A list of 15 Novels about Cats

  1. 1
    The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov

    “The Master and Margarita” by Mikhail Bulgakov weaves together elements of satire, fantasy, and dark humor, all surrounding one mysterious black cat named Behemoth.

    Behemoth is no ordinary feline; he talks, jokes sarcastically, and behaves mischievously as part of Woland’s demonic entourage roaming through Soviet-era Moscow. This irreverent cat delivers surprising and hilarious moments, creating chaos in everyday life.

    Behemoth’s lively presence adds clever satire to the story’s examination of good and evil, creativity, and society. Readers drawn to novels about cats will find Bulgakov’s imaginative portrayal of Behemoth delightful and memorable.

  2. 2
    I Am a Cat by Natsume Sōseki

    Natsume Sōseki’s “I Am a Cat” offers readers a witty, insightful commentary on human nature told from a unique feline perspective. The unnamed cat observes the human inhabitants of a Japanese household, humorously analyzing their behaviors and shortcomings.

    This clever satire reveals human absurdities as seen through the eyes of a self-assured, observant cat. The narrator remains proudly feline, detached yet insightful, and his observations occasionally poke gentle fun at human pretensions and habits.

    It’s a charming and sharp exploration of society, philosophy, and domestic life—all beautifully presented through the candid voice of one observant cat.

  3. 3
    Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami

    In Haruki Murakami’s “Kafka on the Shore,” cats hold a significant place in the eerie yet mesmerizing tale. Nakata, an elderly man who speaks with cats, embarks on a surreal quest following the mysterious disappearance of neighborhood strays.

    Murakami creates a strange, dream-filled reality where cats serve as wise companions and enigmatic messengers. The interaction between Nakata and several stray cats becomes crucial to unraveling the novel’s mysteries.

    Fans of cats will appreciate how Murakami blends mythical elements with feline symbolism, crafting a distinctive narrative that echoes with layers of meaning.

  4. 4
    The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa

    “The Travelling Cat Chronicles,” by Hiro Arikawa, celebrates the beauty and tenderness of friendship through the bond between a man named Satoru and his cat, Nana.

    Narrated by Nana, the story follows their journey across Japan, revisiting old friends and recalling memories along the way. It’s witty, heartfelt, and refreshingly sincere.

    Nana’s feline voice perfectly conveys affection, cynicism, and humor, bringing depth to this heartwarming tale. Cat lovers, particularly, will find something deeply relatable in Nana’s honest observations about human nature and the warmth of companionship.

  5. 5
    Tailchaser's Song by Tad Williams

    Tad Williams brings readers into a vivid feline fantasy world with “Tailchaser’s Song,” a quest narrative about a brave cat named Fritti Tailchaser. Fritti embarks on a perilous journey to discover why his fellow cats have begun mysteriously disappearing.

    Williams paints an intricate world of cat society, filled with its own myths, language, rituals, and dangers. Fans who enjoy stories from a feline point of view will be captivated by Tailchaser’s bravery, loyalty, and sincere friendships.

    It’s an exciting tale of adventure rooted deeply in feline lore and imagination.

  6. 6
    Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats by T. S. Eliot

    Although technically poetry rather than a traditional novel, T. S. Eliot’s “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats” holds a special charm for any cat lover.

    Each poem captures distinctive, amusing feline personalities, habits, and idiosyncrasies—introducing characters like Bustopher Jones, Macavity, and Rum Tum Tugger. Eliot’s creative tribute to feline quirks inspired the beloved musical “Cats.”

    Readers fond of cats will adore Eliot’s whimsical verses and clever characterizations, showcasing why cats remain endlessly fascinating. The sharp humor and deep-felt affection Eliot expresses for his feline subjects shine clearly throughout the collection.

  7. 7
    A Street Cat Named Bob by James Bowen

    “A Street Cat Named Bob” recounts the true and touching story of how a stray ginger cat became a life-changing companion for James Bowen.

    The novel highlights friendship and redemption, exploring how Bob’s affection, loyalty, and quirky charm helped James recover from homelessness and addiction.

    Bowen vividly captures Bob’s personality, detailing their shared hardships, triumphs, and the playful companionship between man and cat. Readers who cherish heartfelt animal narratives will find genuine warmth in this authentic story of mutual healing and bond.

  8. 8
    The Cat Who… Series by Lilian Jackson Braun

    Lilian Jackson Braun creates a delightful tradition of cozy mystery tales with “The Cat Who…” series, featuring journalist Jim Qwilleran and his clever Siamese cats, Koko and Yum Yum.

    In “The Cat Who Could Read Backwards,” Koko demonstrates notably insightful habits that help in solving mysterious murders and criminal puzzles.

    The series effortlessly blends mystery-solving with amusing portraits of everyday feline behavior, bringing humor and charm to every chapter.

    Mystery fans eager for cat-themed investigations will undoubtedly enjoy how Braun skillfully integrates cats into intriguing and entertaining puzzles.

  9. 9
    Warriors #1: Into the Wild by Erin Hunter

    In Erin Hunter’s “Warriors #1: Into the Wild,” readers enter a gripping feline universe divided among warrior cat clans. Rusty, a housecat, leaves the comfort of home to join ThunderClan as an apprentice warrior.

    Rusty’s journey to becoming Firepaw illustrates courage, loyalty, and adventure within richly constructed cat communities. The tale includes thrilling battles, vivid rivalries, and timeless values, entirely through feline eyes.

    Readers interested in cat-centered stories will appreciate this imaginative blend of adventure, lore, and cat-inspired drama.

  10. 10
    Coraline by Neil Gaiman

    Neil Gaiman’s “Coraline” features a mysterious, clever black cat who becomes Coraline’s ally as she confronts chilling alternate realities hidden in her new home. Though the cat remains unnamed, his personality is remarkably memorable.

    He guides Coraline, providing wisdom, humor, and sarcasm. The cat acts as protector and foil, adding richness to the eerie atmosphere and themes throughout the story.

    Readers who enjoy brave feline companions alongside adventures with a darker twist will appreciate Gaiman’s entrancing representation of this enigmatic cat character.

  11. 11
    The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents by Terry Pratchett

    Terry Pratchett masterfully delivers satire and humor in “The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents,” highlighting cleverness through Maurice, a sly cat who works together with talking rats.

    Together, they pull town-to-town cons pretending to rid cities of artificial rat plagues. Maurice quickly stands out as sharp-witted and curious, adding comic relief and thoughtful introspection.

    Readers fond of stories filled with humor, wit, and insightful societal observations told through fantastic characters—especially flawed yet charismatic cats—will relish this fun-filled narrative.

  12. 12
    Homer's Odyssey by Gwen Cooper

    Gwen Cooper’s heartfelt memoir “Homer’s Odyssey” introduces readers to the unforgettable relationship between the author and Homer, her blind rescue cat. Homer’s fearless optimism, playful spirit, and loving personality deeply impact Gwen’s outlook on life, love, and resilience.

    The memoir relates how Homer bravely adapts to blindness, demonstrating courage in everyday life and even during frightening experiences like burglary.

    Readers drawn to inspirational, real-life feline stories filled with warmth, bravery, and connection will find this memoir touching and memorable.

  13. 13
    The Guest Cat by Takashi Hiraide

    Takashi Hiraide elegantly portrays quiet domestic beauty and gentle bonds in “The Guest Cat,” centered around a visiting stray cat named Chibi. Chibi appears unexpectedly in a couple’s garden, slowly becoming an integral, comforting presence who enriches their ordinary routine.

    Hiraide describes Chibi’s habits precisely, drawing out emotional subtleties that highlight how deeply cats affect human lives through quiet gestures and interactions.

    Readers interested in beautifully reflective explorations of everyday relationships—especially those involving cats—will find this novel subtle yet deeply moving.

  14. 14
    Felidae by Akif Pirinçci

    Akif Pirinçci’s “Felidae” introduces Francis, a sharp-witted feline detective caught investigating sinister crimes involving murdered cats. The dark tale brings murder mystery conventions into the feline world, filled with suspense, clever deduction, and eerie discoveries.

    Francis operates intelligently and incisively, employing careful reasoning and curiosity to resolve chilling mysteries in a dangerous, shadowed feline society.

    Fans of detective fiction with unusual protagonists will certainly find intrigue in Pirinçci’s suspenseful adaptation of traditional mystery elements into compelling feline fiction.

  15. 15
    The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami

    In Haruki Murakami’s “The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle,” the disappearance of protagonist Toru Okada’s cat triggers surreal sequences and symbolic quests. The cat creates the spark that begins Toru’s journey into a distorted reality, where ordinary life slips into surreal experiences.

    Readers who appreciate how small, everyday incidents connected to cats often grow into strange, profound insights will especially appreciate Murakami’s complex layers of symbolism, mystery, and philosophy all originating from one missing feline.