Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

How to Teach Your Cat a Trick: in Five Easy Steps

Rate this book
In this hilarious and clever follow-up to How to Give Your Cat a Bath, a boy, a dog and a know-it-all narrator are thwarted by a cat who refuses to learn a trick. The perfect read-aloud for fans of Interrupting Chicken.

Step Decide on a trick
Step Get some treats ready
Step Hold the treat in your hand and ask your cat to do the trick
Step Watch your cat do exactly what you asked him to do
Step Reward your cat for doing the trick
 
Simple, right?
 
This spoof on an instruction manual features an increasingly bewildered human, a nonchalant cat, a very good dog and a know-it-all narrator . . . who really doesn't know it all. How DO you teach a cat a trick? Read on to find out!

Kindle Edition

Published September 27, 2022

29 people want to read

About the author

Nicola Winstanley

10 books14 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
40 (25%)
4 stars
65 (41%)
3 stars
50 (31%)
2 stars
3 (1%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Melany.
1,239 reviews154 followers
June 20, 2022
This was absolutely adorable. We have a 10 year old black lab but my son wanted a cat as well. We just got our kitten 2 weeks ago, so I thought this book would be a fun read for him to experience. My son laughed the entire time. The illustrations are also so funny yet true (if you're a cat parent, you'll agree!). Cute, quick read. My son absolutely loved this and had both of us giggling so I definitely give this 5 stars!

This children's book was given to me from NetGalley and the publishers to read and review. All statements above are my true opinion after fully reading this book with my son.
Profile Image for Kirstyn (readwithkirstyn).
858 reviews21 followers
September 16, 2022
How to Teach Your Cat a Trick is a cute picture book about pets and in general about how cats can't be bothered to listen to what we want them to do. The illustrations were cute and the story was a lot of fun!
Profile Image for Joan Somers.
171 reviews4 followers
June 9, 2022
It’s unlikely you can teach your cat tricks that dogs can learn. However, my cats come when I call them and one begs with her paw up when she’s hungry.

It’s a cute book showing how independent cats are, but instead of showing how helpful a dog can be (not), I would’ve added on more cute things cats do. I know it’s a spoof and would be good for someone to read to a 3-4 year old.

I received an advanced copy for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Jordyn Reddy.
40 reviews1 follower
February 22, 2023
How to Teach Your Cat a Trick In Five Easy Steps by Nicola Winstanley is a relatable and quick read. The main character has a cat and a dog. The dogs name is Noodles and the cats name is Einstein, but Einstein struggles to listen. While the main character attempts to teach his cat a trick with treats and yelling, he soon figures out these reinforcement skills are not working. In the end, the cat learns to lie down once his owner lies down to sleep.
Profile Image for Lindsay.
55 reviews1 follower
October 25, 2022
Thank you to Tundra Books for the opportunity to review this book!

In the classic DnD Alignment system... cats would be chaotic evil, hands down.

evil cat laugh

Tell me you don't have an experience with a cat that mirrors this. The other morning, I woke up to dewy kitty pawprints all over my car's windshield--and I don't even have a cat of my own, just a neighbor whose kitty's eyes I see awaiting my return to our street every night. Not so he can give me a playful nudge, or to lick my face, no... so he can jolt out in front of my car as a little 'boo--I hate you' to end my day right.

This book highlights that chaos by teaching us that cats can most definitely learn new tricks... just not the ones that we want them to learn. They are intelligent, and they use that intelligence to bully and tease us for the sheer thrill of it all.

In contrast, the loveable doggy in this book is seen cleaning up all of the cat's evil schemes. Dogs truly are too good for this world. Thing is--I think we humans tend to have a lot more in common with cats than their barking counterparts.

cat nail file

A nice book. Not a record-winner, but a cute read.
Profile Image for Becky.
609 reviews31 followers
December 5, 2022
PLEASE READ THIS REVIEW ON MY BLOG: http://bookreadingtic.com/2022/12/05/... THANK YOU!

Every Dog has His Day, and so do Cats!

Is this a children’s book that also appeals to adults?

Or, an adult book that children will like as well.

This tongue-in-cheek book tells the story of a little boy who is sure he can teach his cat, Einstein, to do tricks—in five easy steps no less! As the tale goes on, it is clear that Noodles, the dog, is very trainable. While Einstein ignores every direction, Noodles is somewhere in the background following instructions to the letter.

After lots of frustration, and many attacks to the sofa by Einstein, the little boy discovers there is one trick Einstein can do. My cat will also perform it!

Children will like this story of cat training gone wrong that is done in picture book format. Expect a lot of giggles when reading this with little ones through age seven. Smiles will abound when Einstein will do his one trick—especially if there is a cat in the family.

On the other hand, this book will be enjoyed by adults who appreciate humor, even in tales geared toward youngsters. I suggest this five-star book will be a hit for many ages, especially cat lovers of all sizes. If you are a cat owner, it is definitely a fall-out¬-of-your-chair laughing tale!

The Library Thing and Tundra Books has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, How to Teach Your Cat a Trick, for the purpose of review.
Profile Image for Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews.
5,460 reviews177 followers
February 24, 2023
Trying to teach a cat to do much of anything is well…like herding cats.

I picked up this book because it looked cute, and it was. The little boy is trying to teach his cat to do tricks. Anyone who has cats know they can’t be taught (not much). Cats will do what they will. Then again, children will do what they will and if they think they can train their cat, then this is a funny way to show that not everything will work out the way you want and you have to make the best of what does happen.

This book is written in a cute manner and the story moved right along. I do have to say that I felt sorry for the dog because Einstein (the cat) was being a cat–he caused trouble, chased birds and didn’t take to any of the training. But the dog did. Noodles (the dog) is in the background cleaning up after the mess and following the little boy’s directions. What stood out was that sometimes the one you want to teach isn’t listening, but there are those you can. Kids may not get that, and kids might not be offended by the dog doing the grunt work in the background while the cat did nothing.

Still, it’s a funny story with animals being what they are, and kids should enjoy it. I know I did.
Profile Image for OpenedBooks.
213 reviews9 followers
April 13, 2022
A classic retold: Cats are not followers: they are their own masters, and we love them for that.

Listen, cat lovers, here comes a book for your kids. Children will quickly realize that cats have their own minds, much like themselves. And even though we can’t teach them tricks as we do with dogs, we love them dearly. Because cats can be our best friends, too.

I grew up with my cat. I got her when I was 3 years old, and she stayed with me until I was 23. She was the best cat but also intimidating, sometimes, especially to my younger self. But I learned how to handle her and how to read her moods: we became best friends. So, it isn’t surprising that I love a good cat story. And this one was just for me. Funny, honest and relatable.

How to Teach Your Cat a Trick is a fun book to read with your child, and because you probably have more experience with cats than your kid, this book will make you smirk a little more.
Profile Image for Dotdala_reads (Sam R).
190 reviews3 followers
July 20, 2022
This is my first of Einstein, Noodles and their antics and I HOPE it's not my last!

Cats.....give them a lap, leg, back, stomach, anything- and they will come! Probably the only 'trick' they know, stubborn felines!

I thought this was a super short, sweet and charming children's book that brings the hilarious truth about the personality of cats. Poor Noodles!
The illustrations were beautiful and whimsical - and they helped to create the vibe of the story.

I would absolutely purchase this as a gift for friends and family and it would be a cute addition to a daycare/pre-school library. Very simple and easy to follow for young kiddos- lots of laughs to be had!
2,200 reviews28 followers
August 2, 2022
Princess Fuzzypants here: Lest there be any doubt, the only way to teach a cat a trick is if the cat wants to learn the trick. The little boy tries some very good techniques. That is if you are a dog. In fact, the adorable pictures show the family dog following the commands as the cat- as it should be- does whatever she wants. Any training that goes on between cat and human is driven by the cat. Everyone knows this!

It is a sweet book, designed for the early reader and highly charming and entertaining. And it ends exactly where the cat would want it: curled up on top of the favoured human. Purrrr. Five purrs and two paws up.
Profile Image for Paulina M..
575 reviews22 followers
July 14, 2022
Story: 8
Illustration: 8

Noodles is all of us! This is a fun book for children; I dare a child not to laugh at Einstein's antics. The illustration perfectly tells the story, inviting children to take pride in reading.

But, I won't lie – this is also an excellent book for adults! We can learn a thing or two about not ignoring children who do well and using up all of our energy on those who give us a hard time. Haha.

** Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review. **
774 reviews4 followers
September 26, 2022
Don't let the title fool you, this book is for cat lovers and dog lovers alike. Our young child wants to teach his cat how to do tricks but if you have ever had a cat, you know it's not that easy. This funny book has our poor protagonist desperately trying to teach their cat any trick while their dog does everything perfectly in the background. I also loved the narrator going off the rails just like the cat has trouble ensures. For all pet lovers looking for some great fun.
1,217 reviews12 followers
December 3, 2023
Me and my children enjoyed this story with all of the characters within. It's about a boy that want to teach his cat a trick or two. He tries and tries but with little luck. But every trick he does his dog does it instead.

This was a fun story to read. It had action throughout. There was quite a few giggles throughout. The illustrations want well with the story and were colorful.

I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley. This is my honest unbiased opinions.
Profile Image for anakdenesor.
212 reviews3 followers
April 6, 2022
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for such a funny book. For those that have a cat as their pet would totally can relate to the situation in the book "How to teach your cat a trick." Children will like this book because the character inside this book that stubborn yet funny. A leisure book to read. The length is just nice for early years kids and the words easy to understand.
Profile Image for Mary.
1,837 reviews15 followers
May 31, 2022
Cats are definitely trainable. Just read this book to see how it is done. Easy. Lol! If you’re looking for a good laugh with a dose of reality, you have got to read this story. It is the perfect way to enjoy a bit of fun with your kids.
I received a free copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
2,714 reviews8 followers
August 27, 2022
This picture book is for young children but any adult who has a pet may laugh as they share this title. Watch as a child tries to teach their cat, cleverly named Einstein, a trick…the dog participates but the cat not so much. This is a very cute book as a bit of mayhem ensues.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Tundra Books for this title. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for April Gray.
1,389 reviews9 followers
November 13, 2022
Very cute and relatable! Any cat parent will love this and will recognize themselves, as will the dog parents (shout out to Noodles, the story's very good boy!) and the pet parents who have both cats and dogs. I can't say I learned how to teach a cat a trick by reading this, but it was great fun trying!

#NetGalley
9 reviews
November 24, 2022
A silly book about a boy training his cat. My 10, 7, and 5 year old really enjoy this book. As owners of 2 dogs and a cat they can relate to the story! The illustrations are wonderful and halfway through the book we realized there was another story happening in the pictures. Great read for boys and girls. Second and fourth grade children feel confident and comfortable reading the book!
Profile Image for Molly Cluff (Library!).
2,487 reviews50 followers
January 4, 2023
A child is trying to coax his cat into doing a trick (something easy like "lie down) and not having any success--in fact his cat is just running all over the house instead. Lots of humor, though the final pages were the funniest to me (with the boy giving up and teaching the dog while the cat plays a piano concerto in the background!).
40 reviews
February 8, 2023
This book is a very entertaining book about how to teach your cat a trick. Kids will find it funny because the cat is terrible at learning tricks, but the dog is listening to every command, but the owner pays no attention to him. This book is comic style with minimal words so best for younger grades.
Profile Image for Melissa Borsey.
1,877 reviews37 followers
March 28, 2022
Love this humorous and entertaining story about a boy, a cat, and his dog. Can a cat be taught to do tricks?!? You must read to find out. I thank Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Profile Image for Ryan.
5,647 reviews33 followers
June 29, 2022
This book has all the steps necessary to train your cat. It’s not only true to life, it is extremely funny. And I really feel for noodles the dog. A picture book for all ages loved by adults and kids alike.
Profile Image for Carolyn Guy.
44 reviews5 followers
August 1, 2022
A cute picture book about cats, dogs and their human children demonstrating how cats just won't do what we want them to do when we want them to do it. The illustrations left me cold but I think many will enjoy them.
Profile Image for Justine.
2,127 reviews85 followers
April 26, 2024
This was just as cute as how to Give your Cat a Bath haha same concept of our main character changing up their rules as the story goes on to make it easier hahah. This series is just the cutest and has the cutest illustrations to go along with them.
We would recommend this books to everyone!
607 reviews25 followers
April 14, 2022
My kids loved this one! The pictures are cute and the story is fun. We have cats so they kept saying what our cats would do! Great choice for little ones!
Profile Image for Ushnav Shroff.
995 reviews10 followers
July 21, 2022
Absolutely adorable in both narration and visuals. What a treat!
469 reviews25 followers
July 31, 2022
Cute follow-up to How to Give a Cat a Bath. Cat lovers will identify and enjoy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.