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To Catch a Cat: How Three Stray Kittens Rescued Me
A heartfelt, funny memoir about how a kitten rescue project changed one cynic’s life…
Journalist Heather Green was finally putting down in shiny, buzzing Manhattan. She loved her work and threw herself into sixty-hour weeks—once walking into a subway pole, getting a concussion, and still going to the office. Her new boyfriend Matt lived across the river in a New Jersey town that had none of the glamour of New York. She liked Matt—a lot—yet she wasn’t sure what to make of weekends in gritty, dilapidated Union City.
But things changed the summer morning Heather discovered a beautiful stray cat and her three black-and-white kittens in Matt’s neighbor’s backyard. When she made eye contact with one of the kittens, she felt something she’d never felt before. She and Matt had to save the little animals. Because if they didn’t, who would?
The crazy world of cat rescue soon drew Heather in. As she and Matt worked together to figure out how to trap, tame, and find homes for their foundlings, she began to question the life she had back in Manhattan. This is the story of how three furry beings taught one woman about love, community, and what truly matters in life.
Journalist Heather Green was finally putting down in shiny, buzzing Manhattan. She loved her work and threw herself into sixty-hour weeks—once walking into a subway pole, getting a concussion, and still going to the office. Her new boyfriend Matt lived across the river in a New Jersey town that had none of the glamour of New York. She liked Matt—a lot—yet she wasn’t sure what to make of weekends in gritty, dilapidated Union City.
But things changed the summer morning Heather discovered a beautiful stray cat and her three black-and-white kittens in Matt’s neighbor’s backyard. When she made eye contact with one of the kittens, she felt something she’d never felt before. She and Matt had to save the little animals. Because if they didn’t, who would?
The crazy world of cat rescue soon drew Heather in. As she and Matt worked together to figure out how to trap, tame, and find homes for their foundlings, she began to question the life she had back in Manhattan. This is the story of how three furry beings taught one woman about love, community, and what truly matters in life.
273 pages, Paperback
First published July 5, 2016
7 people are currently reading
337 people want to read
About the author
Heather Green
1 book15 followersHeather Green is a freelance writer. An award-winning journalist, she wrote about technology for Businessweek. Her first book, To Catch a Cat, is a memoir published by Penguin (July 2016).
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
April 5, 2019
I found this book by accident at my library used book sale. What a lucky find. I just happen to be a feral cat rescuer. That also happened by accident. I started feeding three neighborhood feral cats and one of them had four kittens. I didn’t want these homeless cats to become a colony, so I took a TNR class. Long story short, I trapped and neutered 4 kittens, their mother and two adult males. I decided to keep the kittens inside for the winter because it was late October and getting cold. Michigan winters are harsh and I wanted them to be safe and comfortable. I intended to release them in the spring. That was 5 years ago and they are still inside my large sunroom, separated from my two domestic house cats. Since the kittens were already 5-6 months old when trapped and neutered, they were harder to socialize. It’s best to trap feral kittens by 8 weeks if possible. Mine have slowly bonded with me and are still inside. One is very tame. The other three don’t want to be touched but are always glad to see me. They enjoy TLC, good food, fresh water and a clean litter box. They allow me to take many photos of them cuddling with each other, which I post on Facebook. I also feed birds, squirrels and chipmunks outside their room. They enjoy fresh air on nice days and can watch the wildlife outside year round. I never thought I would become a “crazy cat lady” but here I am with six cats inside my house. It was not how I envisioned my retirement years, Thank you, Heather Green, for sharing your TNR journey. I also enjoyed hearing about the challenges you faced in your relationship and professional life. I was happy to learn you married Matt and now have a daughter. I have never been to Union City, NJ but it sounds like a lot of caring people live there. I enjoyed your memoir and recommend this book to cat lovers everywhere.
June 26, 2016
This is an amazing book about a couple that rescued 3 feral kittens and along the way they rescue the author. I was eager to read this book because I appreciate those that help ferals as it is so difficult.
The author lived in NYC , but was dating a man in New Jersey. She preferred the city, but when they discovered 3 feral kittens and a mama cat in the neighbor's yard, things changed. They did a lot of research and borrowed a trap. They were able to trap them and with much time and effort socialize them so they could be adopted. In doing this, the author ends up spending more time in NJ and likes it. She also discovers a lot about herself and finds more reasons daily to realize this boyfriend is "the one".
I always get nervous when I read books about cats because they make me cry. This book did not make me cry. I love a happy ending and this had one all around. I highly recommend this book to all cat lovers. It may even inspire you to want to help ferals.
The author lived in NYC , but was dating a man in New Jersey. She preferred the city, but when they discovered 3 feral kittens and a mama cat in the neighbor's yard, things changed. They did a lot of research and borrowed a trap. They were able to trap them and with much time and effort socialize them so they could be adopted. In doing this, the author ends up spending more time in NJ and likes it. She also discovers a lot about herself and finds more reasons daily to realize this boyfriend is "the one".
I always get nervous when I read books about cats because they make me cry. This book did not make me cry. I love a happy ending and this had one all around. I highly recommend this book to all cat lovers. It may even inspire you to want to help ferals.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2019
A nice little read about a fellow kitten rescuer, except along the way the kittens helped save her.
May 22, 2016
I was provided an advance review copy of To Catch a Cat by the author Heather Green, who was one of my coworkers at BusinessWeek from 2000-2010. While I primarily know Heather as a knowledgeable and thorough business reporter with an encyclopedic knowledge of everything related to technology, I have to say I was impressed with her ability to switch gears, open up and write what is ultimately a great, heartfelt book for animal lovers--and in particularly anyone who has ever fallen for a kitten.
To Catch a Cat is about Heather's venture into the world of cat rescue, which I learned is a place full of caring, careful people who are trying to make our neighborhoods safe for feral cats, while at the same time making it possible for them to transition from the wild into loving homes. While taming three feral kittens (and ultimately their mother), Heather learns the value of patience and of nurturing relationships.
I was particularly impressed with Heather's ability to bring the four cats at the center of her book to life. As the author of a book about animals (Heal: The Vital Role of Dogs in the Search for Cancer Cures), I know how challenging it is to do that, especially when you can't interview the animals about their thoughts and feelings. But I felt I knew these cats well by the end of the book. Another highlight for me was Heather's discovery of the neighborhood "feeder," a woman with a heartbreaking history who finds a daily dose of therapy in feeding the cats.
All in all an enjoyable read about the world of cat rescue!
To Catch a Cat is about Heather's venture into the world of cat rescue, which I learned is a place full of caring, careful people who are trying to make our neighborhoods safe for feral cats, while at the same time making it possible for them to transition from the wild into loving homes. While taming three feral kittens (and ultimately their mother), Heather learns the value of patience and of nurturing relationships.
I was particularly impressed with Heather's ability to bring the four cats at the center of her book to life. As the author of a book about animals (Heal: The Vital Role of Dogs in the Search for Cancer Cures), I know how challenging it is to do that, especially when you can't interview the animals about their thoughts and feelings. But I felt I knew these cats well by the end of the book. Another highlight for me was Heather's discovery of the neighborhood "feeder," a woman with a heartbreaking history who finds a daily dose of therapy in feeding the cats.
All in all an enjoyable read about the world of cat rescue!
July 21, 2016
Heather is a successful, driven, independent Manhattan based professional, whose architect boyfriend, Matt, bought a house and moved across the river to New Jersey. This made for a weekend commuter relationship, until, one day she looked into the eyes of a feral kitten in the overgrown, cluttered yard next door and it changed her world. As a former New Yorker, I could relate to the adjustments that people make in their lives to follow their dreams and how just one incident can change everything that you thought you wanted and planned. I plan to pass this book to my sister, who has been a 'feeder' for years.
September 7, 2016
I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.
This was a very light and enjoyable read. I loved the cover and it had my interest from the moment I won it.
I also had to go through a lot of cat trapping and it was nice to hear that someone else went through the same thing. You don't have to go through what she did to enjoy this memoir. I will definitely read this again and recommend it to all.
This was a very light and enjoyable read. I loved the cover and it had my interest from the moment I won it.
I also had to go through a lot of cat trapping and it was nice to hear that someone else went through the same thing. You don't have to go through what she did to enjoy this memoir. I will definitely read this again and recommend it to all.
November 25, 2017
This book was... pretty much what you’d expect. It’s about rescuing three kittens, and the trials, challenges, joy, and satisfaction that goes along with it. It was cute. A simple story, and a slow-moving one, it was a sweet read that kept me company on my Thanksgiving travels.
Heather Green and her boyfriend Matt found three kittens and a mama cat in their next door neighbor’s yard. They devised a plan to rescue the kittens and spay the mama cat, and dove into the world of cat rescue and TNR. Heather’s writing is witty and cute, but it was drawn out. It took four chapters for them to even catch the kittens, and she described everything (like the process of acquiring traps) in excruciatingly lengthy detail.
The kittens, of course, stole the show. I loved reading about mama cat, Oona, and her babies with their varying personalities - Zero, Two Spot, and Number Three. As a cat lover, I liked reading about their socialization, their slow progress towards affection with humans, and ultimate adoptions. Like I said, it was a cute story.
One thing that seemed odd was that Heather writes about her depression, which took away from the sweetness of the kittens. It seems she was actually depressed while caring for them - spiraling into an unhealthy lifestyle of fast food, too much alcohol, and loneliness. I would have much rather read more about funny stories involving the kittens (there are always funny stories with kittens). But this book took on more of a serious tone, and I’m not sure it worked that well. At its core, this was a simple rescue story. But Heather (or maybe her editor/publisher?) wanted it to be more about “defeating her demons and finding what truly matters in life”.
...I’m just not sure that really worked out. I liked reading about the cats, and the world of rescue. I liked learning about trapping and socializing, and everything that Heather and Matt learned throughout the process. And I loved the kitten personalities. But other elements of the book made it feel a bit more like a drag. Ultimately, though, a good book, and perfect for a long car ride or a lazy day.
Heather Green and her boyfriend Matt found three kittens and a mama cat in their next door neighbor’s yard. They devised a plan to rescue the kittens and spay the mama cat, and dove into the world of cat rescue and TNR. Heather’s writing is witty and cute, but it was drawn out. It took four chapters for them to even catch the kittens, and she described everything (like the process of acquiring traps) in excruciatingly lengthy detail.
The kittens, of course, stole the show. I loved reading about mama cat, Oona, and her babies with their varying personalities - Zero, Two Spot, and Number Three. As a cat lover, I liked reading about their socialization, their slow progress towards affection with humans, and ultimate adoptions. Like I said, it was a cute story.
One thing that seemed odd was that Heather writes about her depression, which took away from the sweetness of the kittens. It seems she was actually depressed while caring for them - spiraling into an unhealthy lifestyle of fast food, too much alcohol, and loneliness. I would have much rather read more about funny stories involving the kittens (there are always funny stories with kittens). But this book took on more of a serious tone, and I’m not sure it worked that well. At its core, this was a simple rescue story. But Heather (or maybe her editor/publisher?) wanted it to be more about “defeating her demons and finding what truly matters in life”.
...I’m just not sure that really worked out. I liked reading about the cats, and the world of rescue. I liked learning about trapping and socializing, and everything that Heather and Matt learned throughout the process. And I loved the kitten personalities. But other elements of the book made it feel a bit more like a drag. Ultimately, though, a good book, and perfect for a long car ride or a lazy day.
March 7, 2020
I won this book through GoodReads First Read program.
Thank you Heather for sharing a glimpse of your life working in New York and living in New Jersey with your boyfriend Matt. Sharing the story about how you saved three feral kittens, your adventures in raising them and putting them up for adoption was heartwarming. What Matt and you have done fixing and saving feral cats is inspiring.
I know a little of what capturing and taking in feral cats. Our adventure started out with noticing to nearly identical kittens who would come to our townhouse porch to be fed. One was very adventurous and wasn't quick to run away when he saw us. The other was always about 10-15 feet behind her brother. She would run when we opened the door. The bold adventurous sibling was eventually lured into our home and became Arri, our cat. His sister was observable now and then on our porch. Arri would look out the window at her.
One day we noticed the sister looked pregnant. We had set up a "cat condo" on our porch with blankets inside because in January in Iowa it gets very cold. We then noticed that she was in the condo and we saw newborns in the condo with her. We threw a blanket over the condo and brought it inside.
Turns out Eva (which we named the new mom) had 4 kittens. We then began to raise the kittens and try to get Eva use to being around humans. Years later Eva is still scared and cautious but she has really come a long way. We had one of the kittens adopted but have ended up keeping the other three bringing our total of cats to five. They get along great with out 17 year old black lab.
Rescuing and raising the five cats has been a great experience that I would recommend to anyone who is considering doing it. Read Heather's book too. It gives you a glimpse of the good and bad of what you will face with feral cats.
Thank you Heather for sharing a glimpse of your life working in New York and living in New Jersey with your boyfriend Matt. Sharing the story about how you saved three feral kittens, your adventures in raising them and putting them up for adoption was heartwarming. What Matt and you have done fixing and saving feral cats is inspiring.
I know a little of what capturing and taking in feral cats. Our adventure started out with noticing to nearly identical kittens who would come to our townhouse porch to be fed. One was very adventurous and wasn't quick to run away when he saw us. The other was always about 10-15 feet behind her brother. She would run when we opened the door. The bold adventurous sibling was eventually lured into our home and became Arri, our cat. His sister was observable now and then on our porch. Arri would look out the window at her.
One day we noticed the sister looked pregnant. We had set up a "cat condo" on our porch with blankets inside because in January in Iowa it gets very cold. We then noticed that she was in the condo and we saw newborns in the condo with her. We threw a blanket over the condo and brought it inside.
Turns out Eva (which we named the new mom) had 4 kittens. We then began to raise the kittens and try to get Eva use to being around humans. Years later Eva is still scared and cautious but she has really come a long way. We had one of the kittens adopted but have ended up keeping the other three bringing our total of cats to five. They get along great with out 17 year old black lab.
Rescuing and raising the five cats has been a great experience that I would recommend to anyone who is considering doing it. Read Heather's book too. It gives you a glimpse of the good and bad of what you will face with feral cats.
July 22, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. I want to do more for the stray cats in my area.
September 30, 2017
An insightful book by the author of sharing her experience or how rescuing cats, altered her life and her experience with commitment.
March 14, 2018
A wonderful intro into the world rescuing cats and Trap and Neuter Programs.
December 30, 2019
awesome book read in a day
January 6, 2021
Starts out a bit slow but you grow attach to the characters (the author, her boy friend and the CATS). Who doesn't love cats!?!
July 12, 2024
I couldn't finish the book. Just never grabbed me.
August 27, 2024
An educational heartfelt read.
September 13, 2016
Heather is a journalist for a business magazine in Manhattan when she meets Matt. She isn't sure she can commit to a relationship; after all she works very long hours and just hasn't been able to settle down with anyone. But she starts spending the weekends at his house in New Jersey, and one day they see a feral cat and her three tiny kittens. Something is awakened in Heather and she feels she must rescue these cats from a hard life on the streets . And so the journey begins. In the end, it is not only the cats who were rescued!
September 21, 2016
When Heather Green and her boyfriend, Matt, decide to rescue three feral cats, she thought it would be a fun diversion. Instead, the cats were tougher to tame than she expected. Heather is a city girl from Manhattan. Matt lives in the New Jersey suburbs. The New Jersey community reaction was more than she expected, as well. Neighbors started to accept them as part of the community. The kittens made conversation easier and the sens of belonging pulled Heather away from the too busy to talk New York City.
January 6, 2017
Journalist Heather Green was not prepared to have her life change the evening she and her boyfriend Matt stumbled across a feral mother cat and three small kittens in his neighbour's yard in suburban New Jersey. This gentle, humourous book looks at how Heather went from being a workaholic, loner writer for "Business Week" to becoming a member of the brigade of cat lovers focused on rescuing feral cats.
September 3, 2016
I loved this book! My mom is currently in a "relationship" with a kitty that she is trying to rescue and this book really struck a chord with me. I would recommend it to everyone, especially animal lovers.
August 8, 2016
Self discovery leads to fulfillment
Refreshingly honest, interesting and entertaining! A goodread!
Refreshingly honest, interesting and entertaining! A goodread!
August 9, 2016
Such a wonderful book, and full of surprises. Growth, redemption and love. A beautiful story by Heather Green.
August 31, 2016
Great book
November 29, 2016
I think this was more the journey of Heather, using cat rescue as the tool for learning about herself. It was interesting, but not enough for a sit down and read straight through.
April 30, 2020
Very inspiring.
January 3, 2018
I thought this would be an adorable book about taking in adorable feral kittens and taming them. Whilst it is that, it is also so much more. The hard work, dedication and determination that goes in to catch-and-release schemes that allow cats top remain cats, whilst giving them a fair chance in life. Sometimes heartbreaking. Utter addictive.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews