Customer Reviews

Cat Heaven

5 star:		(82)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I stood and read through this book in Books A Million and cried my eyes out right there in front of God and everybody, then forked over the full price for the book (which I rarely do---I usually get them here at Amazon discounted). This is the very best book I've ever read on losing a pet. My old cat is 14 years old and just the thought of him being in this "Cat Heaven" made me smile and laugh out loud (after the tears!) I read this to my four year old grandson after he'd lost a kitty and it comforted him, too. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has ever loved and lost a beloved pet. You will NOT be disappointed!

We bought this book when our 19 year old cat Sophie was dying of kidney failure. It was the first time our then-three-year-old son was exposed to death. The book really helped us find a comforting, spiritual but non-religious way of talking about dying. The images of God, angels, and heaven were ones we felt very comfortable with. We still re-read the book 4 years later and talk about Sophie.

This is a wonderful book to give or to receive when one has lost a special cat. It is a powerful statement that love is indeed stronger than death, and speaks well to both children and adults. It has been a treasured gift to those who have received it, and a comfort in the midst of grief.

Thank you Cynthia, for such a sweet, touching, loving book. I have read it many many times - although I have yet to get past the page of kitty coming back and watching her family from outside without getting teary eyed!

I also read this book with my 3 1/2 year old daughter, and it always sparks more wonderful conversation and questions about God and Heaven and angels. She is very pleased that the kitties in Cat Heaven have lots of "little pink fishes" to eat, lots of toys to play with and lots of love!

Your whimsical, wonderful illustrations are refreshing and uplifting, and although the words are simple and few, they speak volumes to anyone who has ever loved and or lost a special cat.

When I realized that Pepper, my beloved cat of 16 years, was nearing the end of his life, I ordered this book. It arrived at noon, and little Pepper died in my arms at 4:00. After taking care of his burial, I came home and read this book. I cannot adequately express the great comfort I received while reading this book through my tears. The simple yet eloquent poem, the wonderful pictures, and the joy I took in finding a picture that looked just like Pepper brought me tremendous peace. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. If you are currently facing the prospect of losing your animal companion, or if you have recently experienced this loss, PLEASE do something kind for yourself and read this book. ("Dog Heaven" by the same author is just as wonderful for dog owners.)

My beautiful calico cat, Tucky, died one month short of her 21st birthday. Cat Heaven, with it's tender, gentle tone, has helped me and my children to grieve and heal our loss. Anyone who has loved a cat will be able to relate to a heaven where angels pet cats' noses and whiskers, where they sleep on God's bed, and from where their spirits come to visit the families who loved them. This is a special book.

After my 16 year old cat died, I was worried how my five year old would react. I read her this story, and found it helped ME as well. I've re-read it with and without my daughter, and have enjoyed it more each time.
My daughter also enjoyed The Best Cat in the World by Leslea Newman.

We lost our cat several weeks ago, and I bought this book to help my young daughter with her feelings of grief. *I* was the one who ended up crying while reading it aloud to her, not because I was sad, but because the words and illustrations are so comforting. My daughter and I talked after reading it, and agreed that now we can picture our beloved kitty doing all of the wonderful things in the book. Cynthia Rylant was already our favorite author (the Mr. Putter and Tabby series is fantastic, as is the better known Henry and Mudge series.) She has captured our feelings once again with Cat Heaven -- it's just perfect.

I first came across this book in my public library while putting together a teaching unit. This title caught my eye and I stood there and read the whole thing--I almost cried in the library! I lost a special cat years ago and this book gives one the peace that every grieving pet owner wants; the feeling that your kitty is in a better place.

I sent this book to my aunt who lost her special cat of 15 years and I got a tearful phone call thanking me. When the family dog had to be put to sleep a few years ago, I picked up Rylant's "Dog Heaven" (which I highly recommend also). Tonight I got the sad news that my sister's beloved kitty passed away suddenly and I rushed out to the bookstore to get this title (don't have time to wait for shipping).

Rylant has a simple beauty in her style of writing and art that will help heal your aching heart. Knowing that your pet is in "Cat Heaven" helps!

I found this book while doing a school project on picture books. I read it for the first time on the day after my mother had to put our 18 year old cat to sleep. It made me smile and think that he as well as our 21 year old cat that we lost a few years ago were playing happily with each other in Heaven. What a great book to use with young children who have lost not just pets but other loved ones.