Two Cats and the Woman They Own: or Lessons I Learned from My Cats

by Patti Davis, Ward Schumaker (Illustrations)

Patti Davis didn't really adopt Aretha, her first cat. Aretha adopted Patti. When her second cat, Skeeter, moved in, Patti came to realize that shea self-avowed dog personwas now officially in thrall to two very demanding little felines. In 12 short chapters, each delightfully illustrated by Ward Schumaker, the author recounts how her life was changed for the better by living with and learning from her cat companions. In "The Mouse That Got Away" Patti learns a valuable lesson about hope, and in "The Little Scoundrel" she realizes just how wrong a first impression can be. Davis closes each charming vignette with a "Life Lesson." The lessons, like the stories they illuminate, are thoughtful and perceptive. Davis has produced a small treasure of a book; it's sometimes wry, sometimes moving, always universal, and, most importantly, wise.

Genres: Cats, Nonfiction, Humor, Animals

96 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

My new book, Dear Mom and Dad, is the end of a long journey toward understanding my family. My hope is that readers will be inspired to take a step back and look at their own families through a wider lens. Families are all complicated to some degree, certainly mine was, but in this book I also explore the times when there was just love there. That's part of our story too.

Reviews

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Patti Davis was a dog person. Aretha, a small black and white tuxedo cat, moved in after a neighbor’s breakup. Then she adopted a second small gray cat, Skeeter. A charming short book with illustrations and each chapter culminating in a life lesson that her demanding cats taught her from opening your heart to appreciating the gift giver if not the gift.

[Lyndsie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really beautiful illustrations.

[Mayda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The things we humans can learn from observing animals can be amazing. Patti Davis, a previously non-cat person, found herself living with not one but two cats. And taking care of some other strays. How this all came about, and the interesting things she learned from them, are contained in this short volume. Twelve little stories and the life lessons she derived from them are liberally illustrated with charming pictures. This little book packs a lot of wisdom.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up this book from a book sale because I thought the cover was cute and honestly the book itself was really cute and like a super quick easy read. Love anything to do with cats but it wasn’t anything groundbreaking just a fun easy read about cats with cute little life lessons throughout.

[Beth McMahon · Rating 5 out of 5]

delightful!

[Lara Calleja · Rating 5 out of 5]

An adults' book with a strong tinge of back to basics - the book is filled with pictures, accompanied by short chapters. All the while making me happily think I am reading a children's' book.

the book is a simple manuscript of life's most basic lessons of kindness, loss, hurt and acceptance, learnt through the two furry chaps who have stumbled into Patti's life

It's a light, heartfelt read, which is worth your while. It gave me personally, moments of peaceful quiet.

[Valeria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect palette cleanser after re reading a l*ttle l*fe. But after two cats I do recognize they own me. They didn’t me I needed them and now I happily will be what they need. Buy them all the toys, the best (and most expensive litter box), silly outfits. Perfectly describes owning cats and how amazing the cat distribution system is. I love cats!

[Theresa F. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was short enough to finish in one sitting, with a sweet, charming storyline that made me want to finish it in one sitting.
Did I like it? Yes.
Would I reread it? Possibly.
Would I recommend it? Yes. Those who have ever housed or known a cat in their lives will find it especially relatable, in my opinion.

[Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was SUCH a sweet book, really charming. Told in chapters, each ending with a little "life lesson" that being owned by cats has taught her, it's a great book that I think any cat owner would love. It's also a very quick read, and I really enjoyed this book!

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Illustrations are delightful as well as the stories they accompanying. Animals teach us all sorts of interesting things if we only pay attention. So many times they come into our lives for a reason we don’t know about at the time. They choose us.

[Annburnett · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute little book appealing to anyone who loves cats. They come into your life, sometimes staying a long while and sometimes only a short while, but always leaving an impression.

[Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such wisdom Ms Davis brings to the lessons from her cat interactions. Loved the illustrations as well.

[Paula Finley]

I enjoyed this book. Written by a true cat lover.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

The other day I visited the house I lived in from age seven to eighteen (and occasionally beyond, while attending UCLA for BA and PhD), for the first time since my mother died eight years ago. Living there now is Patti Davis, and she gave me three of her books. Including this one, which I polished off in a delicious half-hour. It features her two cats, Skeeter (now gone) and Aretha (whom I met: she's nineteen), and is delightfully illustrated by Ward Schumaker.

Skeeter and Aretha teach Patti several important lessons, including:

"It's true that love can lead to sorrow and hurt, but avoiding love is never a good solution. Hearts are meant to be open and full, not kept safe behind walls. Pascal said, 'When one does not love too much, one does not love enough.' "

"Change is always hard, but time softens the rough edges and eases the pull of the past. Eventually, we all climb out from under the bed, and even the most unfamiliar places begin to feel like home."

"Be understanding of what others have gone through in their lives, even if it has left them with some odd habits. There is no such thing as normal—we're all a little quirky."

"Not everyone who comes into your life is supposed to stay there. Sometimes you're just a way station. Love them while they are there, love them when they move on, and trust that we all find our true home eventually."

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice little confection of a book. I was lucky to find this remaindered, so it seemed perfect at the $4.95 price. It really is a tiny morsel, so easily digested. 12 little chapters (some one page, mostly two pages, one 3 pages) of tales that most cat owners could regale us with. Between the chapters are some nicely done drawings, a two page title for each chapter, and another two page for a Life Lesson to be drawn from each anecdote. Cute? Yes. Life changing? No

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Patti Davis shares how she became the owner of a cat and found out how fulfilling having cats as pets can be. Though she formerly considered herself a dog person and was unprepared for the differences between cats and dogs. Soon she discovers how cats are actually in charge and the life lessons they can teach humans if only we listen.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a great little book for anyone who loves cats or has friends with cats. You'll find some similiarities with any cat you've ever meet.

[Vanessa · Rating 2 out of 5]

cute. happy that Scoundrel found a forever home.

[Cassandra Javier · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy, cutesy read that'll cheer you up and warm your heart. I love cats, I love the illustrations and the inspirational quotes really made this worthwhile <3