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Member Reviews
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Thank you to NetGalley for providing this ARC.
This cats guide on how to train your human could have been written by my cats as they follow this guidebook almost to the tee! This novella is succinct and gives all the details of any category any cat would need to reference. The book provides excellent examples of executing the discussed material throughout the different sections of this book. There are also some wonderful illustrations scattered throughout.
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I've been owned by a formidable Russian Blue for a dozen years now, so you can imagine my shock at finding out that the cats have a guide to domesticating us! It's impressive enough that one can control an entire household; just imagine what power the entire species must have over so much of humanity. Er, sorry, apes. We're apes to them.
How to Train Your Human was originally published in Italian in 2022, but has now been translated into English, presumably for the countless numbers of cats residing with English-speaking humans. A side note - the translator, Katherine Gregor, has always wanted to translate a book. She's also an animal lover, so of course the cats found it very easy to sway her towards joining in their nefarious work towards world domination.
The Guide speaks of humans in both snooty and affectionate terms. It alternates between referring to us as obsessed creatures who are addicted to Things (a disease known as thingitis), and praising us for our ability to be trained into suitable companion-servants.
Most of the book is lighthearted and whimsical, but it is probably not a good choice for younger readers. At times it does focus on the darker side of the feline experience, such as what veterinarians are and precisely what they usually do to a cat's nether regions. The cats, of course, have strong opinions on these topics.
Scattered throughout the Guide are lovely illustrations of cats, created by artist Andrea Ferolla. They are minimalist, consisting of a few curved brushstrokes that perfectly capture the cat's attitudes. I wish there were more of them included, but I quite enjoyed the ones that were.
This is a quick read, I finished it in two short sittings. The book's brevity is very convenient as it won't take you away for too long from your duties as a cat companion. We have so much to do every day, don't we?
I give this Guide four paws up. I'm only human, so of course I have to rebel a bit. Also, I really do wish there had been more illustrations.
My thanks to Babas, HarperVia, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a digital advance review copy of this book. This review is my honest and unbiased opinion.
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This book is quite entertaining. Written from the point of view of a cat, with instructions on how to acquire and train humans, it is a very fun and relaxing book to read, especially with your cat sleeping next to you! Some version of history written by a cat is in here, making the human readers chuckle,
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How To Train Your Human could have been written by my own cats. What I thought was simply adorable, snuggly, furry creatures, here to keep me company, provide entertainment, and provide comfort when I needed it - that assumption was blown to bits after reading this insightful handbook. The day after I finished it, I was awakened at the merest crack of dawn by a cat patting my head, then licking my hair, and then yanking it, despite my efforts to pull the covers over my head, pleading, “It’s not time to get up yet!” but there was no mercy and I finally got up and fed the slavering horde. The next morning, I woke up to discover a warm object cuddled beside me under the covers. “This is so nice!”, I said to myself. Then the warm lump pushed himself closer to my side, and then practically shoved me right out of my bed.
Beware my fellow cat lovers. They have got you wrapped around their precious little tails.
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. It is a gem.
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How to Train Your Human: A Cat’s Guide
Babas, Katherine Gregor
This book is written from a cat’s point of view.
You may think you have a feline pet. Don’t fool yourself, you do not own a cat; it is not possible, NOONE can own a cat. They own you. After all, cats are the superior species.
Cats believe humans are smart and competent. However, cats do not understand why humans do the things they do. A well-trained human can be a reliable servant. This book was written to help other cats become the complete ruler of their home. If you follow Babas’ instructions carefully your human will serve you faithfully. All felines must learn how to talk to your human; it may take a while for your human to learn cat language but eventually they will catch on. Do not forget how important it is to learn facial expressions, sometimes it is the narrowing of the eyes, staring, or baring teeth. Never give a human too much affection; they must earn it.
This book was translated from FELiNE to a language humans can understand by Katherine Gregor. The book is a manual written to instruct all cats on how to take over a household and become the royalty within that home.
This is a well written manual for domesticated cats. The illustrations complement the text. Author Katherine Gregor has captured the true demeanor of a cat.
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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.
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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.
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“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.
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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.