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Henri, le Chat Noir: The Existential Musings of an Angst-Filled Cat
This gift book is a collection of photos and quotes from Henri, the existential cat whose ennui has captivated people all over the world. Through his series of short films and interactions with an enthusiastic online community, Henri's contemplation and disillusion with the world has struck a chord with millions of fans. Now, finally, we have a collection of Henri's musings in his own words featuring never-before-seen photos and quotes. This book is a window into the tortured soul of the world's first feline philosopher.
96 pages, Hardcover
First published July 18, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
April 30, 2013
Reading Henri's musings immediately brought to mind Arnold Schwarzenegger's autobiography. Henri's story is essentially the opposite of Arnold's. Everything about Arnold is mega-sized, while Henri fits into a smallish box. Arnold's tale spans continents, while Henri's is confined to a house. Arnold's story is full of ambition and hope, while Henri is tormented by ennui.
Arnold's success in basically every field he has applied himself is inspiring, to be sure. But just as much can be drawn from Henri's plight. As a human, I have the agency he laments lacking. Why then, should I not be happy and successful?
Thank you, Henri.
Arnold's success in basically every field he has applied himself is inspiring, to be sure. But just as much can be drawn from Henri's plight. As a human, I have the agency he laments lacking. Why then, should I not be happy and successful?
Thank you, Henri.
May 1, 2013
I think I will take a nap rather than write a review. What rhymes with ennui?
January 30, 2022
Fun fact: both my husband and I independently selected, wrapped, and gave this book to Veronica, because she is fond of existentialism, and French things, and cats. WE were both right! Yay, us.
Veronica's copy, natch
Veronica's copy, natch
October 4, 2019
Le chat Henri is obviously a follower of such as Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Camus, Kafka and others of that ilk who believed that philosophical thinking begins with the human subject and that the predominant value of existentialism is freedom. Henri most certainly subscribes to both of these trains of thought in this delightful, amusing and beautifully photographed little volume.
He sets his stall out with 'If I am referred to as a deep thinker, it is only because the majority of cats are barely concerned with thought at all.' And he demonstrates his point with the comment 'The white imbecile proves that vacant minds sleep the most soundly.' This comes alongside a great photograph of his bête noire, or more appropriately in this instance his bête blanche, stretched out on her back, paws in air totally relaxing.
He also knows his humans for he tells us, 'I rarely purr. Why signal that I am content?' And his answer is 'I want you to believe that I cannot be mollified, so you continue your attempts to appease me.' And if those attempts involve treats his view is 'Cat treats are a poor substitute for real answers to the mysteries of our existence. Yet, I do not reject them.' Sensible Henri!
As for his freedom to wander, roam or occupy whatever place he wishes, he says, '"Integrity has no need of rules," according to Camus. Therefore, a philosopher cat should be allowed on the counter if he desires.' And he adds, just for good measure, 'Shooing me away reveals your selfish attempts to keep all the turkey for yourself.' Then, looking down from on high, he offers, 'People often wonder if cats climb up to high places so they can feel superior. - This is absurd. Elevation does not affect our superiority.' Well, and truly, said Henri!
The white cat, who Henri constantly refers to as 'the white imbecile', really has no place in his life and he is particularly indifferent to her when he is considering following Lao-Tzu's philosophy 'Practice not-doing, and everything will fall into place.' For when he does he says, annoyingly, 'Unfortunately, I often find the white imbecile in my not-doing spot.' Thinking of his 'not-doing' spot he does sometimes get frustrated when trying to find it for he says, 'My wavering belief in nihilism is affirmed each time the sunbeam moves just when I have drifted off to sleep.'
He is honest enough to realise 'Our choices are not our own' but occasionally they are. For, 'The phone rings, interrupting my slumber. Mysteriously, the phone is knocked from its perch and falls, silenced. Who can say what transpired? - Now I sleep, undisturbed by ringing or remorse.' Choices not our own? I wonder!
Finally he shows just how angst-filled he is when, peeping out of a hidey hole he simply offers, 'I am surrounded by morons.' Great thought Henri!
This book is a sure-fire winner with great amusing philosophical feline mewsings all through and all accompanied by the most artistic and pleasurable photographs. Despite his strong existentialist thoughts, Henri comes across as a delightful, and well read, cat, who we would all welcome in our homes I feel sure.
He sets his stall out with 'If I am referred to as a deep thinker, it is only because the majority of cats are barely concerned with thought at all.' And he demonstrates his point with the comment 'The white imbecile proves that vacant minds sleep the most soundly.' This comes alongside a great photograph of his bête noire, or more appropriately in this instance his bête blanche, stretched out on her back, paws in air totally relaxing.
He also knows his humans for he tells us, 'I rarely purr. Why signal that I am content?' And his answer is 'I want you to believe that I cannot be mollified, so you continue your attempts to appease me.' And if those attempts involve treats his view is 'Cat treats are a poor substitute for real answers to the mysteries of our existence. Yet, I do not reject them.' Sensible Henri!
As for his freedom to wander, roam or occupy whatever place he wishes, he says, '"Integrity has no need of rules," according to Camus. Therefore, a philosopher cat should be allowed on the counter if he desires.' And he adds, just for good measure, 'Shooing me away reveals your selfish attempts to keep all the turkey for yourself.' Then, looking down from on high, he offers, 'People often wonder if cats climb up to high places so they can feel superior. - This is absurd. Elevation does not affect our superiority.' Well, and truly, said Henri!
The white cat, who Henri constantly refers to as 'the white imbecile', really has no place in his life and he is particularly indifferent to her when he is considering following Lao-Tzu's philosophy 'Practice not-doing, and everything will fall into place.' For when he does he says, annoyingly, 'Unfortunately, I often find the white imbecile in my not-doing spot.' Thinking of his 'not-doing' spot he does sometimes get frustrated when trying to find it for he says, 'My wavering belief in nihilism is affirmed each time the sunbeam moves just when I have drifted off to sleep.'
He is honest enough to realise 'Our choices are not our own' but occasionally they are. For, 'The phone rings, interrupting my slumber. Mysteriously, the phone is knocked from its perch and falls, silenced. Who can say what transpired? - Now I sleep, undisturbed by ringing or remorse.' Choices not our own? I wonder!
Finally he shows just how angst-filled he is when, peeping out of a hidey hole he simply offers, 'I am surrounded by morons.' Great thought Henri!
This book is a sure-fire winner with great amusing philosophical feline mewsings all through and all accompanied by the most artistic and pleasurable photographs. Despite his strong existentialist thoughts, Henri comes across as a delightful, and well read, cat, who we would all welcome in our homes I feel sure.
May 9, 2013
4.5/5 - Some of the photos are kind of crappy, but you can't help but love Henri (aka "Henry" in real life), an obviously laid-back kitty whose owner has made him justifiably famous. I adore Henri videos and loved the book. I should probably add the fact that the book is a little disorganized, Henri's philosophies seemingly random rather than following a particular line of thought. Henri would probably say it matters not, for we're here and gone . . . or something much more profound.
July 24, 2013
Calling all cat-lovers, Henri, le Chat Noir will surely make you smile. Feline-Philosopher, Henri's insightful musings struck a chord with me. He's cute, he's smart and thought-provoking.
In general, Henri does not trust the out side world; he doesn't like when he has to wait for his breakfast, and he sleeps because our world is troubled and he thinks other cats who play with toys, fake mice etc are "delusional".
Tastefully done in, what else but "black and white", the photos are terrific and do justice in portraying Henri in the best possible light:) One page features one of Henri's musings, while the opposite page has a different photo of Henri.
One of my favorites:
When I watch you go about your activities, make no mistake about my intentions. I am not curious or coy.
----
I am judging you.
A few more great musings:
People often wonder if cats climb up to high places so they can feel superior.
-----
This is absolutely absurd. Elevation does not affect our superiority
OR
They curse the fur on the bed, but what is shedding if not a reminder of my own spiritual evanescence?
-----
It is my soul they vacuum up.
The best way to enjoy this book is with a cup of tea or glass of wine and your own "Henri-ite purring on your lap. Trust me, you will appreciate your own complex felines all the more, and perhaps even gain a better understanding of them as well.
This book is a great conversation piece when you leave a copy in out for company to enjoy. The book would also make the perfect gift for yourself or the cat-lover in your life.
Highly recommended
In general, Henri does not trust the out side world; he doesn't like when he has to wait for his breakfast, and he sleeps because our world is troubled and he thinks other cats who play with toys, fake mice etc are "delusional".
Tastefully done in, what else but "black and white", the photos are terrific and do justice in portraying Henri in the best possible light:) One page features one of Henri's musings, while the opposite page has a different photo of Henri.
One of my favorites:
When I watch you go about your activities, make no mistake about my intentions. I am not curious or coy.
----
I am judging you.
A few more great musings:
People often wonder if cats climb up to high places so they can feel superior.
-----
This is absolutely absurd. Elevation does not affect our superiority
OR
They curse the fur on the bed, but what is shedding if not a reminder of my own spiritual evanescence?
-----
It is my soul they vacuum up.
The best way to enjoy this book is with a cup of tea or glass of wine and your own "Henri-ite purring on your lap. Trust me, you will appreciate your own complex felines all the more, and perhaps even gain a better understanding of them as well.
This book is a great conversation piece when you leave a copy in out for company to enjoy. The book would also make the perfect gift for yourself or the cat-lover in your life.
Highly recommended
June 16, 2013
I'm prejudiced when it comes to Henri, who has proven time and time again to bring a smile to my face; but, this is the perfect humorous coffee-table book. Love it! Here's a sample of Henri's ennui, "Is there a space between being and nothingness? Somewhere we drift without relative position or direction? - Or is that the catnip talking?" - Henri, le Chat Noir.
January 11, 2025
One of my favorite books. I love Henri's ennui :)
June 24, 2013
I think this is pretty much a book just for cat lovers. This is an example of a YouTube video being so popular that the creator then wrote a book based on the video.
Henri is bored, tired, and disenchanted with life. There are a series of photographs of Henri coupled with his views of the world.
Says Henri, "When I watch you go about your activities, make no mistake about my intentions. I am not curious or coy. --- I am judging you."
I highly recommend the original Henri YouTube video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0M7ibP...
There's also a playlist of additional Henri videos.
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=...
Henri is bored, tired, and disenchanted with life. There are a series of photographs of Henri coupled with his views of the world.
Says Henri, "When I watch you go about your activities, make no mistake about my intentions. I am not curious or coy. --- I am judging you."
I highly recommend the original Henri YouTube video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0M7ibP...
There's also a playlist of additional Henri videos.
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=...
February 28, 2023
Henri, le Chat Noir, shares his philosophies of life, based on the random absurdities and trials a wise and beleaguered cat faces. More, please.
March 7, 2020
Cute, but not as good as the videos.
January 17, 2021
Cats and philosophy. What's not to love?
January 1, 2024
"Sartre wrote, 'All human actions are equivalent, and all are on principle doomed to failure.' - This is an eerily prescient commentary on the tardiness of my breakfast." - Henri, le chat noir, and also my own two cats
December 31, 2013
A gift from some friends of mine, this book captures the musings of the infamous internet celebrity cat Henri. It can be read in seven minutes, which includes photograph staring time, and is a rough equivalent of the average attention span of a feline (if prey is involved).
The book is wise.
My favorite
Every search for truth must begin somewhere.
—
If mine begins on the couch, who are you to judge?
The book is wise.
My favorite
Every search for truth must begin somewhere.
—
If mine begins on the couch, who are you to judge?
August 11, 2013
Words of wisdom from a cat, how can that be a bad thing.
November 8, 2020
Truly one of the greats in the canon of existential literature 🤩
February 19, 2026
I bought my copy of Henri soon after it was published in 2013 because I enjoyed the YouTube videos so much. I recently reread it before sending copies to two cat-owned nieces.
Braden's concept of "existential musings of an angst-filled cat" is so clever and delivers such pleasure. Of course he would be a French cat! -- in the company of Sartre, Camus, and the French existentialists. But one need not be a philosophy major to chuckle throughout the book! (It's in English; the videos are in French with English subtitles.)
The real Henry was owned by Braden’s mother, who assured all that Henry was “a good-natured and happy cat” who “never suffered a single existential crisis during his life.” (He passed away in 2020 at age 17.)
The YouTube videos__
Henri (2007)
Paw De Deux (2012)
Le Vet (2012)
Politique (2012)
L’Haunting (2012)
The Worst Noël (2012)
On Cat Food Boredom (2013)
Cat Littérature (2013)
The Cat is Sat (2013)
Artiste (2014)
Blight of Spring (2014)
Reigning Cat and Dog (2014)
Bacon (2015)
Oh, Revoir (2018): final short film announced Henri’s retirement from the film series.
Braden's concept of "existential musings of an angst-filled cat" is so clever and delivers such pleasure. Of course he would be a French cat! -- in the company of Sartre, Camus, and the French existentialists. But one need not be a philosophy major to chuckle throughout the book! (It's in English; the videos are in French with English subtitles.)
The real Henry was owned by Braden’s mother, who assured all that Henry was “a good-natured and happy cat” who “never suffered a single existential crisis during his life.” (He passed away in 2020 at age 17.)
The YouTube videos__
Henri (2007)
Paw De Deux (2012)
Le Vet (2012)
Politique (2012)
L’Haunting (2012)
The Worst Noël (2012)
On Cat Food Boredom (2013)
Cat Littérature (2013)
The Cat is Sat (2013)
Artiste (2014)
Blight of Spring (2014)
Reigning Cat and Dog (2014)
Bacon (2015)
Oh, Revoir (2018): final short film announced Henri’s retirement from the film series.
December 13, 2022
Read while waiting in the dentist office with a mask on --one other person in the room--kept looking at me strangely EVERY TIME I burst out laughing. Several times the page and accompanying picture of Henri were so funny, it was almost impossible to stop--and the more I looked at him, the more I laughed. Oh, and his distain for his white fellow feline is INTENSE. Not sure if anyone who hasn't lived with a cat can fully appreciate this guy! I'm going to read it to Shadow and Fern because THEY know!
I heard Shadow tell Fern she is nothing but a DOG when she, my sweet little kitten, played fetch with me. She happily ignored him as she trotted back with the catnip sock monkey toy and dropped it at my feet--tail up and all!
I heard Shadow tell Fern she is nothing but a DOG when she, my sweet little kitten, played fetch with me. She happily ignored him as she trotted back with the catnip sock monkey toy and dropped it at my feet--tail up and all!
August 5, 2018
I stumbled upon this little treasure at one of my favourite libraries in town and I just adored it! I am not a cat person- so to say- but I did found this short book interesting. It was rather funny and insightful when I think about it. Definitely, the photos of the cute creature that is Henri, the philosopher (HAHA) is well done, also let's not forget about the slothful white imbecile cat too, >o<
~*~
" Ultimately, our lives are spent diverting ourselves with one meaningless task after another. And yet, the great mysteries of the universe remain undiscovered."
"Looking into the garden today, I saw another version of myself meeting my gaze. A celestial counterpart, free in all the ways I am trapped, yet longing for the safety of my prison. - It turns out it was just a raccoon.
~*~
There are much more funny texts found on this book but just read it, you'll have a laugh whether you like cats or not.
~*~
" Ultimately, our lives are spent diverting ourselves with one meaningless task after another. And yet, the great mysteries of the universe remain undiscovered."
"Looking into the garden today, I saw another version of myself meeting my gaze. A celestial counterpart, free in all the ways I am trapped, yet longing for the safety of my prison. - It turns out it was just a raccoon.
~*~
There are much more funny texts found on this book but just read it, you'll have a laugh whether you like cats or not.
December 27, 2020
I re-read this little book in honor of the real Henri (actual name Henry) who died this year at age 17. The books and videos about him were a source of joy and amusement through the years. His ennui was expressed so well in pictures and text by Will Braden. And through them much money was raised for animal charities. We will miss you Henri! Rest in Peace.
October 11, 2018
“Looking into the garden today, I saw another version of myself meeting my gaze. A celestial counterpart, free in all the ways I am trapped, yet longing for the safety of my prison.
-
It turns out it was just a raccoon.”
-
It turns out it was just a raccoon.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2019
Oh, to be Henri and contemplate the world around us... to ponder our own existence... to question why sunbeams must move and disturb us as we prepare to slumber. So much angst... so much kitty cat ennui!
March 22, 2026
Henri is my favorite feline philosopher to date. Though that's not a hard feat as I've never met nor read the works of another feline philosopher.
Great book for lovers of cats and existential philosophy.
Great book for lovers of cats and existential philosophy.
August 14, 2017
A few pages made me literally laugh out loud. I wish some of the photos in the book were available for purchase!
March 30, 2018
Cute. I love cats and, since I am not allowed to have one in my building right now, I am enjoying seeing pictures and imagining I did own a cat.
November 2, 2018
It is difficult to be impressed with any species that submerges itself in water to get clean.
December 16, 2018
Grumpy Cat meets Philosophy 101 to hilarious effect.
July 10, 2019
This is an utterly delightful book. J'adore Henri!
April 6, 2020
Clever cat book. Interesting black and white photos plus funny text - making the cat seem quite philosophical.
March 20, 2023
A short humourous book, with black and white photos accompanied by quotes designed to make one think.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews