10 Best Books About Cats UK 2024 | Judith Kerr, James Bowen and More

This book of nonsensical feline poetry for all the family was first published in 1939, and it hasn't been bettered since. Whether it's McCavity the Cat Burglar, Rum Tum Tugger or Mungojerrie, Possum's Practical Cats is full of iconic characters that you'll never forget. Oh and it also a inspired the insanely popular musical "Cats" too!

Before penning this delightfully memorable book of playful cat verse, T.S Eliot was mostly known for dense and cryptic tomes of poetry, such as his masterpiece The Wasteland. We're sure glad he turned to his hand to something lighter!

Possibly the most highly-rated cat care guide of all time, this classic 1980s handbook has seen many updates since it was first published. Pam Johnson-Bennett is a world-renowned feline behaviour expert, having appeared on US TV shows and at international conferences over the years. 

The book may be a little too Americanised for some readers, but nearly all the tips translate across cultural boundaries with ease. A truly useful book for any and all cat lovers, we guarantee even the most experienced owner will learn something from Johnson-Bennett's book. 

Although it's not entirely about cats, this terrifying tale from legendary horror author Stephen King heavily features one of the most sinister felines ever depicted on the page. There's a reason almost every edition of this book features the story's cat on the cover!

Brilliantly capturing one man's descent into madness, Pet Semetary is widely considered one of King's most brilliant, and also scariest novels. In a career that has included horror classics like The Shining and Carrie, that's nothing to take lightly! 

This book may not have sparkling prose or deep metaphors, but it nevertheless managed to top best-seller lists all over the world with it's heart-warming true story. 

A Street Cat Named Bob tells story of James Bowen's days as a homeless drug user on London's streets, before a chance encounter with a similarly homeless ginger cat prompted a complete turnaround of his fortunes. How much of it is actually true to life? Who knows. But you probably won't care after you reach the end of this gut-wrenching, yet totally inspiring tale!

Truly one of the most comprehensive books on the list, The RSPCA Complete Cat Care Manual is packed full of colour pictures and instructional information. This guide teaches you everything you need to know, from determining the sex of a kitten, to the changing needs of cats in their old age.

Best of all, buying this book supports the UK's own Royal Society for the Protection of Animals - the biggest animal charity in the country. So, you can do a good deed by caring for the needs of your cat and helping others too!

Terry Pratchett is possibly the UK's most beloved fantasy author. One of his lesser known books, this feline "guide" jokingly describes what Pratchett considers to be a real cat. 

He mixes opinion pieces on cats with supposedly real stories about the animals he has owned throughout his life. Lightly ripping at everything from quantum physics to the Campaign for Real Ale, if you like cats and Terry Pratchett, you're doing yourself a disservice if you don't pick this one up!

Have you ever thought that your cat might be a secret genius? Go on, 'fess up. We know a lot of you have! Even if you haven't considered the possibility, this great book will provide many hours of playful fun for you and any feline companions in your life.

It may not be as scientific as the title promises - there's no actual standardised cat IQ test included. That said, there are plenty of engaging and intriguing things to be learned from Test Your Cat nevertheless!

This heart-warming picture book has been staple reading in many UK households for generations of children since the 1970s. Forgetful cat Mog is in the family's bad books because she simply can't remember most things. However, one day she foils an attempted burglary, helping the family come to see her with new respect.

With gorgeous original illustrations, this book is so British, the handcuffed burglar even sits down for a cup of tea with the family and the police at the end. Classic!

Brighton-based Matt Haig is one of the best-selling British authors of the last 20 years. His award-winning books span from wry depictions of our collective humanity via an alien's perspective, to time-travelling geriatrics and even candid recollections of his own struggles with mental health. 

His first young adult oriented novel To Be A Cat, follows the story of a bullied young boy who dreams of living a carefree life as a cat - but when it comes true, he finds feline life is not entirely as expected....

Have you ever wanted to read about a smooth-talking cat that investigates murders, reads the newspapers and discusses the theories of 17th century theologian and philosopher Søren Kierkegaard? A bit of a niche one perhaps. 

However, that doesn't take away from the appeal of German-Turkish author Akif Pirincci's wonderfully unique cat-themed crime thriller. An unusual novel, perfect for the literary cat lover in your life!