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Invisible Kitties
A whimsical and inventive debut, perfect for fans of The Guest Cat and If Cats Disappeared from the World. A young couple’s daily life is disrupted by their newly adopted cat, who soon initiates them into the wondrous world of felines.
Every cat contains multitudes…
When a young couple accidentally comes into possession of a playful kitten, their daily routine (and cramped apartment) is turned upside down. Soon they find their existence forever altered.
Charting the couple’s ever-evolving relationship with cats – some they live with, others who exist only in their imagination – Invisible Kitties introduces us to a coterie of extraordinary, physics-defying, death-defying cats.
Invisible Kitties is a meditation on the quiet moments of everyday life and a celebration of cats in all their many forms.
Every cat contains multitudes…
When a young couple accidentally comes into possession of a playful kitten, their daily routine (and cramped apartment) is turned upside down. Soon they find their existence forever altered.
Charting the couple’s ever-evolving relationship with cats – some they live with, others who exist only in their imagination – Invisible Kitties introduces us to a coterie of extraordinary, physics-defying, death-defying cats.
Invisible Kitties is a meditation on the quiet moments of everyday life and a celebration of cats in all their many forms.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 1, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Shelved as '2024'
June 24, 2024📱 Thank you to NetGalley and HarperVia
September 27, 2024
3.5
If you've ever owned a cat you will recognise lots of cat behaviours and cat/human interactions in this book. It really is exactly what it says in the title. It is simply the story of a couple who get a cat and then a kitten.
There are some extremely strange parts - the hairball that turns into a kitten; the cats dissolving in water - that I really didn't understand but mostly it's just a lyrical description of how strange but addictive owning a cat can be.
I'd definitely recommend it for cat lovers but I think I was expecting more (although I don't quite know what). The little illustrustrations which adorn nearly all the pages are very sweet though.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Harper Collins for the advance review copy.
If you've ever owned a cat you will recognise lots of cat behaviours and cat/human interactions in this book. It really is exactly what it says in the title. It is simply the story of a couple who get a cat and then a kitten.
There are some extremely strange parts - the hairball that turns into a kitten; the cats dissolving in water - that I really didn't understand but mostly it's just a lyrical description of how strange but addictive owning a cat can be.
I'd definitely recommend it for cat lovers but I think I was expecting more (although I don't quite know what). The little illustrustrations which adorn nearly all the pages are very sweet though.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Harper Collins for the advance review copy.
September 10, 2024
I love pets. I love when people write about their pets. When I requested this, the blurb suggested this was a story about two humans who embrace guardianship of a cat. When I started reading, I became apparent it wasn’t quite that; instead, it was setting up to be more of a gentle, reflective love letter from the author to their cat. It is in some places. But, mostly, this is the literary equivalent of being cornered by someone who obsesses and overanalyzes everything their pet does while anthropomorphizing and revering them to their point that you’re worried about their wellbeing.
The presentation is beautiful: little paw prints on the pages, hand drawn cats, font styles. But, as I read, I found myself questioning if this works as a published work. Some entries are sweet but many feel cloyingly intimate and private. While I appreciate the author’s deep observation to create 50+ metaphors around every single thing her cat did, this doesn’t make for very interesting or coherent reading. The vignettes are heavily metaphorical (which my literal brain struggles with), repetitive, and injected with heaps of purple prose. This creates a meandering book that becomes a slog as it goes on.
Some of the sections are kinda hard to take: revering discarded cat claws as moons, blowing a the cat’s tail to “inflate” him then pulling it to “deflate” him, a whole chapter waxing lyrical about his testicles and hairballs… parts were embarrassing, others gross or downright bizarre.
Speaking of gross, the way the author describes their house sounds makes it sound filthy!
When I read the author’s note at the end and learned they were a poet/artist, the stylistic choices made a bit more sense to me. The book is tagged as ‘sci-fi’ on NetGalley which doesn’t fit - while it has scientific verbiage in places, it’s not a sci-fi book. I’m not sure it’ll appeal to the ‘cat fiction’ or pet memoir folks due to the inaccessible writing style. It might fare better in a poetry section.
I was privileged to have my request to read this book accepted through NetGalley. Thanks for letting me give this a try, Fourth Estate.
The presentation is beautiful: little paw prints on the pages, hand drawn cats, font styles. But, as I read, I found myself questioning if this works as a published work. Some entries are sweet but many feel cloyingly intimate and private. While I appreciate the author’s deep observation to create 50+ metaphors around every single thing her cat did, this doesn’t make for very interesting or coherent reading. The vignettes are heavily metaphorical (which my literal brain struggles with), repetitive, and injected with heaps of purple prose. This creates a meandering book that becomes a slog as it goes on.
Some of the sections are kinda hard to take: revering discarded cat claws as moons, blowing a the cat’s tail to “inflate” him then pulling it to “deflate” him, a whole chapter waxing lyrical about his testicles and hairballs… parts were embarrassing, others gross or downright bizarre.
Speaking of gross, the way the author describes their house sounds makes it sound filthy!
When I read the author’s note at the end and learned they were a poet/artist, the stylistic choices made a bit more sense to me. The book is tagged as ‘sci-fi’ on NetGalley which doesn’t fit - while it has scientific verbiage in places, it’s not a sci-fi book. I’m not sure it’ll appeal to the ‘cat fiction’ or pet memoir folks due to the inaccessible writing style. It might fare better in a poetry section.
I was privileged to have my request to read this book accepted through NetGalley. Thanks for letting me give this a try, Fourth Estate.
September 13, 2024
A lovely book, irresistible to cat lovers.
In 60 small chapters, the author "explains" a number of typical cat features and quirks. It starts with the author and her husband --conveniently called Husband-- getting a cat, called Cat. Or as any cat lover knows, it is actually Cat who acquires Author and Husband. Later on, a second kitten --Kitten-- completes the family.
Each chapter also contains one small drawing of Cat that basically tries to catch the content of that particular chapter, usually in a very successful way. The images are simple, cute, spot on and sometimes very funny. Likewise, the author shows a great sense of humour in the way she describes certain situations that regularly put a smile on my face. When reading about Cat being buff and engaged in extreme sports like parkour, and at the same time seeing the image of Cat that goes with it, to give just one example, you know that you have something precious in your hands, a book to read, to re-read and to cherish.
Yu Yoyo mixes sharp observation with vivid imagination and as such comes up with explanations for typical cat behaviour (like for instance why cats purr, or the true nature of hairballs) that you never have read in any other cat book before.
Throw out every serious and scientific book about cats you own and read this one instead.
(Thank you NetGalley and publisher for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.)
In 60 small chapters, the author "explains" a number of typical cat features and quirks. It starts with the author and her husband --conveniently called Husband-- getting a cat, called Cat. Or as any cat lover knows, it is actually Cat who acquires Author and Husband. Later on, a second kitten --Kitten-- completes the family.
Each chapter also contains one small drawing of Cat that basically tries to catch the content of that particular chapter, usually in a very successful way. The images are simple, cute, spot on and sometimes very funny. Likewise, the author shows a great sense of humour in the way she describes certain situations that regularly put a smile on my face. When reading about Cat being buff and engaged in extreme sports like parkour, and at the same time seeing the image of Cat that goes with it, to give just one example, you know that you have something precious in your hands, a book to read, to re-read and to cherish.
Yu Yoyo mixes sharp observation with vivid imagination and as such comes up with explanations for typical cat behaviour (like for instance why cats purr, or the true nature of hairballs) that you never have read in any other cat book before.
Throw out every serious and scientific book about cats you own and read this one instead.
(Thank you NetGalley and publisher for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.)
September 22, 2024
I'm not sure what this book was about. It's basically a collection of dozens of snippets of the protagonist's life with her husband and their Cat (with a capital 'C'). Each snippet is basically a stand-alone story that describes some aspect of Cat's behaviour, and the impact it has on his owners. There is a smidgeon of magical realism here, but it's not really what the stories are about.
I did finish this book, but I did so constantly wondering - "what am I missing". I was constantly confused about what I was reading and why I was reading it. I kept telling myself - "this can't be all there is to it", "there must be something there - maybe a reflection on otaku culture, maybe a critique of modern life and the loneliness embedded in it, maybe an ode to the healing power of cats". Alas - no. It's just what it says on the box - a weird love letter to cats.
While not a cat lover myself, this is not why I disliked the book so much. I disliked it because I felt cheated of a few hours of my life - it wasn't even bad enough to dislike. It's just completely devoid of any meaning. As I mentioned in one of my previous reviews - I no longer wallow in self doubt when I encounter books like this, asking myself again and again whether I missed something only visible to a select few.
Honestly - staring at a wall would have been a better way to spend the time. Can't recommend to anyone.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an early copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I did finish this book, but I did so constantly wondering - "what am I missing". I was constantly confused about what I was reading and why I was reading it. I kept telling myself - "this can't be all there is to it", "there must be something there - maybe a reflection on otaku culture, maybe a critique of modern life and the loneliness embedded in it, maybe an ode to the healing power of cats". Alas - no. It's just what it says on the box - a weird love letter to cats.
While not a cat lover myself, this is not why I disliked the book so much. I disliked it because I felt cheated of a few hours of my life - it wasn't even bad enough to dislike. It's just completely devoid of any meaning. As I mentioned in one of my previous reviews - I no longer wallow in self doubt when I encounter books like this, asking myself again and again whether I missed something only visible to a select few.
Honestly - staring at a wall would have been a better way to spend the time. Can't recommend to anyone.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an early copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Want to read
September 19, 2024"Chinese poet Yu's fiction debut is utterly charming, particularly so for cat-lovers, who might argue that every bit of magic here is absolutely true. Award-winning translator Tiang ensures smooth, playful anglophone access. During 60 pithy chapters - not unlike bursts of irresistible energy - Yu interprets endless kitty antics while her whimsical black-and-white sketches enhance every chapter, with every page framed in inviting pawprints. Ten thousand cats rain out of the sky. Dreams of an elusive kitty inspire the narrator to seek out cats while awake, suddenly noticing them 'everywhere.' Next, she's 'pondering and pondering every second of the day' the questions 'Why didn't I have a cat?' Then she happens upon a 'delicate little kitten, which she hugs and she runs home.' 'All of this happened with such inevitability that I didn't find it odd, and nor did Husband ... It was as if Cat had always been there.' A forever symbiosis follows as they are all linked to each other for all nine lives; training for humans will include amorphous cat shapes, sticky catkins, unpredictable cat tails, unstoppable cat carnage (of plants), and incurable Cat Virus. Perfect balance is achieved when the trio wondrously (albeit rather messily) becomes four, 'two people, two cats ... exactly the right number, depending on one another.' Happily-ever-after abounds." - Starred review by Terry Hong, Booklist. Suggested for teens and adults.
September 24, 2024
Published 1st October 2024. A cute little novel - quite short, translated from the Chinese and all about cats. As someone who has owned 4 cats so far - I'm between cats at the moment -these short little chapters transported me back to my own relationship with my cats. The actions that the author describes, I remembered my own cats doing exactly the same things. There is also a touch of magical realism in some of the vignettes as my cats never stretched out to many metres in length (although sometimes it felt like it), nor did inflate like a balloon. However, the descriptions of them chirping at the window as they watch the birds are just so accurate. The author describes the way that she and her husband interact with Cat and latter with Kitten, too. This is like a love song to cats and she often writes/describes almost as if she is dreaming - there is an other-worldly quality to what she describes. There is no plot here, she does not even explain what is going on in the little vignettes, she is purely observing and taking immense pleasure in her cats - and so, as a cat lover and a reader - I do too.
September 23, 2024
Thank you to HarperVia and NetGalley for the free e-ARC in exchange for an honest review
Unfortunately, this one didn't work for me. INVISIBLE KITTIES is not a novel; it's barely even the concept of a novel. What it is is 60 vignettes extolling the author's love for cats. A few are charming, such as the one about how cats draw circles of varying sizes around their owners, and so long as each one exists within the circle together, they can do whatever they want. But even as a cat lover, I quickly became tired of the many ways in which Yu tried to be clever and inventive when describing the quirks of cats.
I'm not sure if I would put INVISIBLE KITTIES under the "cozy cat Asian literature" category, because I feel like appreciators of this subgenre usually want a modicum of a plot.Those who REALLY love cats, don't mind "no plot just vibes" books, value inventive metaphors and other descriptive language, and want to read translated contemporary Chinese literature widely might get along better with this one.
Unfortunately, this one didn't work for me. INVISIBLE KITTIES is not a novel; it's barely even the concept of a novel. What it is is 60 vignettes extolling the author's love for cats. A few are charming, such as the one about how cats draw circles of varying sizes around their owners, and so long as each one exists within the circle together, they can do whatever they want. But even as a cat lover, I quickly became tired of the many ways in which Yu tried to be clever and inventive when describing the quirks of cats.
I'm not sure if I would put INVISIBLE KITTIES under the "cozy cat Asian literature" category, because I feel like appreciators of this subgenre usually want a modicum of a plot.Those who REALLY love cats, don't mind "no plot just vibes" books, value inventive metaphors and other descriptive language, and want to read translated contemporary Chinese literature widely might get along better with this one.
September 29, 2024
Invisible Kitties is very loosely about a women, her husband, and the cat that they welcome into their lives.
Each chapter is a quirky little insight into individual cat behaviours, with a magical realism edge that’s dialled up and down. For instance, there’s ponderings on how they charge themselves up in sun spots, tail chasing, and their hot water bottle like nature.
As a cat lover myself, I definitely found this book quite whimsical and sweet at times, but other times it was just slightly too surrealist for me. It also sometimes edged into grotesque imagery. I was quite perturbed by the ‘cat-ball planets’, and the hairball, chapters in particular. The amount of oddities was just a little too much for me.
I will say that it’s very lovingly presented, with crayon-like cat doodles dotted throughout the book. If you love cats, and don’t mind a fresh (and maybe slightly unhinged) view of cat behaviours, this might be the book for you.
Thank you to the publishers, and netgalley, for the copy to review.
Each chapter is a quirky little insight into individual cat behaviours, with a magical realism edge that’s dialled up and down. For instance, there’s ponderings on how they charge themselves up in sun spots, tail chasing, and their hot water bottle like nature.
As a cat lover myself, I definitely found this book quite whimsical and sweet at times, but other times it was just slightly too surrealist for me. It also sometimes edged into grotesque imagery. I was quite perturbed by the ‘cat-ball planets’, and the hairball, chapters in particular. The amount of oddities was just a little too much for me.
I will say that it’s very lovingly presented, with crayon-like cat doodles dotted throughout the book. If you love cats, and don’t mind a fresh (and maybe slightly unhinged) view of cat behaviours, this might be the book for you.
Thank you to the publishers, and netgalley, for the copy to review.
September 22, 2024
3.25/5 gifted by the publisher
Whimsical observations of cats that reads more like an essay collection than a novel. Each chapter is short, spanning 2-4 pages, of a cat’s peculiar behavior and the owner’s wildly imaginative interpretation.
I’d put INVISIBLE KITTIES under the category of “cozy cat books” that has a more lyrical writing and inventive structure, reflecting the author’s experience in writing poetry.
The observations of cats are tinged with metaphors and can be quite fun to read, especially as a pet owner to ponder. But since there’s not much plot going on, and the writing is solely focused on cat behaviors, I have a feeling I won’t remember much about this book in a week 😅
In general, INVISIBLE KITTIES is a quick and fun read that I’d recommend to those looking for a whimsical all vibes no plot story about cats
Whimsical observations of cats that reads more like an essay collection than a novel. Each chapter is short, spanning 2-4 pages, of a cat’s peculiar behavior and the owner’s wildly imaginative interpretation.
I’d put INVISIBLE KITTIES under the category of “cozy cat books” that has a more lyrical writing and inventive structure, reflecting the author’s experience in writing poetry.
The observations of cats are tinged with metaphors and can be quite fun to read, especially as a pet owner to ponder. But since there’s not much plot going on, and the writing is solely focused on cat behaviors, I have a feeling I won’t remember much about this book in a week 😅
In general, INVISIBLE KITTIES is a quick and fun read that I’d recommend to those looking for a whimsical all vibes no plot story about cats
September 24, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Fourth Estate for the arc.
This is a really difficult book for me to review as it is one of those books that really defies definition and pigeonholing. It’s billed as “a meditation on the quiet moments of everyday life and a celebration of cats in all their many forms”, but it seems to be just a series of 60 short chapters obsessively describing the minutiae of life with a cat - whether real or imaginary.
I do like cats, but I have to admit I struggled with this.
The book is beautifully presented with cute drawings and if you just want something light and aesthetically pleasing - and you really like cats- then this could be the book for you. Unfortunately it wasn’t a book for me and I ended up skim reading the last 50% and feeling very happy that I own a (much less demanding) dog.
This is a really difficult book for me to review as it is one of those books that really defies definition and pigeonholing. It’s billed as “a meditation on the quiet moments of everyday life and a celebration of cats in all their many forms”, but it seems to be just a series of 60 short chapters obsessively describing the minutiae of life with a cat - whether real or imaginary.
I do like cats, but I have to admit I struggled with this.
The book is beautifully presented with cute drawings and if you just want something light and aesthetically pleasing - and you really like cats- then this could be the book for you. Unfortunately it wasn’t a book for me and I ended up skim reading the last 50% and feeling very happy that I own a (much less demanding) dog.
September 16, 2024
A novella arranged in 60 short chapters chronicling the arrival of Cat into the lives of Wife and Husband who live in a small apartment on a high floor. How to describe this book? Surreal would be my take. How can cats jump so high? They’re a literal spring. Why are cats so warm? They’re a inexhaustible kettle of hot water. How are cats so good at hiding? They can become invisible… And so our novella continues. There’s no plot as such, just 60 vignettes on life with a cat and some of the musings which may or may not come from this.
The translation has kept the author’s illustrations throughout of cats and cat-like objects to keep the air of whimsy going.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The translation has kept the author’s illustrations throughout of cats and cat-like objects to keep the air of whimsy going.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 10, 2024
This book is adorable. It’s observations on cats through the eyes of a cat lover, following the day-to-day mysteries of Cat such as … where does he go when you’re looking for him? How can a cat be so long, and yet so small, weigh so much and yet at the same time nothing at all. The comparison of a cat’s purr to the boiling of water in a kettle, as cats are preparing to make tea to be shared is lovely and perfect.
There’s humor in this, whimsy and lyricism. It’s perfect for a cat lover with no sad moments; instead it’s just joy and more joy and I very much want to thank Net Galley and the publisher for letting me have an ARC of this book.
There’s humor in this, whimsy and lyricism. It’s perfect for a cat lover with no sad moments; instead it’s just joy and more joy and I very much want to thank Net Galley and the publisher for letting me have an ARC of this book.
September 22, 2024
The intricacies of having a cat, or rather being owned by a cat!
Everyone who has ever had a cat will be able to relate to this book. The author goes into depth about everything, 'cat': how their eyes look like marbles, their secret stash of things from around the house, their gurgling purrs, the intense bird watching from the window, how they silently judge you and how you can never find them when you want them.
Invisible Kitties is charming and has some really cute illustrations as well.
NetGalley and 4th Estate William Collins provided me with this book in exchange for an honest review.
Everyone who has ever had a cat will be able to relate to this book. The author goes into depth about everything, 'cat': how their eyes look like marbles, their secret stash of things from around the house, their gurgling purrs, the intense bird watching from the window, how they silently judge you and how you can never find them when you want them.
Invisible Kitties is charming and has some really cute illustrations as well.
NetGalley and 4th Estate William Collins provided me with this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 27, 2024
Such a charming book, made up of vignettes to describe and explain what it’s like to live with a cat. And all the ways cats can seem to defy the laws of physics-how they seem to turn to liquid when you pick them up or evaporate when you’re looking for them. There’s also an adorable, fantastical version of the cat distribution system brought to life. It uses magical realism to explore all the thoughts people have about their cats. Very cute.
Thanks to Netgalley for a free arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley for a free arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 11, 2024
I liked this novel.
I am not a cat lover, and so some of it was beyond me.
The novel appears to take the form of dreams, fantasies, wishes, experiences, longings and folklore all wrapped together.
I read a few chapters at a time and marvelled at the sound of the words that the author used, and either dreamt along with her or let that chapter go.
Cat lovers of all ages and types will probably love this book.
The book is worth reading for some of the ideas, and the way that the words are arranged.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I am not a cat lover, and so some of it was beyond me.
The novel appears to take the form of dreams, fantasies, wishes, experiences, longings and folklore all wrapped together.
I read a few chapters at a time and marvelled at the sound of the words that the author used, and either dreamt along with her or let that chapter go.
Cat lovers of all ages and types will probably love this book.
The book is worth reading for some of the ideas, and the way that the words are arranged.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 27, 2024
🐈⬛
This was a pleasant, insightful read about the nature of having a cat as a pet (or vice versa).
There is lots of little cute, hand-drawn cat pictures throughout the book that enhance the overall reading experience.
I think if you have ever had a cat you will be more able to relate to the author’s poetic thoughts about the diverse, nuanced and very special interactions.
Another important point is that the author has produced a unique, creative novel like no other. Full credit is deserved for having the ability to do that.
This was a pleasant, insightful read about the nature of having a cat as a pet (or vice versa).
There is lots of little cute, hand-drawn cat pictures throughout the book that enhance the overall reading experience.
I think if you have ever had a cat you will be more able to relate to the author’s poetic thoughts about the diverse, nuanced and very special interactions.
Another important point is that the author has produced a unique, creative novel like no other. Full credit is deserved for having the ability to do that.
September 20, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley, Fourth Estate & author Yu Yoyo for this eARC
Invisible Kitties is a charming, whimsy love letter from the author to their cat.
In 60 short chapters we are taken on a journey of a cat moving in, how they change our lives and their little quirks and habits. Absolutely adorable for any cat lover!
Invisible Kitties is a charming, whimsy love letter from the author to their cat.
In 60 short chapters we are taken on a journey of a cat moving in, how they change our lives and their little quirks and habits. Absolutely adorable for any cat lover!
September 22, 2024
One word .. quirky. A real treat for cat lovers and anyone that has ever been own by cat. Truly delightful.
August 27, 2024
Dear Author,
Invisible Kitties: A Feline Study of Fluid Mechanics or The Spurious Incident of the Cats in the Night-Time is a beautiful and whimsical love letter to our feline friends. They influence our lives in profound and mundane ways, bringing annoyance and joy, games of mystery and intrigue, and the occasional deposits of fluids or solids on the floor. But we love them, and this book is your love letter to your two warm, loving kitties. Thank you for sharing this with us.
Yours truly,
J.D. McCoughtry
Thank you, NetGalley and HarperVia Publishing, for the opportunity to read this e-arc.
Invisible Kitties: A Feline Study of Fluid Mechanics or The Spurious Incident of the Cats in the Night-Time is a beautiful and whimsical love letter to our feline friends. They influence our lives in profound and mundane ways, bringing annoyance and joy, games of mystery and intrigue, and the occasional deposits of fluids or solids on the floor. But we love them, and this book is your love letter to your two warm, loving kitties. Thank you for sharing this with us.
Yours truly,
J.D. McCoughtry
Thank you, NetGalley and HarperVia Publishing, for the opportunity to read this e-arc.
March 22, 2023
可爱死了！！非常轻盈的想象力，像猫一样在心间跳动，打算送给有猫的朋友，也去暖一暖她的心房。
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