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A Cat's Little Instruction Book
Essential advice for every cat about town
• Remember – miaow and the world miaows with you; hiss and you his alone
• No matter how old you are, never be afraid to express the kitten within
• Stay out of the tumble dryer
• No matter what you've done wrong, always try to make it look like the dog did it
• When in doubt, chase something
• Remember – miaow and the world miaows with you; hiss and you his alone
• No matter how old you are, never be afraid to express the kitten within
• Stay out of the tumble dryer
• No matter what you've done wrong, always try to make it look like the dog did it
• When in doubt, chase something
128 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 1993
2 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 19, 2017
Although there seem to be half a million books on cat instructions and tips for living a good life they are almost never quite the same even though some parts would seem to be quite the common standard for any kitty whether well-bred, alley or even just the normal shelter rescue. And even though the information doesn't always seem to be shared between the books there are quite a few jewels that can be found in which the cat inside the pages reads out to the reader.
Unfortunately this one wasn't the best of the best but at the same time it did read Cat so you definitely know the author isn't one of those who go around without cat fur on their clothes. But at the same time there were a few pieces that I know are against veterinary recommendations or safety for your cat so that is what has made me leery about the whole book altogether.
Furthermore unless you have the cover of the book it just seems like a random book given to the cat instructions since there is nothing nowhere else that mentions a mother cat is teaching her wee little kittens about life. And so part of the story can seem to be missing for those who need a bit more background to their reads.
Otherwise I do love the facts that the reader is taken on a path of tracks by a mysterious kitten who tipped over the ink pot (how typical!) to other silhouette kitties showing up throughout the book as illustrations to the tips. Quite mysterious and yet at the same time common these cats will help the reader to see their own cat as they words play out.
All in all a decent and good book for cat lovers of all ages but also for those who like to find life gems even in the most unlikely of places.
Unfortunately this one wasn't the best of the best but at the same time it did read Cat so you definitely know the author isn't one of those who go around without cat fur on their clothes. But at the same time there were a few pieces that I know are against veterinary recommendations or safety for your cat so that is what has made me leery about the whole book altogether.
Furthermore unless you have the cover of the book it just seems like a random book given to the cat instructions since there is nothing nowhere else that mentions a mother cat is teaching her wee little kittens about life. And so part of the story can seem to be missing for those who need a bit more background to their reads.
Otherwise I do love the facts that the reader is taken on a path of tracks by a mysterious kitten who tipped over the ink pot (how typical!) to other silhouette kitties showing up throughout the book as illustrations to the tips. Quite mysterious and yet at the same time common these cats will help the reader to see their own cat as they words play out.
All in all a decent and good book for cat lovers of all ages but also for those who like to find life gems even in the most unlikely of places.
January 18, 2019
This was such a cute little read. I have such nostalgia for this book as I used to read it at my grandparents' house when I was little, and it just makes me smile.
July 2, 2025
Adorable and all too accurate! A must read for cat lovers and fun for anyone else!
March 26, 2008
Cute little book of advice from a cat's point of view. Everyone who owns a cat will recognize the "cattitude" apparent in these little hints that offer wisdom for humans as well.
October 22, 2015
3.5 Stars.
February 3, 2022
This is one of those books (and there will be many more) that I ran across during my shelving shift at the Hurst Public Library where I work as a part time aide.
It is a delightful little book, consisting of "advice" as though it were coming from a mother cat to her kittens. Some of the advice might be good for humans, as well. I will list some of my favorites, here.
4. Be adorable.
10. Surprise someone by hiding in the clothes hamper.
15. The three Great Lies of Life are: 1. "The check is in the mail." 2. "All I want is one kiss." 3. "It'll be alright, just get in the carrying case."
26. Be astonishingly mysterious.
28. Look in to people as well as at them.
29. When depressed or confused, try lying on your back with your legs in the air; sometimes the world just looks better upside down.
36. Cuddle with someone you love on snowy afternoons.
40. Learn the difference between idleness and repose - one wastes time, the other luxuriates in it.
44. When a friend wants to lick you, let them.
49. Be a friend to people who have suffered grief, rejection, abuse, financial loss, or recent illness. In moments of personal tragedy, human beings tend to run away from one another - learn from their bad example.
And so on. A total of 201 pieces of advice, in this little book. I highly recommend it for a quick, feel-good read. Unless you don't like cats. In which case I don't like you.
Just kidding.
Sort of.
It is a delightful little book, consisting of "advice" as though it were coming from a mother cat to her kittens. Some of the advice might be good for humans, as well. I will list some of my favorites, here.
4. Be adorable.
10. Surprise someone by hiding in the clothes hamper.
15. The three Great Lies of Life are: 1. "The check is in the mail." 2. "All I want is one kiss." 3. "It'll be alright, just get in the carrying case."
26. Be astonishingly mysterious.
28. Look in to people as well as at them.
29. When depressed or confused, try lying on your back with your legs in the air; sometimes the world just looks better upside down.
36. Cuddle with someone you love on snowy afternoons.
40. Learn the difference between idleness and repose - one wastes time, the other luxuriates in it.
44. When a friend wants to lick you, let them.
49. Be a friend to people who have suffered grief, rejection, abuse, financial loss, or recent illness. In moments of personal tragedy, human beings tend to run away from one another - learn from their bad example.
And so on. A total of 201 pieces of advice, in this little book. I highly recommend it for a quick, feel-good read. Unless you don't like cats. In which case I don't like you.
Just kidding.
Sort of.
October 31, 2024
A Cat's Little Instruction Book" is an adorable and funny read, filled with sarcastic humor that had me laughing out loud. This tiny book is perfect for a quick read; you can easily start and finish it in just 15-20 minutes. If you love cats or want to learn more about them, I recommend giving this charming book a chance—it's definitely a delightful experience!
October 19, 2017
I definitely enjoyed this "catread." The sayings are keen observations of cats and also metaphorically insightful for two-footers. Check out my review here: http://www.dorendamico.com/book-revie...
December 30, 2017
Humorous wee book that was a joy to read.
Every home should have one.
Every home should have one.
August 4, 2018
Illustrations look like they were created with rubber stamps.
July 6, 2020
This was a cute book.
November 13, 2021
Made me chuckle here and there! Cute little thing to own.
August 11, 2022
3.5, not much going on but it made me happy. The little drawings we're cute
January 1, 2025
I discovered this petite treasure in my library's bookstore. Even the volunteer clerk and her friend joked about slipping this into their pockets while I wasn't looking.
The story goes is that the author overheard a mother cat instructing her kittens about life, and this book is a collection of those instructions, plus sketches of a black cat (my own?) following them.
My personal favorite, which also applies to humans, is lesson 40: "Learn the difference between idleness and repose--one wastes time, the other luxuriates in it."
I learned that my mom and her cat are not unique and "chasing a pingpong ball around the tub" is in fact one of the "three best late-night activities."
Some advice most cats adhere to, others I wish mine would adhere to. Many us humans ought to follow. This is a book for everyone!
The story goes is that the author overheard a mother cat instructing her kittens about life, and this book is a collection of those instructions, plus sketches of a black cat (my own?) following them.
My personal favorite, which also applies to humans, is lesson 40: "Learn the difference between idleness and repose--one wastes time, the other luxuriates in it."
I learned that my mom and her cat are not unique and "chasing a pingpong ball around the tub" is in fact one of the "three best late-night activities."
Some advice most cats adhere to, others I wish mine would adhere to. Many us humans ought to follow. This is a book for everyone!
October 24, 2020
A Christmas gift from my aunt, I sadly lost this in a house move. I really want to get another copy because book is just so sweet! This is REALLY a short read. It has 201 pieces of "advice", and a different one is on each page, just a sentence or two; you could finish this book in 10 minutes. But it's not only cute to read, but to look at: The intro page shows a puddle of spilled ink with paw prints, pawprints track over the pages, and finally a cat trailing black prints behind it on the final page. A must for cat lovers.
April 25, 2009
cute nonsense book, about cats
reminds me of my cats; lok, cali, sam
or when pronounced very quickly...low calcium
reminds me of my cats; lok, cali, sam
or when pronounced very quickly...low calcium
July 21, 2011
So cute and uncannily spot on!
December 28, 2015
Получих я като коледен подарък. Удивително сладка.*
*За хора, които обичат котки.
*За хора, които обичат котки.
September 22, 2023
A fun little read any cat lover will appreciate.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews