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Cat and Nat's Mom Truths: Embarrassing Stories and Brutally Honest Advice on the Extremely Real Struggle of Motherhood
#1 Globe and Mail Bestseller
Hilarious best friends Cat and Nat created a massive online community of moms by sharing their ultra-real and just a bit R-rated dispatches from the mom trenches. From what not to eat a few days postpartum (chicken wings) to the most effective ways to dodge post-partum sex, Cat & Nat's Mom Truths shares everything no one will tell you about having kids.
Mixing memoir, humor, and advice, Cat and Nat tell never-before-told stories about the stress, guilt, joy, and laundry (oh the laundry!) of being a mom in their first book. With seven kids between them and millions of fans on social media, they get real about the parts of parenting that somehow don't make the Instagram feed. Sharing their outrageous humor, fearless myth-busting, and genuine comfort on every page, they walk you from pregnancy to the toddler years and beyond. And they dole out ridiculously honest advice, like what you think you need at the hospital when you have your first baby (lip gloss) versus what you actually need (hemorrhoid pillow), and how worried you should really be about germs (less than you are). Fearless crusaders against the perfection myth and all the gluten-free, sugar-free baking it entails, Cat and Nat assure you that you're already doing a great job, making this an essential companion for moms everywhere.
Hilarious best friends Cat and Nat created a massive online community of moms by sharing their ultra-real and just a bit R-rated dispatches from the mom trenches. From what not to eat a few days postpartum (chicken wings) to the most effective ways to dodge post-partum sex, Cat & Nat's Mom Truths shares everything no one will tell you about having kids.
Mixing memoir, humor, and advice, Cat and Nat tell never-before-told stories about the stress, guilt, joy, and laundry (oh the laundry!) of being a mom in their first book. With seven kids between them and millions of fans on social media, they get real about the parts of parenting that somehow don't make the Instagram feed. Sharing their outrageous humor, fearless myth-busting, and genuine comfort on every page, they walk you from pregnancy to the toddler years and beyond. And they dole out ridiculously honest advice, like what you think you need at the hospital when you have your first baby (lip gloss) versus what you actually need (hemorrhoid pillow), and how worried you should really be about germs (less than you are). Fearless crusaders against the perfection myth and all the gluten-free, sugar-free baking it entails, Cat and Nat assure you that you're already doing a great job, making this an essential companion for moms everywhere.
224 pages, Paperback
First published March 12, 2019
261 people are currently reading
1831 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 361 reviews
July 4, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. It is similar to a few other mom truth books out there but I found this one to be less on the funny side and more uplifting. It is a very honest book that lets you know you are not alone. Motherhood is one of the hardest jobs out there and with social media and all of the information on the internet there is just so much judgment and mom guilt in today's society. We all need to be a little bit kinder and work together to help each other instead or tearing each other down. There is no one way to parent, there are a million different ways, and each parent has to do it the way that works the best for them and each of their children. It really is so nice to read other mother's stories and to know that you are not alone. This sense of community goes such a long way in helping you get through the tough times. I totally need a Cat or Nat in my life! Definitely recommend it to the mothers out there.
April 2, 2019
I have only followed them online for a short period of time but decided to try their book as a “quick, easy” read. However, similar to their online written presence, their book was poorly pieced together, with no flow, and was difficult to read - their writing skills are subpar at best.
They speak a lot about empowering other mothers and woman, and breaking through in a Canadian market. However, again, like their online presence, it seems to be a lot of words with no substance. They have a team of men, and young women from America (I believe only one is a new mother?!).
How are we to get behind two woman who are claiming to try and change the landscape for mothers, when they themselves won’t even hire CANADIAN mothers on their team? They couldn’t find a mother who is a makeup artist, looking for work between juggling her kids? A digital coordinator, looking to refine her skills after years or maternity leave? An administrative coordinator, who works non-stop between naps and bedtime to help these moms succeed?
This book was a reminder to me about their search for fame, by being obnoxiously loud, exploiting their children for “likes”, and a promise to unite mothers - but never actually delivering on anything different than most of the “insta famous moms” online do.
If you’re looking to read about two moms who spend a lot of time shamelessly promoting themselves as warriors for other moms, but never deliver, this book is for you. If you’re looking to find two moms who spend a lot of time pretending they are in awe about their fame, though it’s evident they wanted this more than anything 6 years ago, this is also for you.
And as a mother myself, with years of marketing experience, can I just give you a suggestion Cat and Nat - it would be GREAT for your brand if you worked on building a true Cat and Nat team of moms... but I guess for now I won’t expect a call for my services.
They speak a lot about empowering other mothers and woman, and breaking through in a Canadian market. However, again, like their online presence, it seems to be a lot of words with no substance. They have a team of men, and young women from America (I believe only one is a new mother?!).
How are we to get behind two woman who are claiming to try and change the landscape for mothers, when they themselves won’t even hire CANADIAN mothers on their team? They couldn’t find a mother who is a makeup artist, looking for work between juggling her kids? A digital coordinator, looking to refine her skills after years or maternity leave? An administrative coordinator, who works non-stop between naps and bedtime to help these moms succeed?
This book was a reminder to me about their search for fame, by being obnoxiously loud, exploiting their children for “likes”, and a promise to unite mothers - but never actually delivering on anything different than most of the “insta famous moms” online do.
If you’re looking to read about two moms who spend a lot of time shamelessly promoting themselves as warriors for other moms, but never deliver, this book is for you. If you’re looking to find two moms who spend a lot of time pretending they are in awe about their fame, though it’s evident they wanted this more than anything 6 years ago, this is also for you.
And as a mother myself, with years of marketing experience, can I just give you a suggestion Cat and Nat - it would be GREAT for your brand if you worked on building a true Cat and Nat team of moms... but I guess for now I won’t expect a call for my services.
January 1, 2019
I love watching Cat & Nat's videos on Facebook so when I saw they had a book coming out, I was all about it. This ended up being my first read of 2019, and it is the perfect book to remind me of what's important.
The book is broken up into chapters alternating between Cat and Nat. A lot of the chapters include personal stories that had me laughing out loud. Nat's story about eating chicken wings will stay with me for a very long time!
I read the book in one sitting and found a lot of great advice--the hospital tips were gold (although in the US, most of the items they mentioned are actually provided by the hospital). I also was touched by some of the stories they shared. The story about the meltdown/tantrums reminded me so much of my autistic child that it brought tears to my eyes.
I find that I personally relate to Nat more than Cat--the yelling, the bribery, it's as if Cat was talking about me when she described Nat's way of parenting. I found myself wishing I could load my kids in the car and drive to one of their houses to spend the afternoon. What's two more kids when there are already seven?
The book is broken up into chapters alternating between Cat and Nat. A lot of the chapters include personal stories that had me laughing out loud. Nat's story about eating chicken wings will stay with me for a very long time!
I read the book in one sitting and found a lot of great advice--the hospital tips were gold (although in the US, most of the items they mentioned are actually provided by the hospital). I also was touched by some of the stories they shared. The story about the meltdown/tantrums reminded me so much of my autistic child that it brought tears to my eyes.
I find that I personally relate to Nat more than Cat--the yelling, the bribery, it's as if Cat was talking about me when she described Nat's way of parenting. I found myself wishing I could load my kids in the car and drive to one of their houses to spend the afternoon. What's two more kids when there are already seven?
June 21, 2019
At first I thought the book to be charming and witty but the further I read, the harder I found it to be to identify with these "mom truths". Is it because I'm a veteran mom with a 20 year old, a 12 year old, and a 5 year old? But I didn't think so. If these are so-called "mom truths" should these truths not also be my own? No. Basically this was a book based on two women who basically held similiar truths. But they are not my truths - not even close. An entire chapter dedicated to avoiding sex with your partner? Guilt about leaving your kids for "me" time? Major screaming temper tantrums in public that include name calling an verbal seizures? Just to name a few, but I couldn't get it. None of things were me. Maybe their point of view caters to some moms but definitely not to all. Not to this mom. Not even close. I found myself putting this book down and wandering over to other books and at a few instances thought I would abandon it completely. Such a shame because I find their videos amusing.
November 27, 2018
4 stars for the attitude in this book. Cat and Nat encourage you to ditch the Mom guilt, realize that raising kids is tough for everyone, and support each other. Brutally honest and funny. My favorite story is probably when one of them was on a family vacation and forgot it was her son's second birthday :D.
I especially loved the message at the end. Your kids don't need fancy this or that, they just need you to love them.
Their early chapters about the reality of birth and postpartum life are wonderful too.
I especially loved the message at the end. Your kids don't need fancy this or that, they just need you to love them.
Their early chapters about the reality of birth and postpartum life are wonderful too.
March 18, 2019
Quick read. Relatable, funny and inspirational stories about motherhood. I laughed and even cried a bit. Motherhood is such an overwhelming rollercoaster, but Cat & Nat share so honestly about their struggles and help provide a bit of perspective. I especially appreciated the chapter about how having a bad mom day doesn't make you a bad mom. Recommend for moms looking for a little laugh and validation!
April 29, 2019
This book is everything. Not even done and ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. GO. GET. IT. Perfect baby shower / new mom / mother’s day 🎁. I can’t recommend this enough. I want to buy a copy for everyone. And guess what? No #bookhangover with this one ladies because you can just head over to @catandnat to keep the party going. 🎉
July 29, 2019
This was just awesome. I listened to the audiobook and at times it made me laugh, while at other times it made me tear up. Cat and Nat are so relatable and do an amazing job opening up about the ups and downs of motherhood.
January 25, 2023
Quick, easy and light read. As a mom of four young ones, I found this book to be relatable in so many ways. “Mom Truths” that any mom can relate to while acknowledging you are not alone in your thoughts, feelings, struggles, challenges and triumphs in this journey through motherhood.
January 18, 2025
2.5 stars
June 4, 2019
I have been watching them on YouTube for years. They keep parenting real. They get it. It is so nice to know you are not alone or worse acting crazy!
This book is funny, affirming, and just a great read about the wild ride motherhood is, not only with our kids but our other relationships too.
This book is funny, affirming, and just a great read about the wild ride motherhood is, not only with our kids but our other relationships too.
July 26, 2019
Just what you’d expect from Cat and Nat - funny and honest. Really quick, easy read.
December 22, 2019
The book is an easy read. It’s geared more towards first time moms and moms of littles. I would definitely read a sequel with more broader mom truths that moms of all age groups can relate to.
April 25, 2020
| Reader Fox Blog |
As someone who has always wanted to be a mom but just isn’t quite ready, I was immediately intrigued by Cat and Nat’s Mom Truths by Catherine Belknap and Natalie Telfer. The synopsis describes the book as one that talks about all the things that most people usually avoid talking about when the subject of being a mother arises. This, of course, is what ultimately led me to request the book as I find there are a lot of things in life that people just don’t tell you about when it comes to life anywhere from relationships to your job.
It’s such a funny, universal concept and yet so often these “truths,” if you will, just aren’t discussed and I frankly find that strange. It’s wonderful, however, when someone finally does talk about them. The things no one tells you until, eventually, someone does.
Cat and Nat’s Mom Truths definitely isn’t perfect, but neither is being a mom. There are occasions where the book gets into a repeat of things you hear all the time in self-help books, which was a little disappointing considering the fact that this was supposed to be about the things people don’t tell you. For the most part, however, Mom Truths was witty and amusing, using real experiences from the women to get each point across.
I really enjoyed reading this book and appreciated the few nuanced views it included. I think it’s a great book to read before having children, though you’ll definitely want to read some others as it’s not fully comprehensive or anything like that. With their large number of children, Cat and Nat definitely have a lot of worthwhile things to say about motherhood that I’m sure many mothers can relate to. I’d definitely recommend this book to others, though I can say I’d probably want a different cover than the one that was chosen.
I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
| Instagram | Twitter | Reader Fox Blog | Bloglovin’ | Facebook |
As someone who has always wanted to be a mom but just isn’t quite ready, I was immediately intrigued by Cat and Nat’s Mom Truths by Catherine Belknap and Natalie Telfer. The synopsis describes the book as one that talks about all the things that most people usually avoid talking about when the subject of being a mother arises. This, of course, is what ultimately led me to request the book as I find there are a lot of things in life that people just don’t tell you about when it comes to life anywhere from relationships to your job.
It’s such a funny, universal concept and yet so often these “truths,” if you will, just aren’t discussed and I frankly find that strange. It’s wonderful, however, when someone finally does talk about them. The things no one tells you until, eventually, someone does.
Cat and Nat’s Mom Truths definitely isn’t perfect, but neither is being a mom. There are occasions where the book gets into a repeat of things you hear all the time in self-help books, which was a little disappointing considering the fact that this was supposed to be about the things people don’t tell you. For the most part, however, Mom Truths was witty and amusing, using real experiences from the women to get each point across.
I really enjoyed reading this book and appreciated the few nuanced views it included. I think it’s a great book to read before having children, though you’ll definitely want to read some others as it’s not fully comprehensive or anything like that. With their large number of children, Cat and Nat definitely have a lot of worthwhile things to say about motherhood that I’m sure many mothers can relate to. I’d definitely recommend this book to others, though I can say I’d probably want a different cover than the one that was chosen.
I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
| Instagram | Twitter | Reader Fox Blog | Bloglovin’ | Facebook |
March 13, 2019
Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada for a copy of Cat and Nat’s Mom Truths, available today!
Cat and Nat are two Canadian moms who aren’t afraid to show life as a mom without filters. It’s not always as perfect and amazing and heartwarming as it can sometimes seem online and I love these woman for sharing the not so pretty sides and offering a way to connect with other moms.
I wish I had this book available when I was pregnant or had a newborn. That is the phase of motherhood that I would recommend this book for. I am just passed that stage and would have loved to read about others who are going through the endless crying of the first 6 weeks and also feel like you are doing it all wrong. It’s always nice to know that others feel the same as you.
Out today, this would make the perfect baby shower or new mom gift! Short and funny, this may be the only advice book needed during the early months!
Cat and Nat are two Canadian moms who aren’t afraid to show life as a mom without filters. It’s not always as perfect and amazing and heartwarming as it can sometimes seem online and I love these woman for sharing the not so pretty sides and offering a way to connect with other moms.
I wish I had this book available when I was pregnant or had a newborn. That is the phase of motherhood that I would recommend this book for. I am just passed that stage and would have loved to read about others who are going through the endless crying of the first 6 weeks and also feel like you are doing it all wrong. It’s always nice to know that others feel the same as you.
Out today, this would make the perfect baby shower or new mom gift! Short and funny, this may be the only advice book needed during the early months!
March 30, 2019
This book did not mesh with me. I was really hoping to laugh out loud since from the first page they said isn’t an advice book (although the cover says different). I neither learned anything, nor found similarities between my experiences and theirs, nor did I laugh. So I should have just stopped reading after the chapter on why parks are trash. At least it was a quick read.
April 18, 2019
If you were to ask me to recmmend you a book about motherhood about a year ago, I'd have had no freaking idea what to say to you.
But after listening to the audiobook edition of it...well...EVERY MOTHER-TO-BE OR ACTUAL MOM/S SHOULD HAVE THIS BOOK ON THEIR BOOKSHELF OR ON THEIR KINDLE !!!
This book does not only give you the naked truth about what being a mother actually is and all, it also gives you the power to move on everyday. It empowers you, when you feel that being a mom and having to do most of the house chores by yourself - that is, if you don't have any help from anyone - is too much to bare, that everything you do is never enough, when you feel like breaking down into a million tiny pieces.
I love how these girls break down every single mith, and tell things as they are - raw, true, without sugar coating anything. And I mean, A-NY-THING ! Yep there re no secrets. Every instagram photo, every sweet hashtag we see everyday, they litteraly break them all down, in a nice, full of sarcasm -sometimes- and funny way.
I think I'm in love with them and from now on, I'll stalk them. ON SOCIAL MEDIA, PEOPLE ! :))
Anyway, this book deserves more than just five 5 stars. It deserves by far a million stars !!!!! Great work ladies ! Great work !
Hope you'll write one about how to face today's teenagers - our, teenagers.
But after listening to the audiobook edition of it...well...EVERY MOTHER-TO-BE OR ACTUAL MOM/S SHOULD HAVE THIS BOOK ON THEIR BOOKSHELF OR ON THEIR KINDLE !!!
This book does not only give you the naked truth about what being a mother actually is and all, it also gives you the power to move on everyday. It empowers you, when you feel that being a mom and having to do most of the house chores by yourself - that is, if you don't have any help from anyone - is too much to bare, that everything you do is never enough, when you feel like breaking down into a million tiny pieces.
I love how these girls break down every single mith, and tell things as they are - raw, true, without sugar coating anything. And I mean, A-NY-THING ! Yep there re no secrets. Every instagram photo, every sweet hashtag we see everyday, they litteraly break them all down, in a nice, full of sarcasm -sometimes- and funny way.
I think I'm in love with them and from now on, I'll stalk them. ON SOCIAL MEDIA, PEOPLE ! :))
Anyway, this book deserves more than just five 5 stars. It deserves by far a million stars !!!!! Great work ladies ! Great work !
Hope you'll write one about how to face today's teenagers - our, teenagers.
May 23, 2019
This book was recommended to me by some internet algorithm. I had never seen Cat and Nat’s YouTube videos and I didn’t follow them on Instagram. I’d never even heard of them before. But sometimes the Google gods know exactly what you need, even if you don’t know yourself.
I didn’t relate to all of this book but the parts I did relate too resonated so strongly that I found myself weeping multiple times in relief that someone somewhere really gets what I’m going through and says it’s going to be ok. More than that, these two women are a mom’s number one fan - even when she’s far far far from perfect.
At times while listening to this book I felt like Cat and Nat we’re reaching out from Toronto and giving me the biggest and tightest hug. It felt overwhelmingly good.
I laughed and cried, felt understood and inspired, and more than anything felt empowered and proud to be a mom.
I didn’t relate to all of this book but the parts I did relate too resonated so strongly that I found myself weeping multiple times in relief that someone somewhere really gets what I’m going through and says it’s going to be ok. More than that, these two women are a mom’s number one fan - even when she’s far far far from perfect.
At times while listening to this book I felt like Cat and Nat we’re reaching out from Toronto and giving me the biggest and tightest hug. It felt overwhelmingly good.
I laughed and cried, felt understood and inspired, and more than anything felt empowered and proud to be a mom.
April 28, 2021
For a book that claims to contain Brutally honest advice, there was very little advice and the advice that was there was poor. Words of “wisdom” included how to avoid sleeping with your husband, a section on how he should interpret your “hints” and lies you should tell your children. How about having an adult conversation with your husband and being clear and honest with him. Extremely poor advice if you’d like to stay married, but these two seem so obsessed with each other they don’t seem to care about their own families, this was also quite evident in the constant topic about how you’d get your life back once your kids were gone. I’ve never watched their stuff online, the book was given to me from a friend. Some of their stories were definitely relatable, but their views on life, children, motherhood and marriage were just so negative, if my friend hadn’t asked me for my opinion on the book I would have tossed it out after the first couple chapters.
March 15, 2019
First of all, who designed this brilliant cover? Naked Barbie drowning in a glass of Sauvignon Blanc. Amazing. LOL-worthy. Sold me before I even know what the book was about.
Today was one of those days I didn't know how I was going to drag myself out of bed, and this evening I sat at down and read this book from cover to cover while my seven-month-old was upstairs dreaming of berries in yogurt, mesmerizing bath toys, and probably even a bottomless pit of yogurt.
It's light-hearted, honest, relatable, and funny enough to merit some snorts into a pillow when you're trying not to wake up your kid. There's nothing earth-shattering or revolutionary in here - just two moms having a heart-to-heart with the audience. Perfect. Sometimes all you need is a laugh and a little solidarity.
Today was one of those days I didn't know how I was going to drag myself out of bed, and this evening I sat at down and read this book from cover to cover while my seven-month-old was upstairs dreaming of berries in yogurt, mesmerizing bath toys, and probably even a bottomless pit of yogurt.
It's light-hearted, honest, relatable, and funny enough to merit some snorts into a pillow when you're trying not to wake up your kid. There's nothing earth-shattering or revolutionary in here - just two moms having a heart-to-heart with the audience. Perfect. Sometimes all you need is a laugh and a little solidarity.
August 23, 2023
Although Cat and Nat’s social media presence isn’t my cup of tea, I truly loved this joint memoir/motherhood musing of theirs. As a first time mom, I felt seen while reading their unabashedly honest and self-deprecating take on it all, and I laughed so hard my stomach hurt. I recommend it to all my friends who are new moms (as long as I know they’re not easily offended).
May 15, 2019
I listened to this book on overdrive via our local library and it was spot on. I definitely recommend this book especially if you are a mom or mom to be and you ever feel like you don't have it all together!
September 21, 2019
A must read for every mom or mom to be!!!
A funny group of stories and advice from Cat and Nat. Has a relaxed funny feel and the final advice is basically just you are enough, as is, for your kids. Love it!! My favourite story was Cats proposal 😂😂
A funny group of stories and advice from Cat and Nat. Has a relaxed funny feel and the final advice is basically just you are enough, as is, for your kids. Love it!! My favourite story was Cats proposal 😂😂
May 11, 2020
Great book to finish on Mother's Day! 90% of this book was all YES, YES, YES! It's hard to not get lost in the chaos but we need to embrace it and just know we love our kids & they love us for the best we can do, no matter what that is!
April 25, 2022
A book for how to not get sucked into trying to be one type of mother
Funny, witty, and a little bit cheesey. It was a good read for a first time mom whose trying to be authentic in my parenting journey.
Funny, witty, and a little bit cheesey. It was a good read for a first time mom whose trying to be authentic in my parenting journey.
July 29, 2024
This book was so-so! With that being said, I may have enjoyed this book more had I read it as a brand new mom. Some parts I found very relatable and others not so much. I read this book not knowing who Cat and Nat were, so I may have been more into it if I had been following them on socials prior to reading it. It was definitely a quick easy read and would recommend to new moms trying to navigate motherhood for the first time.
April 5, 2019
This was hilarious and definitely chock full of #momtruths. Loved it!
ARC Provided by Penguin Random House
ARC Provided by Penguin Random House
April 6, 2019
The audiobook was absolutely hilarious!!
August 14, 2019
So funny and incredibly honest! Too many laugh out loud moments in all too familiar scenarios.
September 13, 2019
Being a mother myself I found this book put some humor and light into several issues you don't normally hear about in motherhood! Definitely a book I would suggest for new moms to know that you aren't alone, plus you might need a good laugh!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 361 reviews