Recommended Reading

The Cat Who Came For Christmas
by Cleaveland Amory

This is a very popular book, the first in Mr. Amory's trilogy about his cat Polar Bear, and IMHO the best one out of the three.

Best Cat Stories
Compiled by Lesley O'Mara

My favourite stories in this book are "Solomon & Sheba" and "The Cat Who Could Fly".

The Cat Who Mystery Series
By Lilian Jackson Braun

This humourous, well-written and interesting series is about Jim Qwilleran, a former crime reporter and his remarkable cats, Kao K'o Kung (Koko) and Yum Yum. I like The Cat Who Said Cheese and The Cat Who Wasn't There the best out of all the books.

Minka & Curdy
by Antonia White

This is my absolute, all-time favourite cat book in the world! But it's very old, and out of print. It's about a British lady's trials and tribulations when she adopts Minka, a beautiful and sensitive Siamese, and Curdy, a cute and playful marmalade kitten. Wonderful, and very perceptive of the feline psyche!

The Witness
By Robert Westall
Illustrated by Sophy Williams

This is a picture book, but it is told in such lyrical language and the soft, luminous paintings illustrate it so fittingly that adults and children alike will love it. A beautiful, beautiful Christmas story.

Carbonel
By Barbara Sleigh

When Rosemary buys a broom and a cat at the market, she has no idea that she is buying a witchs' broom and that Carbonel, the cat, will take her on such an adventure! A smart, funny childrens' novel.

James the Connoiesseur Cat
By Harriet Hahn

James is a very finicky, dignified and patrician cat living in a British apartment building. He enjoys dining on caviar and wine, fine art and the high life. In between times, he solves mysteries, plays matchmaker and aids friends in distress. Sort of like the Koko of the 1930s.

The Broccoli Tapes
By Jan Slepian

This is a children's book. It's all about a girl named Sara who moved to Hawaii and adopts a wild black cat named Broccoli. It's intended for younger readers, but people of all ages will find it very touching.

James Herriot's Cat Stories
By James Herriot

This charming collection of cat stories, compiled through years of Herriot's experience as a vet, is a must-have addition to any ailurophiles' library.

The Fur Person
By May Sarton

This is a classic cat book about Tom Jones's quest for the perfect housekeeper and how it turns into the quest for the perfect friend and the title of Fur Person. I recommend highly to humans and felines alike.

Tyke & Dusty: An Authorized Biography of Two House Cats
By Bill MacDonald

This is a book by a local author, so I don't think it will be easy to find outside Thunder Bay, but believe me, it's worth the extra effort. Tyke and Dusty are two cool cats!

Cat Catalog
Edited by Judy Fireman

This huge book is packed to the seams with articles on everything to do with cats; from their health to their history.

The Secret Life of Cats
By Robert de Laroche

This pretty little book, translated from French, is a treasure trove of gems.

Cat Scan
Compiled and edited by Robert Byrne and Teressa Skelton

This witty anthology of cats in literature covers everything! It contains quotes, extracts from novels, poems, facts, essays and letters written by famous cat lovers.

The Cat's Pajamas
By Leonore Fleischer

Exactly what it says on the front "A Charming and Clever Compendium of Feline Trivia." I admire Leonore Fleischer's writing immensely.

An Illustrated Cat Lover's Notebook
Edited by Helen Exley
Illustrated by Juliette Clarke

Contrary to it's name, this isn't just anotebook. It's a beautifully illustrated book of wonderful cat quotes and is my constant companion by the computer in the creation of these pages.

Socks
By Beverly Clearly

A cute, sweet tale of a cat who went from sole star of his humans' universe to second fiddle after their baby son was born, and how he learns to deal with the tiny intruder, and possibly, even become friends. A classic childrens' story.

Kittens: An Illustrated Treasury
Conceived and Compiled by Michelle Lovric

Illustrated with Victorian prints of cats and kittens, this delightful book is filled with words and images that perfectly capture the undying and always irresistable appeal of kittens.

The Cat Lover's Companion
By Joan Moore

This hardcover "book of cat days and cat ways" is a colourful and unique calender, as well as a treasury of fascinating cat facts and legends.