10 Best Books for Cat Lovers – 2023 Reviews & Top Picks
Who wouldn’t want to snuggle up with their cat while reading a book about them? Our kitties add so much love, entertainment, and meaning to our lives—it’s only natural to want to learn as much as you can about them. If you’re a cat lover—or know someone who is—you might be looking for some new, thoughtful, and delightfully feline-focused literature. The good news? We’ve curated 10 of the most beloved, insightful, and charming cat-themed books released in 2023—each carefully reviewed for authenticity, heart, and humor.
A Quick Look at Our Favorites in 2023
- Best Overall: I Could Pee on This: And Other Poems by Cats — Hysterically funny, easy to read, and written entirely from the cat’s point of view.
- Best Value: How to Tell If Your Cat Is Plotting to Kill You — A clever, darkly humorous take with witty illustrations and exceptional affordability.
- Premium Choice: Meow: A Book of Happiness for Cat Lovers — Lavishly illustrated with heart-warming quotes and serene, joyful photography.
The 10 Best Books for Cat Lovers
1. I Could Pee on This: And Other Poems by Cats — Best Overall
If you’re looking to add laughter, warmth, and unmistakable feline sass to your shelf, I Could Pee on This is our top recommendation. Written from the purr-fect perspective of cats themselves, this collection of short, witty poems captures everything from territorial napping to passive-aggressive lap claims. Francesco Marcuillano’s sharp, affectionate voice shines in titles like “Who Is That on Your Lap?”, “Some of My Best Friends Are Dogs”, and “Kneel Before Me”—all delivered with the dignified irreverence only a cat could muster.
Available in hardcover and digital formats via furpetvo.com, it’s ideal for gifting or keeping as a go-to mood booster. Just be warned: your own cat may treat the book as both reading companion and nap surface. Note that while the humor is universally delightful, some poems include light adult language—not recommended for young readers.
- Pros: Hysterically funny, accessible format, authentically cat-centric voice
- Cons: Contains mild adult language
2. How to Tell If Your Cat Is Plotting to Kill You — Best Value
Equal parts satire and science-adjacent speculation, this laugh-out-loud guide dives into the mysterious inner world of cats—with tongue firmly in cheek. Featuring bold, expressive illustrations and playful “diagnostic” charts (like “Cat-to-Human Translation Flowchart” and “Signs Your Feline May Be Planning Revenge”), it’s a brilliantly executed blend of humor and behavioral insight.
Built on real feline body language cues—but spun with irresistible wit—it’s perfect for fans of clever, offbeat nonfiction. Whether you're buying it for yourself or as a gift, this title delivers maximum joy per dollar—and makes a fantastic conversation starter at any cat-loving gathering.
- Pros: Creative spin on cat behavior, dark humor done right, eye-catching illustrations, excellent value
- Cons: Humor may not land for every reader
3. Meow: A Book of Happiness for Cat Lovers — Premium Choice
More than a book—it’s a gentle, visual love letter to cats. Meow pairs stunning, high-resolution photography of cats in quiet, tender, and whimsical moments with timeless quotes from writers, philosophers, and artists—from Ernest Hemingway to T.S. Eliot. There’s no rigid structure or agenda; instead, it invites slow, reflective reading: the kind you savor with a warm drink and a purring companion draped across your lap.
Its elegant design and emotional resonance make it a standout coffee-table piece—or a cherished bedtime ritual. While priced slightly higher than standard paperbacks, its lasting charm and gift-ready presentation justify the investment for true connoisseurs of cat culture.
- Pros: Adorable, high-quality photos; deeply heart-warming quotes; substantial page count and beautiful layout
- Cons: Higher price point
4. Crafting with Cat Hair: Cute Handicrafts to Make with Your Cat
Yes—cat hair *can* become art. This unexpectedly delightful guide transforms everyday shedding into creative fuel. From simple finger puppets and embroidered patches to more advanced projects like felted ornaments and tiny woven baskets, each craft is designed to be completed in under an hour—making it perfect for weekend bonding or solo mindfulness sessions.
Step-by-step instructions, material lists, and gentle encouragement make it approachable for beginners, while the sheer novelty keeps experienced crafters intrigued. It’s also a surprisingly thoughtful way to honor your cat’s presence—even their fluff becomes part of your shared story.
5. How to Speak Cat: The Essential Guide to Understanding Your Feline Friend
Backed by veterinary insights and decades of feline behavior research, this practical yet warm guide helps decode everything from tail flicks and ear twitches to vocalizations and scent-marking habits. Unlike many pop-science pet books, it avoids oversimplification—instead offering nuanced, compassionate explanations rooted in ethology and welfare science.
Real-life scenarios (e.g., “Why does my cat stare at me silently?” or “What does slow blinking really mean?”) are paired with actionable tips to deepen trust and reduce stress—for both human and cat. Highly recommended for first-time cat guardians and seasoned adopters alike.
6. The Secret Life of Cats: What Your Feline Friend Is Really Thinking
This beautifully illustrated narrative blends storytelling and science to imagine a day in the life of a domestic cat—from dawn patrol to midnight zoomies. Interwoven with expert commentary on cognition, memory, and sensory perception, it satisfies curiosity without sacrificing wonder. Readers consistently praise its balance of intelligence and affection—never talking down, always honoring the cat’s autonomy.
7. My Cat Is Better Than Your Cat: A Celebration of Feline Superiority
A lighthearted, illustrated tribute to cat pride—complete with mock “awards”, comparative infographics (“Nap Duration: Cat vs. Human”), and tongue-in-cheek “testimonials” from famous historical figures who clearly preferred cats. It’s pure fun, but grounded in genuine respect for feline independence and charisma.
8. Cats in History: From Sacred Guardians to Internet Stars
Tracing the cultural footprint of cats across millennia—from ancient Egypt and Edo-period Japan to Victorian England and modern meme culture—this richly researched volume reveals how deeply cats have shaped human art, religion, literature, and daily life. Thoughtful, surprising, and endlessly quotable.
9. The Mind of a Cat: Understanding Intelligence, Emotion, and Behavior
A deeper dive into feline psychology, written by a certified animal behaviorist and reviewed by veterinarians at FurPetVo’s Behavior Advisory Board. Explores topics like social learning, problem-solving, grief responses, and interspecies communication—with case studies drawn from real homes and shelters.
10. Rescue Me: True Stories of Love, Loss, and Second Chances with Shelter Cats
Heartfelt, unflinching, and ultimately uplifting, this anthology features firsthand accounts from adopters, foster caregivers, and shelter workers. Each story highlights resilience—not just of the cats, but of the humans who opened their hearts. Proceeds from every copy sold through furpetvo.com support local cat rescue partnerships nationwide.
