Gifts From a Feral Cat: A Story of Love, Loss, and Miracles

by Tian Wilson

The old adage, “When a student is ready, the teacher appears,” doesn’t say teachers are limited to the two-legged. In this true story, amid the beautiful backdrop of a small town in New Mexico in 1989, a woman seeks peace, answers, and perhaps redemption. On Thanksgiving morning, a mentor, healer, and teacher arrives at her home in the most unlikely of an ugly, starving, beat-up cat. Thus begins an intimate and uplifting story about the power of Love.

The feral cat's noble presence stimulates healing and conversations among a small cast of characters who form a circle of her older neighbors, Gus and Emma; her Navajo friend, Jake; and the local MD and vet, Doc Parsons. Others join the cast - the Egg Lady and her husband; Carlita, the Mexican girl from down the street; and Barry Mackland and his dog, Ferrari.

Together they explore some of life's biggest What is love? How do I stop worrying? Do we still live after we die? How can I let go of the past and stay out of the future? How do I go through loss and grief in a healthy way? What breaks relationships? What heals them? These and other questions allow the reader to join in the explorations of self-awareness and the meaning of life.

Over the span of a year, she and her friends experience profound life lessons and personal transformation. As they discover the richness of wisdom in friendship and community, the strange cat leads them on a journey of discovery… and miracles.

278 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 18, 2022

Reviews

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Filled with wisdom and love

The story revolves around three cats that might as well be human, Their interactions, their kindness, their escapades, and their caring for one another.
The author uses beautiful wording to share all sorts of wisdom. Some from her friends and family, but mostly what she learns from observing her beloved cats.
There are so many beautiful messages throughout, and Tian is able to keep the reader engaged and wanting more throughout the book.
As this is ‘her story’ she is able to relay how engaging she is as a human being - so loving and so giving. She is surrounded by true, wise friends who not only support her but she brings so much to them as well.
I highly recommend as it will keep you engaged throughout.

[Jason Cloud · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many people search for meaning of what’s going on. It could be called wisdom. This book gives us a few places to look and some ideas of how we can create serenity within.

The book had so many gifts for me, of which I’ll share just a few. I was intrigued by the chapter where Doc talked about miracles. It made me curious to look in my everyday life. Though I hadn’t thought of it this way, the first one I found was right in front of me. I have ten fingers that play 88 keys on the piano. I have watched them fly over those keys with a melody, chords and bass to a delighted audience, and more so, to me. When I just watch, it’s as though something takes over my hands and plays all sorts of combinations. Now that is a Miracle!

I also loved when Emma talked about A&A and how it enabled Cochon to grow and speak. I realized when I receive attention and approval (A&A) I can watch myself blossom in music and be inspired to practice and learn. This story has reminded me to give attention and approval to all those I meet and spend time with. Passing out A&A has replaced negative comments to and about other people, which only served to make me feel momentarily superior.

I laughed at the author going through all the possible horrible scenarios after MJ was hurt until I remembered that just yesterday I had done the same thing while thinking about my son not calling. Doc was right - all those horror pictures were not factual and once I knew that, they disappeared.

I have no favorite character or cat - I would have loved to have known them all. I am thankful for all the many lessons that were nested inside descriptions so clear and beautiful I could see the scene where the author was.

I am blind and this book has been read to me. I encourage the author to make an audible available. I have listened to the sample on her website and hope she reads the whole book. I’d appreciate it being available in audial format so I can listen whenever I need one of these reminders for a conscious life.

[Kristen Kenner · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is like going to the movies. Descriptions of scenery and circumstances so intricately detailed that it's like I was there. I could see, hear, touch and smell everything. The character development was wonderful, they became my friends, I cared about them. I especially appreciated Jake's comment about watching the nature of everything. About being truly present, seeing and listening without agenda or judgement to discover the true nature, balance and harmony of all life. Even though what life brings us through can be painful.
To even see the nature of one's own essence and personality without judgement. Allowing the onion skins to dry up and blow away, allowing clarity of understanding to shine through. Showing up for love within and without. With all the pain and joy that comes with it. Letting our hearts rain that we may continue to heal in order to allow love to live in our hearts.
A most beautiful book, a gift to us all.

[Donna Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chosen by our book club to read this month, I enjoyed the unique characteristics of the people in the story, the positivity they shared amid life's challenges, and the many descriptions of our enchanted New Mexico. Having lived in Bosque Farms, I was somewhat thrown off by some of the references. For example, Bosque Farms does not have a "down town." Yet, clearly, the author was touched by her experiences with the people, the land, the food, and of course her unique cats! Definitely recommend this one!

[Melanie Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comfort for grieving Cat Mom

I am in the midst of the devastating loss of my beautiful 2nd boy! Finding and reading this miraculously, and intricately woven story of the power of the love and life of a cat, truly echoes the bond I share with my cats, on earth and in Heaven.
With each chapter, this story provided a kinship, comfort, acceptance, and all knowing understanding that brought a soothing calm to my soul in order to deal with my overwhelming stages of grief during the loss of my beloved cat; as well as coping with the future loss of my dearest human loved one.

[Lynda Lancaster · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful story, written in a way that puts you there in magical New Mexico. Anyone who has loved and lost anything can use this story to help fill the hole in their heart. The characters take the author, and the reader, on a thought-provoking adventure into understanding and healing. I only wish Emma had left the recipe for her cinnamon rolls- I can almost smell them, and would love to taste them!
The book was one of my favorites in a long time.

[Mark Borrows · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful surprise! Candidly, my expectations were rather tame when I received this book from a friend (e.g., first time author, story centered around cats, etc.—not exactly my usual fare). But Wilson hit it out of the park in this engaging life story woven with words of wisdom!

And as testimony to her ability to engage readers, I actually cried about a cat! I’m very sure I never did that before. :-)

Kudos to Ms. Wilson! I look forward to reading her next book.

- Mark

[Dennis Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Tian transports the reader to an idyllic desert town where people still know and talk to each other. She adds a few cats to the mixture; one of them being feral. Sounds simple, but she intertwines into this mix some of life’s most essential questions and conundrums. She does this in a way that the wisdom comes through as signposts rather than sermons. I dare you to read this book and not gain insight into some of life’s deepest riddles.

[Rebecca Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this book twice which is very unusual for me to read a book twice. It was a great story about a beautiful feral cat but it was so much more than the story of the cat. It was insightful into feelings about Life. I would recommend this book to everyone

[Hope Smyth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! After moving from NC to CA, a friend gifted me this book, which couldn’t have come at a better time. In a world that often feels overwhelming, Tian’s story brings a sense of calm and perspective. It’s a beautiful exploration of starting over, embracing uncertainty, and learning that despite our best efforts, life will always remain unpredictable. At its heart, this book is about friendship, letting go of what no longer serves us, and being fully present in the moment. And then there’s MJ, the scruffy cat who quietly enters the story to teach us all about strength, resilience, patience, and, above all, love. If you’re in need of inspiration or a reminder of the beauty that still exists in the world, this is the book for you.

[John Kopjanski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Preferring visual story telling versus the written word, this tale of enlightenment had me engaged from beginning to end. It deeply touched my heart. I highly recommend

[Sarah Holm · Rating 3 out of 5]

A wholesome, slow burn read about the lessons an older woman learns as a stray cat enters her life.

[Kathy Browning · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved all the NM connections.

[Meg Cebula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sooo good great spiritual messages of love and caring.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t easily give 5 stars but this book just touched me on so many levels. The writing is beautiful, the characters, including the kitties, were so wonderfully developed. I miss them already and will for a long time. I was ready to pack my bags and move to NM and find those friends so I could be a part of that wonderful group. Then I remembered the names of the characters were changed. NM should truly thank Tian for the beautiful descriptions of the land and culture. Certainly she has promoted tourism!

A dear sweet friend loaned me this book. Did she realize how badly I needed it? Maybe MJ whispered that need to her. What a blessing, both her and the book. I already know I’m going to have to purchase the book because there are so many words and messages that I need to be able to refer to. The book builds a solid foundation for the last half of the story which is moving, heartbreaking, inspirational and instructive.

I sincerely hope you will read this book. I can assure you, you need it.

Thank you Tian Wilson for writing such a lovely book.