Books for Cat Lovers

The holidays are upon us! Do you have your shopping done? I don't do a ton these days. I hate the whole obligatory gifting thing and the last thing most of us need is more stuff, but there are a few people I love giving gifts to and some of them are cat lovers and readers. Books make great gifts! If they're physical books, they can be passed along after being read and if they're digital, no clutter! It just so happens, I was lucky enough to get early digital copies of a few new books out in time for the holidays this year! Many of these were recently published so your cat-loving, book-loving giftee very well might not have read them yet.

When I saw this ARC (advanced reader copy) available a few months ago, I couldn't request it quickly enough. I mean, a book about amazing cats? That's a no brainer for me.

Olive, my own green-eyed beauty queen

 

My Life in a Cat House by Gwen Cooper, Published October 30th 2018 by BenBella Books

Having been owned by cats my entire life, I love well told stories about wonderful cats. All cats are wonderful in their own ways, but not everyone is a gifted storyteller like the author. I'll admit, I was unfamiliar with Gwen Cooper or her blind cat Homer before reading this book, but I quickly fell in love with Homer and the rest of the feline gang through the touching and funny stories she tells of their antics and quirks. Being the guardian of a purrfectly impurrfect cat myself, I know just how important it is to let potential adopters know just how amazing these animals are and that whatever makes them different, doesn't make them less. This book would surely be enjoyed by any cat lover and will make a wonderful gift for a few "crazy cat ladies" in my life!

Homer and the Holiday Miracle by Gwen Cooper, Published October 30th 2018 by BenBella Books

After reading Cooper's My Life in the Cat House, I fully expected this short book to be both touching and funny... and it did not disappoint. Homer was an amazing cat who beat the odds over and over. You can't help but fall in love with Homer. Being owned by a purrfectly impurrfect cat myself, i know that even those with challenges deserve a chance at a wonderful life. This story is a great reminder to live life to the fullest and enjoy every moment, regardless of our particular obstacles.

Thank you to Gwen Cooper, BenBella Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review both of these heartwarming book in exchange for my honest reviews.

Homer's Odyssey by Gwen Cooper, Published August 25th 2009 by Delacorte Press

I followed up these two by borrowing Homer's Odyssey, also by Gwen Cooper, on CD from my local library. I obviously hadn't had enough of Cooper's cat stories yet. ;-) 

Another great book from Gwen Cooper! Having read a couple of her other books, I fully expected to enjoy this one. I loved getting to know Homer a little better through the humorous and touching stories Gwen shares. I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed the commentary at the end with both Gwen and her husband.

Like Gwen, I'm so thankful my Oscar was passed up by so many people in the 6 weeks he sat in the shelter waiting for his forever home and especially to the one person who briefly adopted and returned him to the shelter. Some cats just need a little extra understanding and patience, but they are so worth it, whatever their challenges.

Oscar decided I was done listening to stories about other cats

I know, I promise all the books I'm sharing aren't written by Gwen! But I really do enjoy her writing style and she's skilled at sharing the wonderful stories of her cats. She also has written a fictional story, Love Saves the Day (Published January 15th 2013 by Bantam), but I haven't read that one yet so you're on your own there.

How about some cat-related fiction?

Oscar enjoyed that the cover illustration matched his ears

The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa, Published October 23rd 2018 by Viking (first published November 1st 2012)

It took me a bit to really get into this story of the bond between man and cat - told from the cat's perspective! Though the story was slow in the beginning, as the journey went on, I began loving the book. Without giving anything away, I think anyone who has loved a pet, be it cat or dog or other, will relate to this story of love and friendship. The story also makes us think of the impact we leave on the people we encounter throughout our lives.

I was lucky enough to win a paperback copy of this book from the publisher through a giveaway drawing on Goodreads and later received a digital copy through NetGalley. The review is my own, honest opinion. The paperback has been passed along to my feline vet clinic staff. >^..^<

And now, more nonfiction:

A Tale of Two Kitties by Nick Harding, Published October 11th 2018 by Mirror Books

This book was a fun mix of stories from the author's life being taken over by cats along with the history of and facts about cats. The author does a nice job of weaving this all together. As both a cat and dog person, I can't imagine life without a furry buddy (or several) around and had to laugh as Alvin won Harding over and took over the house. While I don't agree with all of Harding's beliefs about cats, this was an enjoyable read with a bit of everything. 

I do see the draw of purebreds, but if you're thinking of adding a furry friend to your household, check out local rescues! There are so many wonderful animals looking for homes. Having recently adopted a 6-ish year old rescue cat myself, I can vouch for the fact that rescued animals give every bit as much (if not more) love as one purchased. 

Thank you to the author Nick Harding, Mirror Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book in exchange for my honest review.

Would the cat lover in your life get more out of a reference type book? I'd recommend anything from Jackson Galaxy, aka The Cat Daddy!

I've read both Catification (Published October 14th 2014 by Tarcher) and Catify to Satisfy (Published November 17th 2015 by TarcherPerigee) and highly recommend both! These books offer tips and instruction for making your home more cat-friendly and making your feline friend(s) as happy as they can be. I currently have my library's copy of Total Cat Mojo (Published October 31st 2017 by Tarcherperigee) and though I haven't yet read this one, I'm fully comfortable recommending this one as well just based on Jackson's previous books, website and reputation in the cat world. I'm sure it'll be another winner!

How about one more? This one's for the more adventurous cat lover.

Adventure Cats by Laura J Moss, Published May 16th 2017 by Workman Publishing Company

I picked this one up a couple months ago and haven't read through it yet, but after a quick flip through, it looks promising! My little Olive seems just the type to enjoy outdoor adventures. I've already picked her up a tiny harness to give it a go.

Of course, this is just a short list of the extensive collection of cat-related books out there. I only touched on those I've recently read (or will read shortly). What are your favorite cat-related books? Other gift ideas for the cat lover?

It's ALIVE!

Or maybe it should be, I'm ALIVE! Yes, folks, the blog is back! Sorry I've been sleeping on the job.

Olive also sleeping on the job

Want a quick update on the past year? There hasn't been a whole lot of crafting. Minimal, in fact. I have been doing a whole lot of reading though! In August, I joined Netgalley and began reading and reviewing mostly pre-release books for various publishers. It's been SO FUN! Some of these books have been of a crafty nature and I thought many of you might be interested in my favorites. So, here I am. Reviews to come...

What else has happened? Well, if you've been around awhile, that little black fluff puddle up there might not look familiar. Yep, there have been a couple of additions to the furry family! Sadly, we had to say goodbye to both of our elderly kitties, the beautiful calico Phoebe back in June and spunky tuxedo Xander just before Thanksgiving. And while my heart was crushed by those losses, I knew we could honor those lives by offering two new souls a wonderful, loving home.

Allow me to introduce, Olive and Oscar! =)

Olive and Oscar

Oscar came to us from the local county animal shelter back at the end of June, 2018. He had spent about 6 weeks living in the shelter after having been rescued along with 60+ others from a hoarder/illegal breeder. He had been adopted briefly and returned because he peed on their rugs. Oscar was estimated by my vet to be 5-7 years old and came with a few chronic health surprises, but he is the happiest and funniest cat I've ever met and takes most things in stride (including two in your face little dogs and a grumpy older kitty). We've been through an expensive dental procedure in which he lost 13 of his teeth! And we think we have his urinary crystal problem under control with prescription food - we'll be testing him again soon. He's not thrilled when I have to clean and treat his ears a couple times a week, but he doesn't hold grudges. Again, the happiest cat ever! You can see Oscar's new, wonderful life on his Instagram account here - Oscar the not so Grouchy. Olive makes plenty of appearances as well. And occasionally the pups too!

Olive has been with us for about 2 months now, since she was about 4 weeks old. I finally caved and agreed to foster a kitten who had come into the shelter alone. I knew she was young, but nothing else about her, not even that she was a she. I didn't ask because... she was meant to be temporary. Just raise her up until she's big enough to be adopted! Yeah. So, Olive is staying. =) She's had a few health challenges herself (mystery diarrhea twice, ringworm - that was fun) in her short life, but at roughly 12 weeks now, she's healthy and happy and growing like a weed! She's spunky and cuddly and loves wrestling with Oscar and Gus. Soon, she'll officially be a permanent part of our family! And Oscar loves having a little sister to play with. That of course being the deciding factor in her staying. He had to love her. Apparently, it was meant to be.

What about our two favorite puppers, you ask? Reilly and Gus are doing well and loving the new furry siblings. Especially Gus. But then, Gus loves everyone, right? And everyone loves Gus. <3

Gus and Reilly in their new ride!

Here's our most recent crafty project. New kids means new ornaments were in order!

Christmas ornaments - Guess which is Oscar's!

So, what's the plan for this blog? I don't intend (at least right now, who knows if that will change) to revive the YouTube channel, but I will be posting crafty content and books I'm loving (both new releases and older titles too) and well, anything else I feel like sharing because... my blog, my choice! I hope you'll join me!