Published by: Ingrid King. Last Updated on: February 1, 2023 by Crystal Uys
I approached reading Lost Cat: A True Story of Love, Desperation, and GPS Technology with apprehension. I find the thought of a cat going missing so gut-wrenching, it’s just not something I want to think about a whole lot. But thankfully, Caroline Paul’s cat Tibby wasn’t lost forever – five weeks after he disappeared, he returned home, looking fat and happy. And the author and her partner and illustrator of the book, Wendy MacNaughton, found themselves wondering where Tibby had gone and why he had left.
To answer these questions, Caroline and Wendy turned into stalkers. From GPS tracking devices to animal communicators, pet detectives and psychics, to covert missions through their neighborhood, they stopped at nothing to uncover the mystery of Tibby’s disappearance. Those of us who have occasionally demonstrated even mildly obsessive behavior when it comes to our cats will recognize ourselves in this poignant memoir.
Caroline’s warm and honest, sometimes funny, sometimes heartbreaking narrative, along with Wendy’s whimsical and charming illustrations, made reading this book an utterly delightful experience. It will make you smile, it will occasionally make you cry, and it will most definitely captivate your heart. I particularly loved Caroline’s distinction between a “cat person” and a “kitty person”- and you’ll just have to read the book to find out what that is.
This is a small book and a quick read – purr-fect for an afternoon when you need a little kitty pick me up.
Caroline Paul is the author of East Wind, Rain, and Fighting Fire. Wendy MacNaughton is the creator of the acclaimed Rumpus illustrated column, Meanwhile, and her work has appeared widely in publications including The New York Times, Print Magazine, GOOD Magazine, PEN America and Bon Appetit. For more information about the authors, please visit www.carolinepaul.com and www.wendymacnaughton.com.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. Receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
About the author
Ingrid King is an award-winning author, former veterinary hospital manager, and veterinary journalist who is passionate about cats.
thank you for the review and the background info. Without hearing your thoughts I would have felt the same as you. I will have to check this one out.
Oh that sounds like such a good book. I have cats that go off sometimes and would love to hear about this cat. I might just have to order this one. Thanks for this great review.
I’m in the process of reading this book and I love it! I recently won a copy at Blog Paws and when they sent it to me although I was appreciative I too was a bit apprehensive. Having been involved in animal welfare for many years I see enough sad situations and didn’t know if I could handle reading about a lost kitty. But I was proven wrong! This book is delightful and I highly recommend it as well. When I’m finished reading it I will be passing it along to my business partner -Pippy the Feline Yogini to get her take on it! 🙂 Meow and Namaste!
My human just added it to her list of books to read!
Thank you!
Purrs
What an intriguing story. So glad it has a happy ending. I agree, Ingrid, that a missing pet would be heartbreaking and would haunt me for the rest of my life.
Thank you, Ingrid! I am definitely getting this book. It is a nightmare no one wants. I know My Kitty always tried a bolt-out-the-door. But I was faster:) Recently, my neighbor put up posts about her missing kitty. She had knocked out a screen never to be seen again. This was 2 weeks ago, I would think the kitty would return. But not yet. This book, “Lost CAT,” gives hope cats WILL return, & if not, gives solace. And yes, I now need to know the difference between a “cat person” & “kitty person!” TY