Book Review: A Cat Called Dog

A Cat Called Dog by Jem Vanston
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received a copy of the book through NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased and honest review.

Imagine a cat named Dog that wags its tail and barks when he is happy. The story of the book focuses exactly on a kitten-cat like that. Dog is a kitten-cat who wags his tail when he is happy or excited. He yelps and barks too. This behavior shocks an old ginger tomcat named George. George is aghast as to how a cat can behave so horribly. A cat is supposed to behave like a cat and not like a dog. Oh and he speaks 'dog' too. 

George's friend, a stray named Eric, tells George that he would do well to teach Dog how to be a cat. Remembering the time when he was a small kitten and was taught by an older cat, George decides to take Dog under his whiskers and teach him how to be a proper cat. George has a human and his lady takes really good care of him. He allows Dog to share his meals because his lady gives him so much more that he can eat and he also lets the kitten-cat stay with him.

Dog is so happy to be learning how to be a cat and he even meets George's other friends, the exotic Francois and the very seductive Fifi. HIs lessons are going well and he is able to find a home with George while he gets his education.

One day, George's lady brings home a man and things suddenly change. George does not like the man and the man certainly dislikes George. Things are suddenly not too good. The man thinks he is too fat and forces the lady to put him on a diet! Then Francoise tells George that he saw the man steal something from the lady! Dog helps George to save his lady from that horrible man.

A Cat Called Dog is an entertaining light tail... I mean, tale. The characters are lovable and the story is well-told. For catlovers, the book is filled with wonderful cat facts. For those who do not have cats, it is filled with great gems that will help them understand cat behavior. The only thing missing is pictures or illustrations! :)

The book is a great read when you are looking for a change of pace. There are just times when I need to read something light and entertaining and this book definitely fit the bill. A very interesting cat novel indeed.

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