This book was so good! It reminded me a lot of The Authenticity Project, but with cats, which is just an amazing combination. Such a sweet story. The male cast made the book for me. Collin, Bong and Omar are just the best.

The Cat's POV lead to a most interesting read. As someone who doesn't see themselves as a cat person, I couldn't help feeling like I was totally eavesdropping on another person's life. I found this quite interesting. Kudos to Tanya Guerrero. Thoroughly enjoyed.

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Delacorte Press and NetGalley for providing an eARC for a honest review.

As a certified cat-lover...this book was written FOR ME. Cat's People follows five people living in Brooklyn, some who are lonely, and some who are grieving, and how they end up connected by their care for a stray cat living on the block. There are so many lines in this that made me laugh, and made me seen, in the way that only a fellow cat person would understand. There were so many heartfelt moments, funny moments, and I may have even shed a tear. Coming from me, you know that's rare. Maybe I'm a sucker for found family, but it's a scarcity that I find a book that feels like so cozy, inclusive and like I've connected with on the level that I did with this. I loved Cat and his people, and agree: some cat's are just special.

Cat is a stray who wanders through his neighborhood, engaging with his people. Omar, the mailman, Bong, the bodega owner, Collin, the author, Nutria, the barista and Lily, the newest member of his club. Cat, has different names depending on who is talking to him. Omar calls him Gatito and Bong calls him Itim. Cat also has different names for his people, Nutria is Rainbow Lady, Collin is Awesome Guy, and Bong is sad guy. As Cat travels through his neighborhood, you see the world from his perspective, how he connects differently with each person, and how he survives in the bustling world of NYC.

What an enchanting book, all told from the perspective of a Cat. I took pleasure in reading Cat’s outlook on the world. I liked how the author created unique relationships for each person Cat encountered. The community build is a charming world, the friendships are developed through a mutual love of a cat and as Louis Armstrong sang oh what a wonderful world. Enjoy this delightful read, you sure to be engaged in Cat’s People as I was.

This book was a pleasant surprise for me. I started it on a whim (thanks to Random House for sending it my way), and I loved it so much. The story follows a stray cat and his humans. We get several POVs, each following people who have been kind to the cat in some way. Every story is beautiful and complex, and I loved how, in the end, everything connected thanks to the cat. This was such a heartfelt story that made me feel so many emotions—it was unique, fun, and brilliant! I'll write a full review close to release date. Thanks to the publisher and to netgalley for this eARC.

2.5/5

Cat’s People is about a stray cat who by a mix of coincidence and slight urging, brings together 5 people’s lives. Each of these five people are at either at a crossroads in their lives or in a rut.

Set in a modern New York, it’s eclectic and quirky and highlights the uniqueness of the city and its people. There is a beautiful range of cultures and different socio-economic backgrounds, but the underlying vibe is comforting and homey. It’s a pretty quick read, and although alternating between the five different POVs, it’s easy to follow. For the most part, it is lighthearted but with deeper themes throughout.

The biggest issue I had with this was the writing. It seemed too simplistic and each character felt one dimensional. Like each one had one character trait and that’s all they were. There was not a lot of depth so when the problems of each character was resolved, it didn’t feel satisfying. Things just sort of happened and especially bad things would pop up out of nowhere but resolved very quickly and cleanly.

I also didn’t buy the romance; especially with the notes. The ending was sweet but the journey there was unsatisfactory.

Overall it was okay. If the character and plot were fleshed out just a bit more, it would have been more enjoyable.

Thank you to the author, publishers, and NetGalley for the eArc. All opinions are my own.

This story centers around a black street cat who is street smart, and the people who watch over him, sometimes leaving him a bit of food, and sometimes grander gestures. He is hesitant to accept these gestures at first, but slowly he learns just how much they do care about him and for him. He is especially fond of the woman he calls ‘Rainbow Lady’ who makes sure he has some water and food each day, and the man who lets the woman know he appreciates her gestures to the cat.

Cat likes to follow the Mailman, who is also known to offer him treats, which helps since the lady who used to give Cat treats died a year ago, leaving her friend sad.

When author Collin Thackeray meets up with his agent in a coffee shop, he realizes that the woman who works as a barista there is the ‘Rainbow Lady’ whose name is Nuria. Over time, a bond is formed between them to give Cat a better life, buying him cat food, and providing him with a house just his size to have his own place to sleep in peace, as well as other necessities. What he doesn’t know yet, is that the cashier is the woman that Nuria’s been looking for most of her life.

There’s a lot of love and charm in this story, as some of the people in the neighborhood seem to become closer through this bond they share over Cat, and how it changes their lives, and Cat’s life, as well.


Pub Date: 01 Apr 2025


Many thanks for the ARC provided by Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine / Delacorte Press

I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Sweet novel about a neighborhood stray cat and the humans that he brings together.

This is one of those feel good books that gives you the cozy vibe of a warm fire on a cold snow day . It wraps your heart up like a warm hug . I loved that it speaks to the transformative power of animals in our lives
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review the book

Cat is a black quirky longtime street cat who lives by his wits. And he is loved by many unconventional people.

He sleeps under hedges during the day after patrolling the neighborhood during the night.

Cat’s favorite person whom he calls Rainbow Lady brings him food and water every morning. This morning the man in the house behind the hedge came out and left Rainbow Lady a note and said have a nice day to Cat.

At lunchtime the Cheery Mailman, whose name is Omar, came along and as usual Cat followed him to the Bodega where he waited for the mailman to come out with delicious treats. Smiley Bodega Lady used to give them to Cat but she died last year leaving Sad Bodega Man whose name is Bong.

The next day the man, who is a famous author named Collin Thackeray, meets with his agent in a coffee shop and discovers that Rainbow Lady whose name is Nuria is a barista there.

Collin decides to build a house for Cat so he won’t have to sleep under the hedges. He goes to Food Town to buy cat food and food and water dishes and a cat bed and asks the cashier girl if she has any large boxes and she gives him two. He doesn’t know it but the cashier girl, Lily, is Nuria’s half sister, and Nuria doesn’t know it either yet.

Omar helps out Bong and Nuria and Lily helps out Nuria before she tells her that they are sisters.

Collin has developed a crush on Nuria and they have been leaving each other notes but she doesn’t know who he is yet.

Omar has helped Bong get through some of his grieving and become happier. And Bong has befriended Lily and hired her part time in his bodega helping her with her loneliness and her rent.

The interactions between and among all Cat’s different people make this amazing and extraordinary story come to life in a way that you will love.

And there are many more details in the novel that will tickle your imagination and feed your soul.

Cat’s People by Tanya Guerrero is a novel you will definitely want to read!

First and foremost, thank you to the author and Delacorte/PRH for the advance reader edition of Cat’s People. As a self proclaimed childless cat lady, I requested this on a whim, and I’m so glad I did.

Cat’s People was a lovely, heartwarming story following 5 strangers who are inexplicably connected by Cat, a neighborhood stray. Not unlike Shelby Van Pelt’s “Remarkably Bright Creatures” we’re able to follow each individual through their lives, as well as the meddlesome animal connecting them.

Each character is going through their own personal turmoil, whether it be career direction/struggles, personal challenges, or life changes, we see each part of this motley crew struggle and come together as a support group for this one black cat living on the streets of New York.

I truly enjoyed this story, I held my own kitty close (and told him all about how good he has it as an indoor kitty) and held him even closer during the particularly difficult scenes where Cat was facing his own struggle. I was laughing and crying and it truly goes to show just how smart and intuitive these little beasts can be.

I really appreciate the author’s reasoning for writing the book and I’ll encourage anyone reading this thinking about getting a cat, to go out to your local shelters. Whether it be to adopt a kitty in need of a home, volunteer, donate, or foster. Cats will love you conditionally (lots of treats are needed), but once they love you, they love you with everything they’ve got. I’m gonna go cuddle my Khaos now, and give him extra treats tomorrow for being the best friend a girl could have.

Tanya Guerrero's novel Cat’s People has one main star: Cat, a stray black cat living in a Brooklyn neighborhood, and his interactions with his servants who do what they can to get Cat’s attention. In other words, they have a soft spot in their heart for this cat and feed and take care of him in their own ways. Cat is like any other cat - a master manipulator of his humans to get what he wants. 🙂 With their own stories interwoven like a cat weaving between your legs to get your attention, the reader learns how Nuria, Omar, Bong, Collin, and Lily are brought from individuals to a family of Cat’s choosing.
Cat’s People is a delightful read, especially if you are a cat person. There are characters who have wishes and dreams of their own, but have things holding them back from reaching their goals. It also speaks of how you can have more than one family in life. It’s not just about the family you are born into, but the family that is brought together by unique circumstances. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House- Ballantine Books for the advanced copy. Opinions expressed are my own. This book will be published on March 31, 2025.
#netgalley #arc #bookstagram #CatsPeople #TanyaGuerrero #RandomHouse #BallantineBooks

I spent my life being allergic to cats, and then we adopted a rescue kitten, somehow my allergies got used to her; and then two strays found our backyard one day and have since adopted us. So when I had the chance to read 'Cat's People' I jumped at the chance. This was such a sweet book, told from the perspectives of Cat, and Cat's people, and how they all end up interconnected in the bustling world of Brooklyn, NY. The stores of Cats People are very emotional and will pull on your heartstrings in the best way. I will say, I loved Cat's chapters, you can just imagine it would be exactly how a Cat would write. Thank you Net Galley and Delacorte Press for the ARC!

Let's just say I zoomed through this. 😅 It is a very wholesome, feel-good book. The ending will have you emotional just seeing how Cat brought all these people together! I highly recommend reading this.
Thank you for the ARC through Netgelly.

"Maybe the key to a happier life was doing things for others. Other people. Other beings."

This book was written for cat people. It's a beautiful story of how five people take care of a stray cat. As the story progresses their lives intertwine in the most heartwarming way. Each POV is unique and endearing. This book made me laugh and cry!

"It was then . . . that he realized that home wasn't necessarily a place. Home could be people too."

let me just start by saying i absolutely loved this book. the story revolves around a stray cat and all of the people in the neighborhood who interact with the cat. told from multiple povs, we see glimpses of the experiences of people with completely different lives and watch them make lifelong connections. this book is perfect for animal lovers, even if your preferred animal isn’t a cat. as a dog person, i still loved this book so much. if you enjoy the found family trope, i think you will like this book. i love how all of the characters end up being friends and being such a great support system for each other.

Cat’s People by Tanya Guerrero is an interconnected story between five people and a cat in in Brooklyn that will warm your heart and renew your faith in humanity. Cat is living on the streets but he has several people who look out for him. Nuria, a barista, feeds him every morning and finds notes from someone admiring her from afar. Collin, an author and recluse, decides to build Cat a shelter and be his evening meal provider. Omar is a mailman who connects with people (and a cat!) easily on his route but he is searching for his purpose. Bong is grieving his wife while trying to keep his bodega open. Lily is searching for her sister who doesn’t know she exists. The stories of all of these people come together in an amazing way and Cat is behind the scenes helping to bring them together.

I would recommend this book for all readers. It’s a touching story that shows how we connect with others can make a big impact on our own lives. My favorite point of view (POV) was Cat who has profound ways of communicating to the humans. The alternating POVs are divided between the five humans and Cat, be patient while you take the time to learn each person’s story.

Thank you Random House Publishing Ballantine and Netgalley for the advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.

I loved this story because I am an animal lover. While dogs are my pet of choice, this cat story got my attention. It is amazing the effect animals can have on our lives for the better and help bring people together.

This was such a lovely book! As mentioned in the synopsis, this book is about a stray cat named “Cat” living on the streets of Brooklyn and 5 strangers whose lives get intertwined due to their interactions with Cat. There were several moments that had me tearing up, and also laughing because the way cats and cat lovers were depicted is so wholly accurate it made me chuckle. The characters were also all so well written and likable. Each chapter was a different POV, and yet it was never confusing and flowed comfortably.

I loved the sweet romance elements and the multiple instances of “found family” throughout the book, both literally and figuratively. ;)

I would definitely recommend to any and all cat lovers, or anyone looking for a heartwarming read!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House - Ballantine for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

This book was silly and cute and touching and fun. As a cat lover myself, I really enjoyed the premise. I think animals have power to bring people together and heal broken hearts.