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The Cats of Roxville Station
Rachet was thrown into a river to drown. But she claws up the riverbank and finds a home with the feral cats living by the Roxville train station. Amid foxes, raccoons, owls, and hostile humans, the cats fight for territory, hunt, and are hunted. Mike, a foster child, lives near the station. He spots Rachet and sets his heart on befriending her. But Mike must learn to ?speak? the language of cats to gain wily Rachet's trust. This gorgeous novel from two-time Newbery medalist Jean Craighead George offers insight into feline behavior as it explores the wonder of friendship and the natural world hiding among us.
192 pages, Hardcover
First published May 14, 2009
About the author
Jean Craighead George
200 books1,579 followersJean Craighead George wrote over eighty popular books for young adults, including the Newbery Medal-winning Julie of the Wolves and the Newbery Honor book My Side of the Mountain. Most of her books deal with topics related to the environment and the natural world. While she mostly wrote children's fiction, she also wrote at least two guides to cooking with wild foods, and an autobiography, Journey Inward.
The mother of three children, (Twig C. George, Craig, and T. Luke George) Jean George was a grandmother who joyfully read to her grandchildren since the time they were born. Over the years Jean George kept one hundred and seventy-three pets, not including dogs and cats, in her home in Chappaqua, New York. "Most of these wild animals depart in autumn when the sun changes their behaviour and they feel the urge to migrate or go off alone. While they are with us, however, they become characters in my books, articles, and stories."
The mother of three children, (Twig C. George, Craig, and T. Luke George) Jean George was a grandmother who joyfully read to her grandchildren since the time they were born. Over the years Jean George kept one hundred and seventy-three pets, not including dogs and cats, in her home in Chappaqua, New York. "Most of these wild animals depart in autumn when the sun changes their behaviour and they feel the urge to migrate or go off alone. While they are with us, however, they become characters in my books, articles, and stories."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
July 17, 2009
this book is the anomaly for my class in that it is going to be far easier to write about academically than here, where i can be (i hope) more entertaining. its an odd little book. on the surface, its just a story about cats. and then when you start reading it, you learn pretty quickly that its not a story at all. its more like a cat behavior book cloaked in something that passes for fiction. almost. i dont know to whom this is targeted. kids dont really want to read about what the position a cats ears are in means... do they? (i know very little about what kids like)they want a story, right? with adventures and cat interior monologues and maybe a cat-language or something. thats what i thought i was getting. anthropomorphize, please.
August 11, 2021
True, the story is fiction, but it's packed full of info about cats, and the facts are woven through an engaging storyline. This could be a turn-off if someone is expecting a typical, young-reader, plot-driven story, but it will appeal to kids of all ages who love nature, even if they aren't wild about cats.
I am not a cat person, but I picked this up because I admire the author. References to plants, birds, mammals, and the workings of an ecosystem are woven neatly into the story.
The 'weightiest' science fact is on page 4:
Rachet, like all cats, found her way in the dark with the rods in her eyes, which could take in the faintest of light, even starlight, and make the night into day.
At this point, I paused, wondering what mental image kids would use to make sense of 'rods in the eyes.'
Here's a more typical statement that also addresses cats' vision:
Cats see no color, just shades of gray, but the grays are colorful to them.
The illustrations add to the story, partly because they never cross from realism to cutesy.
There's a lot to like in this story. I believe it is one of JCG's last books -- she died in 2012.
I changed my rating from 4 to 5 stars. The more I thought about the skill it takes to write text that is engaging yet is not a thriller and educates while it entertains, the more I appreciated the story.
I am not a cat person, but I picked this up because I admire the author. References to plants, birds, mammals, and the workings of an ecosystem are woven neatly into the story.
The 'weightiest' science fact is on page 4:
Rachet, like all cats, found her way in the dark with the rods in her eyes, which could take in the faintest of light, even starlight, and make the night into day.
At this point, I paused, wondering what mental image kids would use to make sense of 'rods in the eyes.'
Here's a more typical statement that also addresses cats' vision:
Cats see no color, just shades of gray, but the grays are colorful to them.
The illustrations add to the story, partly because they never cross from realism to cutesy.
There's a lot to like in this story. I believe it is one of JCG's last books -- she died in 2012.
I changed my rating from 4 to 5 stars. The more I thought about the skill it takes to write text that is engaging yet is not a thriller and educates while it entertains, the more I appreciated the story.
July 23, 2020
It was unusual, I guess you could say. The ending was quick and abrupt.
June 1, 2014
This is an interesting little book for anyone interested in the behavior of cats. Ratchet is a ferrel cat with a bad experience of humans. Ratchet must find her place in the hierarchy of cats living around the Roxville train station. Mike dearly loves animals and wants a pet of his own, but his foster mother hates animals and the answer to his question is always "no." Slowly, Mike is able to make friends with Ratchet as she slowly comes to trust her human.
Actually, I think ferrel cats are much more civilized than some supposedly domesticated, house broken humanoids. They have a hierarchy, and a system of rituals and postures for determining place, and they don't even always actually "fight" to move up in rank. They can choose to live with humans, or not. They are capable of taking care of themselves in the wild. I've read a couple of cat books recently. Did you know a cat might just leave it's home if conditions don't suit it? Then return when circumstances improve? Because they are not totally dependent on humans, they have a degree of autonomy that even dogs don't have. Sounds sensible to me.
Actually, I think ferrel cats are much more civilized than some supposedly domesticated, house broken humanoids. They have a hierarchy, and a system of rituals and postures for determining place, and they don't even always actually "fight" to move up in rank. They can choose to live with humans, or not. They are capable of taking care of themselves in the wild. I've read a couple of cat books recently. Did you know a cat might just leave it's home if conditions don't suit it? Then return when circumstances improve? Because they are not totally dependent on humans, they have a degree of autonomy that even dogs don't have. Sounds sensible to me.
February 3, 2023
Read this with my 8 year old who loves cats. She was devastated with so much death. Also the story ended very abruptly right when there was some hope of a happy ending. Use judgement when reading with your kiddos.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2025
Libro con hermosas ilustraciones y una pequeña y bella historia... Está muy bien si a uno le gustan los gatos.
August 9, 2022
The Cats of Roxville Station is an exploration of the lives of feral cats and how they survive put into a fictional story context. And although Jean Craighead George is in the running for a favorite author I just couldn't quite get into this story and it wasn't since of the nature facts that she is known for inserting to make things realistic.
Instead the book's story was slow and yet all over the place as you delved into each cat as she made her moves to survive. Occasionally another animal or human would appear to help move the story along such as Mike who wanted the rejected kitten and struggled to make friends with her to almost no ends possible or the Bent Lady who for a time helped to feed the cats until progress got in the way and forced her to stop.
The book does have some really dark themes so along with its slowish pace I wouldn't recommend this for young readers. Otherwise if you have had a chance to talk to them about it or they have a much tougher skin than other kids of this generation it may be a go.
In the end this book is just one that would be a much better choice for older cat fans who want to get to know more about what life for a feral cat is like, even the dark aspects of human interference.
Instead the book's story was slow and yet all over the place as you delved into each cat as she made her moves to survive. Occasionally another animal or human would appear to help move the story along such as Mike who wanted the rejected kitten and struggled to make friends with her to almost no ends possible or the Bent Lady who for a time helped to feed the cats until progress got in the way and forced her to stop.
The book does have some really dark themes so along with its slowish pace I wouldn't recommend this for young readers. Otherwise if you have had a chance to talk to them about it or they have a much tougher skin than other kids of this generation it may be a go.
In the end this book is just one that would be a much better choice for older cat fans who want to get to know more about what life for a feral cat is like, even the dark aspects of human interference.
June 2, 2011
I absolutely LOVED this book! Jean Craighead George turns her observations of the natural world to cats in this story about a group of feral cats trying to survive in the suburbs. The story centers around Rachet, an orange tabby, and Mike, a foster child living in a nearby home, who wants a cat but whose foster mom won't let him have one. The story describes in fascinating detail how not only cats, but other suburban animals, such as raccoons, skunks, owls, deer, foxes, and birds, survive the seasons and man-made changes in the environment. As the story progresses, Mike and Rachet slowly form a relationship, but will Rachet ever become the pet Mike wants? Read and find out. Read and learn facts you never knew about cat behavior. Outstanding story, possibly my favorite of all of her books. Highly recommended!!
January 17, 2012
Rachet is an abused cat that now has to make her way in the wild. She finds herself with a group of feral cats that live near a train station. A boy named Mike wants Rachet for his own, but his foster mother won't allow cats. As time goes by, Rachet makes her way up the cat hierarchy, avoids predators, seeks food and shelter, and has a litter of kittens.
I'm not a big fan of cats, but it was interesting to read about cat behaviors and why they do the things they do. Other animal behaviors were described as well. While some of the animals did die during the story, this was not one of those tearjerker animal stories - it was more meant to be realistic. Overall there was a happy ending.
I'm not a big fan of cats, but it was interesting to read about cat behaviors and why they do the things they do. Other animal behaviors were described as well. While some of the animals did die during the story, this was not one of those tearjerker animal stories - it was more meant to be realistic. Overall there was a happy ending.
February 15, 2022
This is a hard book to rate and review for me. I wanted to love it, but reality got in my way. The life of a feral cat is not easy, and while the hard times are not depicted graphically, the author also didn't shy away from the things that can happen to feral cats when they are considered pests instead of pets, and are at the mercy of other predators, and even other cats. I think as a child this would have upset me, but I also had pet cats from the moment I was born, and the idea of feral cats that no one kept safe just didn't make sense to me yet. So I went with the majority on the rating, even though my enjoyment level wasn't feeling it, because I hate to take my own sensitivity to this subject out on a book that doesn't deserve it. There is plenty of good information on cats and wildlife included in the story.
October 3, 2017
Super amazing and fun!! Loved it!
October 17, 2025
it's the perfect zen book. Simple happenings but you become surprisingly invested in the lives of the wildlife.
July 4, 2024
163 pgs. This is an interesting book about a cat who goes from domestic to feral after a woman throws her out of a moving vehicle on the side of the road. Rachet finds her way to a railroad station and learns to survive with other feral cats in a hostile environment. A high school-aged young man sees Rachet and tries to befriend her. The book shows the reader the challenges of a feral cat while providing an insider view of how difficult trust, safety, and friendship are to attain. It is a beautifully written tale full of adventure and danger. Kids who love cats will enjoy it. Kids who aren't cat friends will be inspired to love cats after reading it. Anyone who reads it will likely pause and ponder the next time they hear a "meow." Highly recommended for Grades 4-6.
June 7, 2019
This is a very sweet story about a cat and a lonely boy. It also has a lot of interesting facts seamlessly worked into the story, about the language and behavior of cats and wildlife. I think this is a great book for kids to learn about cats and other animals, as well as being a lovely story. It also has beautiful illustrations.
Slender voluntary saplings cropped up here and there at the fence. - I like that turn of phrase, "voluntary saplings".
My favorite animal fact: She [the owl] caught mice by listening to the sounds the animals made, rather than be seeing them. One ear is lower than the other in all owls so that they can triangulate on rustles and movements. Once a sound is pinpointed, they zero in on the prey on a sound crossbar and strike it without seeing.
I knew owls hunted by sound, but didn't know that about the position of their ears. Interesting!
Slender voluntary saplings cropped up here and there at the fence. - I like that turn of phrase, "voluntary saplings".
My favorite animal fact: She [the owl] caught mice by listening to the sounds the animals made, rather than be seeing them. One ear is lower than the other in all owls so that they can triangulate on rustles and movements. Once a sound is pinpointed, they zero in on the prey on a sound crossbar and strike it without seeing.
I knew owls hunted by sound, but didn't know that about the position of their ears. Interesting!
October 10, 2012
Mike is a thirteen-year-old orphan boy who lives with his foster mother, Mrs. Dibber, in an old, run-down Victorian mansion known by local kids as “the haunted house” at Roxville Station. Ratchet is a young house cat thrown off the bridge into the Olga River at Roxville Station by a woman in a fur coat and must now become a feral cat. There are other feral cats in the community, such as Volton the tomcat, Queenella, Ice Bucket, Flea Market, sisters Tatters and Tachometer, and Elizabeth, being fed by “the Bent Lady” who lives in a nearby apartment building, along with other wild creatures in the vicinity, like Shifty and Shafty the foxes, Ringx the raccoon, Fang the milk snake, Windy the owl, Lysol the skunk, and others with all of whom Ratchet must compete to live.
Mike desperately wants to tame and keep Ratchet, but Mrs. Dibber has said no animals in the house. So he wonders if he can make her an outside pet. However, he must first learn to speak the language of cats to gain the trust of Rachet, who has been abused by humans. Will he succeed? And will Ratchet survive? Author Jean Craighead George writes that her motivation for the book was twofold. First, her daughter’s cat Trinket carried her kittens down the staircase one day and placed them on the rug before the George family to present them as a lioness presents her cubs to the social pride. Secondly, George had the opportunity to observe the behavior of a group of feral cats around the railroad station at North White Plains, NY, where she had twenty minutes to wait while transferring to an express train for New York City. The story offers insight into feline behavior while exploring the wonder of friendship and the natural world hiding all around us.
As one who has had cats in my home almost my entire life, I can say that The Cats of Roxville Station captures feline behavior perfectly. There are a few common euphemisms (gee, drat, gosh, and darn), and Mike does some “creative storytelling” which comes very close to lying. Global warming and evolution are hinted at, although the reference to evolution is a good example of “microevolution” as opposed to “macroevolution.” Some people, especially sensitive children, may not like the sadness, such as when three blind and helpless kittens are fumigated and thrown in a dumpster and then a little while later their mother eats a piece of poisoned meat and dies. However, George is a realist who presents what actually happens in life, and these kinds of situations do occur. Yet, the scenes are depicted sensitively without being either maudlin or harsh. With all kinds of odd but true facts about the animals, including the amazing details of how the cats interact with each other and with humans, this book is quite fascinating.
Mike desperately wants to tame and keep Ratchet, but Mrs. Dibber has said no animals in the house. So he wonders if he can make her an outside pet. However, he must first learn to speak the language of cats to gain the trust of Rachet, who has been abused by humans. Will he succeed? And will Ratchet survive? Author Jean Craighead George writes that her motivation for the book was twofold. First, her daughter’s cat Trinket carried her kittens down the staircase one day and placed them on the rug before the George family to present them as a lioness presents her cubs to the social pride. Secondly, George had the opportunity to observe the behavior of a group of feral cats around the railroad station at North White Plains, NY, where she had twenty minutes to wait while transferring to an express train for New York City. The story offers insight into feline behavior while exploring the wonder of friendship and the natural world hiding all around us.
As one who has had cats in my home almost my entire life, I can say that The Cats of Roxville Station captures feline behavior perfectly. There are a few common euphemisms (gee, drat, gosh, and darn), and Mike does some “creative storytelling” which comes very close to lying. Global warming and evolution are hinted at, although the reference to evolution is a good example of “microevolution” as opposed to “macroevolution.” Some people, especially sensitive children, may not like the sadness, such as when three blind and helpless kittens are fumigated and thrown in a dumpster and then a little while later their mother eats a piece of poisoned meat and dies. However, George is a realist who presents what actually happens in life, and these kinds of situations do occur. Yet, the scenes are depicted sensitively without being either maudlin or harsh. With all kinds of odd but true facts about the animals, including the amazing details of how the cats interact with each other and with humans, this book is quite fascinating.
February 17, 2016
Here are my thoughts on this book:
1. It's a love story between a boy and a cat. And I mean like boy-meets-cat, boy-wants-cat, boy-gets-cat, boy-loses-cat, boy-gets-cat-back.
2. Most of it reads like the narration of a wildlife documentary. We learn all about the habits of cats, mice, owls, raccoons, deer, etc.
3. The cat illustrations aren't exactly bad, but they're not cute.
4. I enjoyed reading it, even though it felt overtly educational and the boy said ridiculous things no teenage boy I've met would ever say like, "Drat!" and "That cry was the male cat caterwauling for his female."
5. There was something so old-fashioned about this book (see the boy's quotes above), even though there were allusions to global warming and electric rail. Certainly some people will say this is boring and/or cheesy.
6. I would recommend this to young nature/cat lovers, but the reading level is fairly sophisticated for such an innocent cat book, so it's a tough call age-wise.
1. It's a love story between a boy and a cat. And I mean like boy-meets-cat, boy-wants-cat, boy-gets-cat, boy-loses-cat, boy-gets-cat-back.
2. Most of it reads like the narration of a wildlife documentary. We learn all about the habits of cats, mice, owls, raccoons, deer, etc.
3. The cat illustrations aren't exactly bad, but they're not cute.
4. I enjoyed reading it, even though it felt overtly educational and the boy said ridiculous things no teenage boy I've met would ever say like, "Drat!" and "That cry was the male cat caterwauling for his female."
5. There was something so old-fashioned about this book (see the boy's quotes above), even though there were allusions to global warming and electric rail. Certainly some people will say this is boring and/or cheesy.
6. I would recommend this to young nature/cat lovers, but the reading level is fairly sophisticated for such an innocent cat book, so it's a tough call age-wise.
January 23, 2010
Reviewed 1/22/10, read the book last summer (2009).
The cover makes it appear that the story will be a sort of romantic one about cats living in a train station. However, there is nothing romantic about living life as a feral cat.
As a cat person, I enjoyed the story but some children may be upset by the number of cats and kittens who die in this book. On the other hand, I think that is the author's point: to show that cats in the wild live a treacherous life and may not survive. It is also a good teachable moment for parents to discuss with their kids why it is important to take their pet to the veterinarian for spaying or neutering.
What I found unrealistic about the book was the portrayal of the boy as 14. Maybe 50 years ago a 14 year old would act like the kid in the book. Not so much today.
The best part about the book was the descriptions of how the cats interacted. I read it last summer and still remember some of the characters and their antics!
The cover makes it appear that the story will be a sort of romantic one about cats living in a train station. However, there is nothing romantic about living life as a feral cat.
As a cat person, I enjoyed the story but some children may be upset by the number of cats and kittens who die in this book. On the other hand, I think that is the author's point: to show that cats in the wild live a treacherous life and may not survive. It is also a good teachable moment for parents to discuss with their kids why it is important to take their pet to the veterinarian for spaying or neutering.
What I found unrealistic about the book was the portrayal of the boy as 14. Maybe 50 years ago a 14 year old would act like the kid in the book. Not so much today.
The best part about the book was the descriptions of how the cats interacted. I read it last summer and still remember some of the characters and their antics!
August 30, 2015
Great storyline, but the POVs confused me... I'm a big fan of Warriors by Erin Hunter. Once the second series The New Prophecy started, we moved on to POVs of more than one cat every chapter, which I have grown used to with cat books. I've read other books with POVs of more than one character, too. It's also my style of writing.
Like I said, great storyline, but not a fan of the way it was written. It was many different POVs in just one chapter, which is what makes me quite confused. It could make anyone confused.
My favorite parts of this book were the facts. Not only were they about cats, but they were about other animals too. In the beginning of the book it says "Cats see no colour, just shades of grey." That fact is quite incorrect. Cats can see colours, but not in the same way humans can.
Like I said, great storyline, but not a fan of the way it was written. It was many different POVs in just one chapter, which is what makes me quite confused. It could make anyone confused.
My favorite parts of this book were the facts. Not only were they about cats, but they were about other animals too. In the beginning of the book it says "Cats see no colour, just shades of grey." That fact is quite incorrect. Cats can see colours, but not in the same way humans can.
January 15, 2012
I've read the My Side of the Mountain books by Jean Craighead George and was excited to see this was the next book to read for one of my book club meetings. I hadn't heard of The Cats of Roxville Station but it looked interesting.
The Cats of Roxville Station describes the way I think of cats and their habitats. I also learned some things, such as the sun spots and first homes - but why wouldn't those be true things? This book is very sweet but also sad. It's realistic and describes the way animals are treated in a way that made my heart ache for the cats and wish I could take them all; luckily this was just a story. I think this book is great for cat lovers and haters alike, as well as for the young and old. It's a very versatile book that's not too thick for those who turn away from long novels and is fun for those craving a quick read.
The Cats of Roxville Station describes the way I think of cats and their habitats. I also learned some things, such as the sun spots and first homes - but why wouldn't those be true things? This book is very sweet but also sad. It's realistic and describes the way animals are treated in a way that made my heart ache for the cats and wish I could take them all; luckily this was just a story. I think this book is great for cat lovers and haters alike, as well as for the young and old. It's a very versatile book that's not too thick for those who turn away from long novels and is fun for those craving a quick read.
July 17, 2021
This book, following the endearing feral cat Ratchet, is worth the read in general. The writing flows well making it an easy, quick read. While I enjoyed the tidbits of facts I found that they disrupted the movement of the plot and often weren't relevant to the main characters story specifically. While I am glad I read it I can honestly say that it was not written in a way I expected. One of my favorite series is Warriors so I often compare other cat books to the Warriors series (which I shouldn't do but can't seem to help it) and I must admit that I do prefer the style of Warriors because it portrays the cats as more emotional, feeling creatures. Again, I still enjoyed reading this novel it was just different in a way that may be great for other readers just not me in particular.
July 10, 2014
Caution: This story contains fumigation of kittens resulting in death and intentional poisoning of adult cats resulting in death. That is some hard core rough stuff for a sensitive, animal-loving nine year old. The positive points of this book just didn't outweigh the cruelty.
Bea was inspired to do some study of roaming cats in our neighborhood after reading this book though.
Bea was inspired to do some study of roaming cats in our neighborhood after reading this book though.
April 22, 2009
George would have done better to write a non-fiction book conveying what she's learned about the behavior of wild cats . I didn't find the story or the characters that engaging. They seemed to be a ruse to teach about cat behavior.
August 17, 2018
Reviewing this feline piece of literature really calms me down after hearing the dog freak out downstairs for whatever reason. In fact, that was really all this children's book was - please join me for a peaceful frolic in the fields of Roxville Station. It is such a pleasant read.
Jean Craighead George (the author of My Side of the Mountain and also Julie of the Wolves as the back says) offers in the front a handy map so you can picture exactly where the action of this tale occurs, which is not unlike many other fantasy novels, but a perfect entryway into the fields of Roxville Station.
The SPCA and the Audubon Society are mentioned, which warms my heart for this book, as it is beginning to teach philanthropy to youth! (When I had a little, I have donated to both organizations within the past ten years - the SPCA is a dog/cat adoption agency, and the Audubon Society is The bird club I have had a catalog of North American birds from since I was maybe twelve, or maybe even ten.)
This book is well-informed about feline behaviour. It could possibly serve as a child's beginner guide to raising a family of kittens if (s)he had no access to the Internet; I am imagining like out on a farm.
The conflict between the boat lady Mrs. Dibber and the Audubon fellow Ron highlights an interesting monetary versus passion pursuit.
The reason I do not rate this higher is that Coal Tar's adventure begs belief towards the end. Otherwise, it would be a definite five star because I have become such a sucker for cats.
I am almost tempted to change my three-star rating to a two-star one because of the history behind the name of the barking dog in the last chapter, but I am staying firm at three because overall I liked this novel.
Jean Craighead George (the author of My Side of the Mountain and also Julie of the Wolves as the back says) offers in the front a handy map so you can picture exactly where the action of this tale occurs, which is not unlike many other fantasy novels, but a perfect entryway into the fields of Roxville Station.
The SPCA and the Audubon Society are mentioned, which warms my heart for this book, as it is beginning to teach philanthropy to youth! (When I had a little, I have donated to both organizations within the past ten years - the SPCA is a dog/cat adoption agency, and the Audubon Society is The bird club I have had a catalog of North American birds from since I was maybe twelve, or maybe even ten.)
This book is well-informed about feline behaviour. It could possibly serve as a child's beginner guide to raising a family of kittens if (s)he had no access to the Internet; I am imagining like out on a farm.
The conflict between the boat lady Mrs. Dibber and the Audubon fellow Ron highlights an interesting monetary versus passion pursuit.
The reason I do not rate this higher is that Coal Tar's adventure begs belief towards the end. Otherwise, it would be a definite five star because I have become such a sucker for cats.
I am almost tempted to change my three-star rating to a two-star one because of the history behind the name of the barking dog in the last chapter, but I am staying firm at three because overall I liked this novel.
November 7, 2019
I was pretty interested to know what's inside when I found this book with those cats on the cover since I'm very fond of cats. So, basically this book may not be a lovely story to read for children since there are many depressing stories about some cats and also, there are few cats died in the story, and basically it doesn't really give quite a happy ending to Rachet as a main cat character being told here.
But, this is actually a real life story happen to feral cats in our daily life. Not many cats are lucky enough to have safe and clean shelter or even to have an owner who would give unconditional love (and food) to them. Most feral cats are living by nature's law and they don't live long enough compared to house cats or domesticated cats. I think this book can be more like a way for us (and children especially) to learn and know more about how feral cats are living their life, so we can be more respective and caring as a good human being to feral animals living around us :)
But, this is actually a real life story happen to feral cats in our daily life. Not many cats are lucky enough to have safe and clean shelter or even to have an owner who would give unconditional love (and food) to them. Most feral cats are living by nature's law and they don't live long enough compared to house cats or domesticated cats. I think this book can be more like a way for us (and children especially) to learn and know more about how feral cats are living their life, so we can be more respective and caring as a good human being to feral animals living around us :)
April 23, 2020
After almost being drowned in a river by a very mean and undeserving owner, feral cat Rachet has to hate humans. But how can she hate this thoughtful, gentle, and cat-loving orphan boy, Mike? His foster parent despises cats, and she will not let the 14 year old boy have any sort of pet at all, no matter how much he pleads. Even so, Mike goes to the train station every morning before school to watch the Bent Lady feed the stray cats. When he sees the new tiger striped cat, Rachet, he knows that he must gain her trust somehow. But he knows that it is possible, even if it will take some time.
What a great book! George gives a wonderful description of a cats life outside of domestication, as well as a lesson on the outdoors that will suck you into the book. George packs in so much scientific information that you would have to learn something new when you read it for the first time, but definitely still fun! I would recommend this book a hundred times over.
What a great book! George gives a wonderful description of a cats life outside of domestication, as well as a lesson on the outdoors that will suck you into the book. George packs in so much scientific information that you would have to learn something new when you read it for the first time, but definitely still fun! I would recommend this book a hundred times over.
November 19, 2024
As someone who has always loved cats, I was fascinated by this book immediately upon finding it on the shelf at my local library and reading the blurb.
Cute, short, and sweet is the best way to describe this one, which isn't a bad thing, it's a great book if you enjoy reading from an animal's point of view. I liked learning of our main character, Rachet, and seeing her learn and interact with the world around her. Though, I will say that time does pass very quickly in this book, and I struggled to keep up at certain points.
But overall, this is one I enjoyed.
Cute, short, and sweet is the best way to describe this one, which isn't a bad thing, it's a great book if you enjoy reading from an animal's point of view. I liked learning of our main character, Rachet, and seeing her learn and interact with the world around her. Though, I will say that time does pass very quickly in this book, and I struggled to keep up at certain points.
But overall, this is one I enjoyed.
February 6, 2018
An interesting view from cats' perspective and many other animals--maybe too many animals. Some parts were a little choppy and I had a hard time understanding the point of the book (and the point of some of the characters) until towards the end, it started picking up and captured my attention. The very ending, though, was a slight letdown after all of the buildup. Overall, easy, short read with some nice perspectives and descriptions if you're into cats.
August 22, 2019
An informative cat behavior story, dressed up as a tale of Ratchet, a stray, and Mike, the boy who really wants to adopt her.
The book discusses body language, vocalizations, cat hierarchy, etc., as it explores a stray or feral cat's days. Ratchet is only one of the animals, as plenty of urban dwelling prey and predators figure in as well.
Child friendly, but be warned it has plenty of animal death in it (though not in detail).
The book discusses body language, vocalizations, cat hierarchy, etc., as it explores a stray or feral cat's days. Ratchet is only one of the animals, as plenty of urban dwelling prey and predators figure in as well.
Child friendly, but be warned it has plenty of animal death in it (though not in detail).
April 12, 2023
The story of a loose colony of feral cats and a boy who desperately wants to have a cat of his own but is kept from doing so by his cat-hating foster mother. Very informative but this book would have traumatized me as a child and it was too sad for me as an adult. It's just too honest about the evil ways cat haters kill ferals and the harshness of nature. I would not let this book near a sensitive, cat-loving child.
May 29, 2025
I read this with my first grade daughter who is obsessed with cats. We also watch Wild Kratts on PBS, and it was interesting how this book describes all kinds of animal behaviors that we learned about. Cats in particular, but also foxes, owls, raccoons, voles, snakes, dogs, etc. etc. The author knows a lot about cats. Lots of information about cat behavior.
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