Cat's First Baby

by Natalie Nelson

I am a cat.
Are you a cat?

Cat is curious. There’s a new addition to the family, but who exactly is this small being? This new arrival doesn’t meow like a cat, or smell like a cat, or even have a tail like a cat. As Cat investigates, he might just come to appreciate this loud, silly family member. After all, they both enjoy a good catnap.

In Cat’s First Baby, the feline companion to Dog’s First Baby, Natalie Nelson captures the wonder and humor of a new family member through a cat’s eyes. Sure to delight kids and cat parents alike, this board book promises to be a repeat read-aloud.

Genres: Picture Books, Cats, Childrens, Animals, Storytime, Family, Pets

28 pages, Board book

Published March 1, 2022

Reviews

[Nursebookie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the best for growing families incorporating our beloved pets to the addition of the new baby. The book and illustrations are simply the best! Such a fun addition to the family library.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very sweet story as the cat tries to figure out this new creature.

[Mehsi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.


I read the Dog’s First Baby book in 2021 and thought it was high time to also read Cat’s First Baby since I so enjoyed the Dog’s book! I just had to know what was happening in the cat one!

In this book a cute cat meets the newest addition to the family, the baby! We see the cat make sense of what this new addition is, see it asking if the baby is potentially a cat? But then again, it doesn’t look like it! It doesn’t smell or sound like it (which I found hilarious). I loved that the cat found out some things that were the same. Like cruising in a box, or nap time, and, just like any book about babies and cats (and also dogs), tails are very fascinating. I had such a laugh when they both plotted a trick. And then the ending came, with the cats conclusion and something very adorable that made me say aww!

I love that this book is a lot the same like the dog book but also so vastly different. The author really manages to capture both the animals in their way. The dog a bit more affectionate and enthusiastic, the cat a bit more standoffish but loving in his own way. It was great fun! And I just adored seeing the babies together with their pets. See them bond. Learn how to be together.

The art was once again very cute and I love the style.

All in all, this book was just as cute as the dog one and I think these two books will be very loved! I would recommend both of them~

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/

[Lorellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tot is expecting a sibling, so books about babies are all the rage right now. Books about cats have always been a hit. These illustrations are cute.

[Hayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg! SO cute! Definitely one of my go-to baby gifts going forward.

[MookNana · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's a new member of Cat's family. It's small, but it doesn't look like a cat. It doesn't smell like a cat. It doesn't sound like a cat. But, as they get to know each other, they find they have a lot in common and a lot to appreciate in each other.

This is such a sweet, fun book that will definitely be a hit with toddlers and pre-schoolers! The language is simple but expressive and the pictures are bold and eye-catching. This could definitely become an oft-repeated favorite and would be a great purchase for pre-K classroom libraries.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!

[michelle (travelingbooknerds) · Rating 5 out of 5]

when a baby board book can make a 35 year old cry, you know it’s a slam dunk book.

if you have a baby or are currently expecting, and you are a cat family, you MUST add this adorable book to your collection. you will not regret it.

now excuse me as i go buy a copy for all my friends with newborns and kitties.

tysm to the publisher, quirk books, for sending me a beautiful finished copy of Cat’s First Baby in exchange for my honest review. really didn’t expect to be crying today but here we are. you get me, quirk books. and i love you for it.

☞︎ read my review for the first book in this series, Dog’s First Baby here: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received this finished copy from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.

Book: Cat’s First Baby

Author: Natalie Nelson

Book Series: Standalone

Rating: 5/5

Diversity: Black family and baby shown and central to the story.

Recommended For...: children, picture book lovers, babies, cats, parents

Publication Date: March 1, 2022

Genre: Children’s Picture Book

Recommended Age: 0+ (smug cat thoughts)

Explanation of CWs: There is a cat. He is smug. He is confused by baby and is wondering why if cat size why not cat then?

Publisher: Quirk Books

Pages: 28

Synopsis: I am a cat.
Are you a cat?

Cat is curious. There’s a new addition to the family, but who exactly is this small being? This new arrival doesn’t meow like a cat, or smell like a cat, or even have a tail like a cat. As Cat investigates, he might just come to appreciate this loud, silly family member. After all, they both enjoy a good catnap.

In Cat’s First Baby, the feline companion to Dog’s First Baby, Natalie Nelson captures the wonder and humor of a new family member through a cat’s eyes. Sure to delight kids and cat parents alike, this board book promises to be a repeat read-aloud.

Review: I absolutely loved this little book. I thought the book perfectly encompassed the thoughts of a cat when a new addition in the family appears and I can only hope that every cat comes to love their first baby when/if the time comes.

Verdict: It’s so adorable. Highly recommend.

[Angel (Bookn.All.Night) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn't just for cat lovers, although that's the focus. A lot of families have pets and lets face it when littles ones are brought into the picture, it definitely changes the home dynamic 😂

I LOVE how the cat follows around the "not cat" and learns what it can. By observing and learning the "not cat's" habits it comes to realize it likes it.

I absolutely adore this one. The illustrations are great and, as a cat lover and owner, I love the cat's thought process in this one.

I have a granddaughter soon to be born this coming May and this will become her first board book from Nana. ❤️

I sincerely appreciate Quirk Books for providing me with a review copy. All opinions expressed herein are mine and mine alone.

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprise! Cat's family suddenly has a new addition, and Cat is getting to know this new person as the new person is getting know Cat.

A little board book that's just right for a baby or young child. Light and fun.

[MP | young adult library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute book for any parent whose first child was their cat. ♥️

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect representation of a cat's curiosity and mindset, especially when meeting the newest family member! Cats and babies have a lot more in common than we might expect, and the author's writing style is fantastic in showing how a cat might react to a new baby.

[Darbin O’Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorites to read to encourage my child to read along.

I recommend for anyone with a young child and a fur baby.

[Mariel · Rating 4 out of 5]

My baby wasn’t crying or fussing while reading this book, so I’m assuming he liked it!

[Piper Anhalt]

Listen, I have no problem with the cat; she has a problem with ME! I feel like Dad should have read this to Mia, not me.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

We got this book as a gift and love it! One of our cats loves our baby and the other is jealous. I’ll take it 🤣

[Brandie Bridges-Sells · Rating 5 out of 5]

My kids loved this book. They have read it to me multiple times. We read dogs first baby and now this one. I loved the story and it was so cute.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Original review: Mar 2023- Cute, simple. NOT A PREGNANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
Updated review: June 2025- this is perfect to read to my skin baby, thinking of my fur babies lol.

[Storywraps · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new addition to the family has arrived home and right away cat's curiosity peaks and he says,

"Hello!
I am a cat.
Are you a cat?"

Cat checks the new baby out very carefully trying to distinguish if they both may share the same species. He discovers the newcomer doesn't look like a cat, doesn't meow, doesn't smell like a feline, or even have a tail. Oh my, what can this alien creature be?

Undaunted Cat continues his investigation and observes that both of them enjoy a good nap, have snack time together, and take luxurious baths, just to name a few similarities. Ultimately Cat deduces that although the new member of the family definitely isn't a cat, the newborn baby is very likeable gets his approval to stay... paws down!

The illustrations are bold, colourful and eye-catching and the language is simple and expressive. This board book is sure to be read again and again and I highly recommend it for parents of young children as well as placing it in a classroom situation, a daycare or library. There is a companion book available titled, "Dog's First Baby." I highly recommend BOTH books for your little ones.

[mikayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are plenty of books out there about introducing a child to a new pet, but what about the adjustment that happens when a pet was there first? CAT'S FIRST BABY is a sweet little board book for situations just like that. Cat isn't sure what kind of creature mom and dad just brought into her home, but she knows that it isn't a cat! She's curious about this wiggly new being, and after awhile, she sees that they actually have quite a bit in common — both of them like to play, enjoy naps, and even take baths. The illustrations in the book are just beautiful, and the layout is simple, colorful, and easy to read. This book includes some slightly elevated language like "spectacular" and "apologize" which is good to help build up a child's vocabulary with words they might not hear otherwise. I would certainly purchase a copy of this book for my library's collection and would encourage other librarians to do the same. Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced reader's copy of CAT'S FIRST BABY!

[Stephanie Tournas · Rating 5 out of 5]

In these hilarious board books, the family pet gets to know the new baby in the house by observing behavior and asking questions: “Are you a cat?” and “Are you a dog?” to begin with. Kids will love answering the question for the pet. The pet then goes on to look and smell and notice similarities and differences. In Cat’s First Baby, the bemused cat says, “You don’t sound like a cat.” when the baby is wailing. In Dog’s First Baby, the dog is happily lapping up baby’s fallen food, and comments, “You eat lots of meals all day long. I admire this.” This subtle humor will appeal to parents, and little ones will giggle at the images.


The mixed media art plays with shapes and textures, and uses visually arresting color contrasts. In both books, baby has brown skin. I love the endings. In Cat’s First Baby, the cat summarizes, “I am a cat. You are not. But here’s a secret: I like you.” In Dog’s First Baby, the dog concludes, “I am a dog. You are not. But we are friends.” These are the perfect books for families with pets and a new baby.

[Jennifer Fischer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the opportunity to read and review an Advanced Reader Copy of this title.

Cat's First Baby by Natalie Nelson is written from the cat's perspective when a new baby arrives. Cat doesn't have experience with babies, so it takes a little time to figure out what the baby is. Although the cat and the baby are different in many ways and have conflicts at times, they also have a lot in common and learn how to live with each other.

The simple text and illustrations in this book are perfect for parents to share with babies and toddlers. The colors are bright and bold without being overwhelming or overstimulating. The illustrations are simple, but also interesting and engaging. The book is a good length as to keep the attention of very young readers. I would recommend this book for parents of very young children, especially those that have a pet, as well as public libraries and daycares.

#CatsFirstBaby #NetGalley

[Megz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following my disappointing experience with Collecting Cats (my review), I needed a picture book about cats that made me happy. Given my broody-for-human-kids state, this book was perfect, and I'll be buying the physical copy asap! I love that the human characters are POC - because representation matters - and that the cat in the book is BLUE! I also love the quintessential cat facial expressions - they are delightful and relatable to any cat-lover.

I received an eARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well isn't this little book rather special. The first thing that strikes you are the incredible images. I love that they are a mixed media composition using a range of traditional and digital techniques. The images are bold and vivid yet with a warm, tender and familiar feel. There's real depth to Natalie's work and her images draw you in as a reader.

The text font and sentences are perfectly simple. The book is written from the perspective of the cat. It's direct yet humorous. However, you get a joyous feeling of 'to and fro' in the dialogue as the cat sizes up the new baby that has arrived in their home.

It's a highly recommend from me. The publishers, Quirk Books, give the reading age guide as 2-5 but I'd be happy to share this book from birth. My daughter who's 5 thoroughly enjoyed it and liked that she was able to read the sentences herself.

[Elles_shelves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cat’s First Kitten by Natalie Nelson is an adorable board book about a cat who meets his owner’s new baby for the first time. The cat is of course curious and it’s first inquiry is “Are you ca cat?” The cat determines that the baby doesn’t look, smell, or sound like a cat; however, they both enjoy naps, staying up all night, snacks, baths, climbing, and playing. Therefore, the cat decides that it does like the baby, even if the baby hugs a little too tight.
These illustrations are absolutely precious. Little ones are sure to enjoy looking at the pictures while being read to and the reader will enjoy the subtle humor. There is also a companion book available titled Dog’s First Baby.

[benita · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a cute book about a cat that learns that there’s a baby in the house, and even though they look nothing alike they do stuff the same: eat, sleep, take a bath, etc. I really enjoyed this book—it was simple and easy to read, and the illustrations were beautiful and adorable. It reminded me of when my little brother and our cats, even though they grew up together (both my little brother and cats are 6-year-olds now) it felt similar to reading this: both curious about each other!

5/5

I got this book for free from netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.

[Susan Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Princess Fuzzypants here: This is an adorable book for young readers. It is told from the cat’s perspective when a new and unusual creature invades his domain. While he is suspect at first because this baby is like nothing he has encountered before, the two form a bond and become fast friends. And you know this is going to be a friendship that will last a lifetime.

Filled with cute pictures and easy text, it could be a picture book read to the young children or as an early reader once the child has mastered the skills. Four purrs and two paws up.

[Emily Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

The illustrations are unique and it’s an interesting concept for a book. Almost reminiscent of the books a parent might read to a child to prepare for a new baby joining the family. However, cats won’t understand this book, so it’s not meant to help cats adjust to new babies and I’m just not sure children would find it engaging. I think this would be more of a book for cat-loving parents rather than children.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Board Book
I received an electronic ARC from Quirk Books through NetGalley.
Delightful book told from the cat's perspective. A new baby comes home and cat tries to make sense of this new being. In some ways, they are the same but this new person is definitely not a cat. Simple and humorous text along with brightly colored illustrations will delight babies and toddlers.

[joyce w. laudon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this sweet board book about a cat who is getting to know his first baby. The illustrations and text work together perfectly. Baby and cat are both the same…and different. Will cat come to like baby? Take a look to find out.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.