 1987. Don’t feel this is one that is great for adults as well as the youngsters. Not especially funny.
Political elements with animal research and animal rights activism included. Cats being used for cosmetic research (here lipstick, shampoo) and sleeplessness experiments. Rats enjoying “having a drag” and then fighting when the cigarette smoke is withdrawn.
Plus there’s a Commune being run by tyrant TomCat backed up by his henchmen bullies. Punishments include several days of starvation. The cats are all scared of the Van (which is how they are rounded up, put in sacks and sold to the research lab).
Despite remaining a stray seems to find someone to feed him, and sneaks food from dustbins, chases mice, birds, voles and even caught a rabbit in hutch with loose catch.
Felt there were a lot of inconsistencies - no idea of time, time can’t be measured, there for a fortnight, or a few days.
Political elements with animal research and animal rights activism included. Cats being used for cosmetic research (here lipstick, shampoo) and sleeplessness experiments. Rats enjoying “having a drag” and then fighting when the cigarette smoke is withdrawn.
Plus there’s a Commune being run by tyrant TomCat backed up by his henchmen bullies. Punishments include several days of starvation. The cats are all scared of the Van (which is how they are rounded up, put in sacks and sold to the research lab).
Despite remaining a stray seems to find someone to feed him, and sneaks food from dustbins, chases mice, birds, voles and even caught a rabbit in hutch with loose catch.
Felt there were a lot of inconsistencies - no idea of time, time can’t be measured, there for a fortnight, or a few days.
November 17, 2025
Great book! I first read this when I was around 13 years old! It struck a chord with me then and left a wonderful impression on me - though I could not recall the ending so it was my mission to read it again! I can tell you reading it as an adult has been a very different experience - it is a Lovely short story but it has some very emotional parts to it that I also seemed to have conveniently forgotten! Perhaps I blocked them out! Lol but honestly it was nothing sinister, just reality and it does make you ponder about those things (I won’t say anymore as I dont want to spoil it!). But overall some really heartwarming moments, amazing events and some great character building choices/sections! Definitely worth a read especially for any cat lovers!
September 25, 2020
This was a touching and moving story of the life of a cat. It was funny at points and also scary. The narrative is told exactly how I would imagine a cat to think.
However, for me, there was nothing that pushed this book above a 3 stars. It was enjoyable and fun but I wouldn’t read it again and I think I will be unhauling it now.
I think this book would appeal to any animal lover - and some younger readers as the language is basic and the plot is easy to follow
However, for me, there was nothing that pushed this book above a 3 stars. It was enjoyable and fun but I wouldn’t read it again and I think I will be unhauling it now.
I think this book would appeal to any animal lover - and some younger readers as the language is basic and the plot is easy to follow
February 26, 2023
This is one of my favourite books EVER. I’m 12 and I have read this book 7 times. Although it’s very good it’s also sad, especially when he is in the testing laboratory and when his mate cat, Tammy, gets run over by a car. If u read this book and like it go read the Tabitha stories, it’s a sorta sequel to this and is about Puff tails (the stray) daughter, Tabitha.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2021
3.5/5 An incredibly well thought out and cleverly written story told entirely from the point of view of a stray cat. The voice of the main protagonist was spot on - I swear my own cats would sound exactly like him if they spoke English!!
August 7, 2022
Didn't read much of this. Kids' book, quite patronising and old-fashioned, brimming with stereotypes in the couple of chapters I read. I think I picked this up two years ago from a lockdown book drop. It will be heading to a charity shop very soon.
September 21, 2025
For a children's book, it does not shy away from the brutality that humans put animals through. From terrible pet owners, to terrible pet shop owners, to the horrors of animal research facilities, it really does encompass animal cruelty.
The twist tragedy, man, that got me too.
The twist tragedy, man, that got me too.
December 17, 2023
the history of a cat, told to his grandson, which takes both an affectionate and a sinister view of different humans, combined with an element of tongue in cheek humour
November 24, 2025
Sad and sweet
January 19, 2016
A.N. Wilson writes predominantly historic non-fiction, so it always strikes me as a bit odd that he tackled an animal autobiographic novel, but so saying - he does it very well. "Stray" is written in first person, something a little different for animal-protagonist, and is about as bleak and brutal as Black Beauty. The sort of book that you think sounds like it will be fun, and it is, but there is also a definite dark undercurrent. Of course, "Stray" set today would be a different piece of work: more cats would be neutered for a start, and I doubt the animal laboratory would be quite as brutal (sadly, I doubt the abandonment would change much). But overall, Wilson captures the behaviour and personality of his feline protagonist well. Unlike other cat books I have read, Pufftail felt like a true cat.
As noted, this is a biography that takes Pufftail the fluffy tabby cat from birth, through the horrors of a pet shop and the most ruthless owner ever (that poor boy with the mice!), into the home of an elderly lady, into another home where he is treated with decidedly less respect, through various factions of street life and eventually brings it full circle back to the beginning, where he is telling his story to his grandson. It is at times brutal, othertimes downrigh heart-breaking, but ultimately captures the life of a feral cat.
As noted, this is a biography that takes Pufftail the fluffy tabby cat from birth, through the horrors of a pet shop and the most ruthless owner ever (that poor boy with the mice!), into the home of an elderly lady, into another home where he is treated with decidedly less respect, through various factions of street life and eventually brings it full circle back to the beginning, where he is telling his story to his grandson. It is at times brutal, othertimes downrigh heart-breaking, but ultimately captures the life of a feral cat.
October 2, 2015
I think this is the kind of novel I would’ve loved as a child. It describes the often-unfortunate life of a cat, told from his viewpoint. I really quite like the cat’s slant on the world (e.g. the refusal to call cats by the names humans put on them, and using the phrase “good homes” in quotations). As an adult involved with animal rescue, I read this book in a different way, in which I realised that many of the common myths were in circulation well before I was born... Overall, a nice story for children.
April 3, 2014
I THINK ITS AN AMAZING BOOK FILLED WITH THE MOST TRAGEDY EVENTS AND HEART TAKING DEATHS
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2014
I actually read this book years ago.
It started off as a fun story form a cat perspective, but it got very, very sad.
It's a tough life for a stray cat, and animals in some of the testing laboratories.
It started off as a fun story form a cat perspective, but it got very, very sad.
It's a tough life for a stray cat, and animals in some of the testing laboratories.
September 1, 2016
I really liked this book. I've read it 5 times now :) it's a great book for cat lovers and animal lovers in general. It's quite sophisticated and has very sad moments but its a very good book and I definitely recommend it. :)
January 18, 2015
This story is amazing. I never thought a cat's life could be so exciting, emotional and downright dangerous. Written from a cat's point of view this book is one of the best I've ever read.
May 27, 2012
beautifully written. didn't want for it to end. depressing and upsetting at points. but what else to expect when reading about the life of a stray cat?
this author loves him some pussy.
this author loves him some pussy.
November 29, 2012
This should be required reading for young adults.
November 22, 2013
Loved the point of view and language just as much as the first time I read it, years ago.
November 2, 2012
I read this book in middle school and it's stuck with me ever since.
September 21, 2013
Interesting funny and kept you wanting to find out what happened next
December 8, 2015
My mum bought me this book for Christmas many years ago and I remember really liking it
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews