This reminds me a lot of Remarkably Bright Creatures except it’s a cat instead of an octopus. Lovely story with wonderful characters. I enjoyed each and every story.

I received an arc from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

A truly interesting and enchanting story. An eclectic group of people who are each dealing with some major issues are brought together in a very unconventional manner. They are good, kind people who are all a bit lost, lonely and emotionally shut down. The author created a sweet, lovely, at times emotional story and highlighted the joy that animals can bring into our lives. A feel good gentle story that I am so glad I read.

I have two cats of my own, so when I saw this book, I immediately wanted to pick it up! Following multiple POVs, we get to see these 5 seemingly random strangers go through their daily lives, which can seem a bit daunting, but each character had a defined personality and style of speaking to help differentiate them as you read, one of the POVs being from the cat, which was honestly my favorite. Seeing the world and the characters from cat's perspective was so unique and made me think of how frivolous some of our daily mishaps seem as we tend to overthink, over analyze, and work ourselves up over so many things that can really eat away at us. However, here is cat who is just living his life on the street, lucky enough to have a few humans who want to provide for him and he takes on each day for what it is, despite not knowing for certain what could come his way.
I enjoyed getting to see all of the characters lives intertwine, brought about by cat, each person feeling realistic and tangible as they worked through their own inner turmoil and finding a sense of family in unlikely places where they don't have to do everything alone, just like cat learns from the people who take care of him. I kept finding myself wanting to continue reading at any chance I had, wanting to see how everything turned out, and I also found myself laughing at typical cat behavior that I see in my own everyday. An emotional and heartwarming read for people who understand the ways of cats and how they wiggle their way into your heart and make a home there.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I really enjoyed this multi point of view slice of life of a neighborhood in Brooklyn. The cast of characters is great and I love that we get to see things through Cats eyes and mind. Everyone has one thing in common and that thing is Cat even though they don’t all know that at first. Núria, Lily, Collin, Omar and Bong all have their roles, all of them are lonely in one way or another, trying to decide what to do in life, write a best selling novel or grieving and all taking care of Cat in one way or another. This was sweet and I would read more like it.

Cat’s People has a sweet, whimsical tone and a deep affection for its feline characters that shines through every chapter. Tanya Guerrero clearly writes with love—for animals, for connection, for the quiet moments that shape us—and there’s something undeniably comforting about the world she’s built.

The story centers on a young protagonist navigating big emotional changes and the comfort she finds in an unusual bond with a community of cats. The themes of belonging, healing, and empathy are gently woven throughout, and I appreciated the way the book explored these ideas without being heavy-handed.

That said, the plot felt a little underdeveloped to me. While there were touching moments, I kept waiting for a deeper sense of momentum or conflict. Characters sometimes felt more like symbols than people I could fully connect with, and the emotional arc—while present—lacked the punch I was hoping for.

Still, readers who enjoy cozy, character-driven stories with a light magical touch and a strong emotional core may find plenty to love here. It just left me wanting a little more.

I am not a cat person but admittedly this cat was cool. I loved the cat’s perspective and voice. I loved the way he brought people together and connected their lives. On the flip side, I found it to be a bit dull at times. I felt like I didn’t get enough from each of the characters to really connect. But overall it was delightful, easy and fun to read.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are mine alone.

Núria is a member of The Meow-Yorkers, a group in Brooklyn who takes care of stray cats. One day she starts finding Post-It notes from a secret admirer where a black cat named Cat lives. Núria tries to guess who it might be: Collin, the bestselling author who is a hermit who loves coffee; Lily, searching for her long-lost half-sister; Omar the mailman; Bong, the grieving widower who owns Núria’s favorite bodega. These five strangers bond through chance encounters and their connection with Cat.

We have short chapters from everyone's POV, even the Cat. At first, there's a bit of overlap as the characters see each other in the neighborhood and interact. Cat has a soft spot for certain people and is willing to help these five in particular. We get a chance to see how Núria’s daily life is and what she sees is important as she responds to letters that Collin writes to distract himself from writer's block. Omar, Bong, and Lily gradually get to know each other when small kindnesses and chance comments build on each other.

If anything, this book feels like the best of New York City. The smaller neighborhoods within boroughs are thriving and interconnected communities because of the connections that people have. These five strangers work through their fears and reach out, and are able to create new friendships, and caring for Cat is another link connecting them. Even Cat, an older stray who had seen a lot during his time on the street learns to trust these people and try to help however he can. The end of the book is truly a feel-good moment for everyone involved, a happily ever after, and a great Brooklyn-style slice of life.

This is a very sweet but simple story. There isn’t a ton of depth, it borders on cheesy, and I am expected to believe that a cat is really quite intelligent. As an animal person, I like the idea that these people all end up meeting because of this particular cat and their affection for him. I like that all of them “take in” the stray cat and give him love. It was just a touch too saccharine.

The first thing that caught my attention was the cover. I love all animals but I just find the cat cover with everyone petting them so cute and inviting! this was the perfect light fun read in between my usual thriller stories! I’d recommend for cat lovers and really and animal lovers in general!

One of the cutest, sweetest, most delightful books I've read in a long time. I loved absolutely ever character in this adorable book and I don't think that has ever happened. I've also never read a book where a cat was personified enough to have its own POV and it WORKS! I thoroughly enjoyed this slice of humanity with a bit of cat perspective woven in. The way the characters all interconnected and at the same time grew and flourished was a welcomed change of pace. Given the state of the world today, this was exactly the kind of soft hug type of book I needed. I 100% recommend this especially if you are a cat lover (any animal lover really) and in need of a light but powerful sweet escape.

I never thought I would love a book so much but it was just the calm comfort that a good snuggle with a furry friend can give to you. But in book form and I can’t wait take it on the train without worry. Thanks for letting me read this.

(4.5 stars)
One-liner: simply delightful!

Cat’s People takes us to present-day Crown Heights, a neighborhood in Brooklyn. Nuria is a single woman in her late 30s, who works as a barista and feeds stray cats as her second “job.” We also meet Cat, a stray black cat who has survived on the streets for quite a while, by being very smart and cautious. He’s had some bad experiences with humans but he trusts Nuria.

We also meet other neighborhood people, most of whom only know each other to say HI: Omar, the super-friendly mail carrier; Collin, the socially awkward semi-famous writer with writer’s block; Bong, a Filipino bodega owner; Lily, a new Georgia transplant; and more. I fell in love with each and every one of these characters! Cat eventually brings them all together.

Being familiar with the neighborhood, and similar ones around Brooklyn, had me easily picturing the action, but you do not have to be familiar with Brooklyn to picture things, as the author does a good job of setting the scenes. In addition to the Crown Heights neighborhood, there’s a wonderful scene at Coney Island.

I especially liked the chapters written from Cat’s point of view. He refers to the humans he interacts with by “Rainbow Lady,” “Awkward Neighbor Guy,” “Cheery Mailman,” “Sad Bodega Man,” and “Bright-Pink Person.” That alone had me smiling.

Don’t miss this quietly lovely book.

Thank you to Delacorte Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book. While I received the eARC from NetGalley, I wound up mostly listening to the audiobook gifted by Random House Audio. The narrator, Elena Rey, did an excellent job with the many voices and accents. All opinions are my own.

This one completely stole my heart. Cat’s People is a beautiful, multi-POV story told through six voices—including our observant, opinionated, and unexpectedly wise hero: Cat. Yes, the cat gets his own POV, and yes, it absolutely works.

I’m not even a cat person (team dog over here), but after reading this, I might just be a convert. The characters—each with their own struggles, secrets, and heart—come together around their shared love for one remarkable stray cat. If you’re a sucker for the found family trope, this book is a must. There’s also a bit of mystery, a whisper of romance, and a whole lot of warmth woven through the story.

The audiobook is so well done. One narrator voices all the characters, yet somehow each one has a distinct tone and rhythm. It was such a pleasure to listen to, and I was fully immersed from the first chapter to the last.

Sweet, thoughtful, and full of heart—this one is a gem. Add it to your TBR now!

“There was no pretense when it came to her feline companions. When they were being sweet, they were being sweet. When they were being assholes, they were being assholes. When they wanted to ignore you, they ignored you. Cats didn’t have a hidden agenda.” 🐈

Full disclosure…I am NOT a cat person. But I am a lover of and a sucker for animals, especially when a storyline has an animals pov. Cat was such a sweet and endearing character and this book has me wanting to hug and snuggle the nearest kitty.

There is just something so special about animals. They never deserve anything bad that happens to them and give so much more than they take. So if you love animals too then I think you’ll love this story
of a stray cat and the power of healing and love.

The audiobook was narrated so well with the light tone of what I imagine a kitties thoughts would sound like. There were many characters and the narrators distinct voices really helped to differentiate them.

Thank you to Netgalley, Random House/Delacorte Press, and the author for the complimentary ARC.

I really loved this darling book. I ended up mostly listening to the audio and only reading my e-arc for about a third, but both were equally great methods for this one. I love a found family book, and while I did find this slow at first and hard to get into, reading Cat’s perspective helped keep the book going. In the end, it gave me that heartwarming found family feeling that I was looking for.

Do you want to read something feel good without it being saccharine? That's <i>Cat's People</i>.

While the book is told from many perspectives, the two that bring everyone together are of course Cat, the street cat they all care for, and Nuria, who is both the known and unknown connections between them all. The things happening in all these peoples' lives are real, they feel real, they feel like the balance of good and bad in all our lives. The experience of all of them coming together for Cat was adorable.

This is a quick read with heart, and reassurance that people are good.

A heartwarming and simply-told tale of five New Yorkers and the stray black cat who brought them all together. Each character, including the cat, tells their own story. Cat lives in the alley of the Awkward Guy, Colin, and is fed by Rainbow Girl. The Cheery Mailman, Omar, and Sad Bodega Guy, Bong, are his friends too. And recently Bright Pink Girl, Lily, has become a regular visitor. This very definition found family meanders along as we see each person's own struggles and hopes until they come together to ensure Cat is okay.

If you need a palette-cleansing, lighthearted, hope-filled, maybe-there-actually-is-good-in-the-world kind of book, this is the perfect choice.

This is one of those fun books where you get introduced to a variety of characters from all walks of life that all end up interconnected in a beautiful way. An in the case of this book, at the center of it all is a sweet black cat. Known as Cat, Gatito, or Itim, he's involved in all of these people's lives and brings them together as they love on and take care of him.

All of the characters in this book were sweet and had struggles of their own, but nothing seemed so high stakes that I was stressed out or overwhelmed. It was a sweet, gentle read that we really need in today's world.

I also really loved having Cat's perspective. It was so fun to see inside his mind and how he perceived the world around him. As a cat lover, that was really sweet.

All in all, definitely pick this one up when you're in the mood for something charming and sweet with a fun cast of characters, low stakes, and an adorable cat.

Thank you to Ballantine and Netgalley for an ARC to review!

This was my first novel by Tanya Guerro and Cat’s People was a pleasure to read. Perfect for fans of A Dog’s Purpose by Bruce W. Cameron or Lily and the Octopus by Steven Rowley. This is a heartwarming story set in Brooklyn where the characters eventually form relationships with each other through their connection with a neighborhood cat. With themes of found family and the importance of community, a stray cat brings this diverse group of five neighbors together.

I highly recommend this title to readers looking for an uplifting, charming and cozy escape.
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Ballantine for the ARC

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Tanya Guerrero for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Cat’s People coming out April 1, 2025. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This is the first book I have read by the author. I’m not really a cat person because I’m allergic. But I received this directly from NetGalley, so I checked it out. I thought it was really interesting to have the cats as people. They all had different personalities. It was an interesting concept. It felt like a cozy story. I would check out other books by this author.