Charming book told from the cat's point of view about interactions between cats and humans. While your cat might not do all these things, every cat will smile at the many familiar antics.

With the holidays fast (fast, fast!) approaching, I know you can use a strong recommendation or two for gifts people are sure to love. How to Train Your Human, by Babas, is just such a gift. Cat lovers, lovers of cat lovers, and cats who like to be read aloud to will all find this short book delightful. You will be Star Great Ape. You're welcome.

Who will not like this book? Dogs. People who love only dogs. People who do not see cats as members of their families, but only as animal decorations for the house and/or yard. People who think cats steal the breath of babies. People who do not recognize the general superiority of cats over--well, anything.

“Dogs are to humans, what humans are to cats”

Our author, an Italian cat, named Babas, explains that although cats are a notch higher than humans, the world is dominated by humans, so it’s imperative to choose one wisely.

The “right” human, if well trained, can be an affectionate and loyal companion even if they are nomadic primates.

Follow this manual carefully and you will become the absolute monarch of the home and with just a few practiced looks, several specific vocalizations, and strategic shows of affection-your human will be waiting on you, hand and foot. ( shouldn’t that be PAW?)

And, the ideal human will NEVER, EVER take advantage of their gigantic size to scoop you up in a coercive embrace!

Translated from Italian by Katherine Gregor, with elegant illustrations by Andrea Ferolla, this 124 page novella can be read it one sitting and had me wondering if my own cat EMMA had read this manual!! 🤔

Although I hope she doesn’t refer to me as her primate, (didn’t care for that term or find it amusing) she has mastered the art of pointing at her food bowl with one delicate paw when hungry, and waiting patiently by the sliding glass patio door when she would like to go outside and soak in some sun ☀️ on my cushioned chaise lounge. 😽

The book would have benefited from LESS manual, and MORE of the gorgeous illustrations.

3.5 ⭐️

Available April 02, 2024

Thank You to HarperVia for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review.

Well, obviously, this is humor, but this is exactly how my cats think. They clearly think they are in charge and that their decisions are better than mine. Even the description of how to handle doors was spot on -- I have a cat who hangs out at the door begging to be let in and out whenever I'm home. Yes, I need a cat door.
This book was cute. I wish there were more pictures, but the pictures were cute. If you enjoy reading about how superior cats feel, you will enjoy this.
Thanks to NetGalley for this.