Cats and books go together like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers! Cats in books, cats on books, cats on bookshelves, cats on Kindles, cats lying across the pages trying to read. If you have a cat you’ll no doubt know how cats and books go hand in hand, but what about cats within the pages?
Well Penguin has just posted what they call the definitive list of cats in fiction, and we thought it was such a great list we’re here to share it with you!
10. Kiki’s Delivery Service by Eiko Kadono
If you’re a fan of Studio Ghibli, then you may have already seen this on the screen, but did you know it’s based on a book? Eiko Kadono’s beloved story follows Kiki, a trainee witch who, on turning 13, is eager to follow tradition by finding a new town to live in for a year. We all know that witches and black cats go together like eye of newt and toe of frog so Jiji, a talking black cat, accompanies her on the adventure.
9. Kafka on the Shore – Haruki Murakami
As a young child, Nakata experiences a sudden blackout that leaves him with amnesia — a loss so complete that it erases his ability to read. While his memory may be gone, he does discover an unexpected new ability: he can now communicate with cats, and the cat from this book, Mimi, ensures it’s inclusion into this list.
8. The Amazing Maurice and his Educated Rodents – Terry Pratchett
Knowing that Maurice is a resident of Terry Pratchett’s Discworld is already a hint that Maurice is no ordinary cat. Like Gaspode the talking dog, Maurice has gained human-equivalent brainpower and ability to talk, so of course it makes sense to put that intellect to use by… pulling off a series of cons, and getting Pratchett into this list.
7. The Travelling Cat Chronicles – Hiro Arikawa
An instant international bestseller and indie bestseller, The Travelling Cat Chronicles has charmed readers around the world. With simple yet descriptive prose, this novel gives voice to Nana the cat and his owner, Satoru, as they take to the road on a journey with no other purpose than to visit three of Satoru’s longtime friends. Or so Nana is led to believe…
With his crooked tail—a sign of good fortune—and adventurous spirit, Nana is the perfect companion for the man who took him in as a stray. And as they travel in a silver van across Japan, with its ever-changing scenery and seasons, they will learn the true meaning of courage and gratitude, of loyalty and love.
6. Varjak Paw – SF Said
Mesopotamian Blue cat, Varjak Paw, has never been Outside before; he and his family have always lived in the isolated house at the top of the hill. But Varjak is forced out into the city when the sinister Gentleman and his two menacing cats take over his home. With help from his mystical ancestor, Jalal, Varjak manages to overcome challenges such as self-survival and a threat from the gangland cats, and he ultimately discovers the terrifying secrets behind the Vanishings. But can he save his own family from their fate?
5. Calvin and Hobbes – Bill Waterson
Perhaps the most well known cat of them all, Calvin and Hobbes continues to entertain with dazzling cartooning and tremendous humor. Bill Watterson’s Calvin and Hobbes has been a worldwide favorite since its introduction in 1985. The strip follows the richly imaginative adventures of Calvin and his trusty tiger, Hobbes. Whether a poignant look at serious family issues or a round of time-travel (with the aid of a well-labeled cardboard box), Calvin and Hobbes will astound and delight you.
4. Alice in Wonderland – Lewis Carroll
We have another very well known cat here with the Cheshire Cat from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. The Cheshire Cat does not have a name, but he does have several riddles, and a smile that never fades! He’s an enduring character through literary history and is one of the most famous cats of them all.
3. Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats – TS Eliot
The base for the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Cats, TS Eliot’s collection of nonsense poems and prose about cats, is likely to strike a chord with any fellow cat lover, as Eliot clearly was.
2. Mog the Forgetful Cat – Judith Kerr
Mog is a personal favourite in our household, who doesn’t love a forgetful cat who loves eggs? Judith Kerr’s delightful creation resounds through the years and is as relatable now, as when I was a child myself.
1. The Master and Margarita – Mikhail Bulgakov
This Soviet era Russian novel is fantastical, funny, and devastating satire of Soviet life combines two distinct yet interwoven parts, one set in contemporary Moscow, the other in ancient Jerusalem, each brimming with historical, imaginary, frightful, and wonderful characters, including a cat called Margarita!
Thank you to Penguin for this brilliant list, which you can see in its original form here.
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