Member Reviews

Would totally recommend this book for any cat owner. It is hilarious and spot on!

My two Cuddle Units #5 are the best but it is great to have this operator's manual to help with the tough spots.

Thank you to Chronicle Books and NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book. This review is my own opinion.

Was this review helpful?

This book was pretty funny. It is the typical 'instruction manual for something that doesn't need an instruction manual' format. The advice it gives is actually factual and the comedy was pretty good. I particularly enjoyed the part where it tells you that the "cuddle unit 5" doesn't have any user exchangeable parts. Frankly, if you're trying to upgrade your cat, good luck to you.
The illustrations are both cute and simple, it's a little like an IKEA instruction manual but in colour.
The physical version of this would make a great gift but I found it didn't transfer well to the e-book format. Honestly I'll probably buy this when it comes out to gift it to people at Christmas (and I'm saying this in January).

Was this review helpful?

Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this manual. My honest opinion of it is that I wish I'd had it as a child some forty odd years ago when I entered into the service of felines. The impeccably researched and thorough knowledge contained in this manual could have saved me from years of scratches,slashes, bloodshed, ambush attacks from the depths of carboard boxes, and mental anguish. The author of this book has done humanity, and indeed, cats everywhere a great service by writing it and I think a Nobel Prize is certainly in order. My cat says she has no opinions about the book and even if she does it's no business of ours.

Was this review helpful?

I just finished reading The Cat Operator's Manual: Getting the Most from Your New Cuddle Unit, and it’s honestly the funniest and most relatable guide for cat owners I’ve ever seen! The book is written like a technical manual for operating your feline companion, complete with diagrams, troubleshooting tips, and plenty of tongue-in-cheek humor. If you’ve ever wondered why your cat acts like a tiny dictator or how to decode their baffling behavior, this book has you covered—with plenty of laughs along the way.

What I loved most is how spot-on it is. Whether it’s detailing the “erratic zoom function” (aka the zoomies) or explaining how to interpret a cat’s “low-purring diagnostic system,” it’s clear the authors know cats inside and out. It’s a perfect mix of comedy and genuinely helpful insights for cat lovers. If you’ve ever lived with a cat, you’ll see your furry overlord in every page—and if you’re new to cats, this is the funniest crash course you could ask for. Highly recommend for anyone who appreciates cats, comedy, or just really clever writing!

Was this review helpful?

This is a witty guide to caring for your cat. At first glance this operators manual for your CU (cuddle unit aka cat) seems like a novelty read. However this book is pa l with surprising detail and information for everyday care of your cat. This information spans from health information to keep you safe to tips to better understand your cat. I was expecting a light fun read but this is a really good informative guide to your cat. Definitely recommend as a cat parent or as a gift to a new cat parent!
I received this book for review however the opinions are completely honest and unbiased.

Was this review helpful?

This book was written with love and humor by a cat lover that knows a lot about their little Cuddle Unit 5. It was just downright tickling. (Warning: you should not try to tickle a Cuddle Unit 5 due to the chance they will unleash The Sharp Embrace on your fingers/hands) The part where they label specific toe beans and named them after different beans, like coffee, mung, and soy beans. As an attendant of 4 Cuddle Unit 5’s, this made me think of them every step of the way, including them being tripping hazards, constantly into everything and their incessant food demanding cortexes.
It was very informative. Not only did I pick up new words such as ‘entomophagy’ and ‘crepuscular’ but found some extremely helpful advice for administering medication. We have had to give our Cuddle Unit 5’s medication multiple times over the years and I do think that making a “burrito de gato” is something that I hadn’t thought of before. I found it relieving that the author included an important tidbit about “owning” a Cuddle Unit 5 and added a humorous spin to it: “it is not recommended to declaw Cuddle Unit 5, as aftermarket modifications will void your warranty”. They put a humorous spin to a lot of information in this manual and I sped through this manual as fast as possible, chuckling the whole time. I can’t wait to provide my cat loving friends (and the ones that might need a bit more info on their Cuddle Unit 5) with this delightful treat of a manual because Cuddle Unit 5’s are “a furry force of nature”.

Was this review helpful?

Utterly adorable! This is a fun and honest take on cat companionship. I laughed out loud thinking about my snuggle miscreants. Good luck out there!

Was this review helpful?

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Queen Culvia’s latest opus, "The Cat Operator's Manual," is a delightful, tongue-in-cheek guide that merges wit, wisdom, and a profound understanding of our feline friends. From the moment you turn the first page, you're drawn into a whimsical world where cats are not just pets but sophisticated "cuddle units" with their own operating systems and unique quirks.

Culvia's manual is a playful nod to the often perplexing behavior of cats, presenting it in a format that is both humorous and surprisingly insightful. The author's sharp humor is evident throughout, making this book a joy to read for both seasoned cat owners and new adopters alike. The analogy of cats as cuddle units is hilariously fitting, especially when delving into the "troubleshooting" sections that deal with common feline antics.

One of the standout features of the book is its practical advice wrapped in clever commentary. Tips on diet, grooming, and health are seamlessly interwoven with amusing anecdotes and fictional “maintenance schedules.” Culvia’s ability to balance levity with genuinely useful information sets this book apart from the more straightforward pet care guides.

"The Cat Operator's Manual" excels in its relatability. Every cat owner will recognize the scenarios described and appreciate the humor Culvia brings to each situation. The illustrations sprinkled throughout the book add an extra layer of charm, visually capturing the essence of feline unpredictability.

In essence, Queen Culvia has crafted a book that is not only entertaining but also a valuable resource. It's the perfect read for anyone looking to understand and appreciate the enigmatic nature of their feline companions. "The Cat Operator's Manual" is a testament to the joys and challenges of cat ownership, and it does so with a playful nod and a knowing wink.

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) - A must-read for every cat enthusiast, this manual offers both laughs and lessons in equal measure.

Was this review helpful?

Love this book!! As a new owner of two rescue Cuddle Units, it has prepared me well for what to expect. A quick read and spot on with the explanations. Very relatable. Excellent illustrations, a must read for any cat owner!

Thank you, NetGalley and Chronicle Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

This manual was very cute and funny. I think it would make a great gift for anybody who just adopted a cat.

Was this review helpful?

An absolutely hysterical look at how to own a cat, from the cat’s perspective. I have 13 cats and I am quite sure they could have written this book had their days not been completely occupied with eating and sleeping.

I received this book as an ARC from the publisher and NetGalley.

Was this review helpful?

If you’ve ever wondered why your cat acts like a quirky little machine, The Cat Operator's Manual is here to explain it all in the most hilarious way possible. This cheeky guide, packed with tongue-in-cheek advice and spot-on illustrations, feels like you’ve just stumbled upon the user manual to your very own Cuddle Unit 5™ (a.k.a. your cat). It’s a fun, lighthearted read that offers a ton of useful tips and a whole lot of laughs.

From decoding your cat's Mood Mode Indicator to understanding when it's in Eco Mode (a.k.a. when it’s ignoring you) or Turbo Mode (the zoomies!), this manual covers it all. The advice is silly, but surprisingly accurate—like why your cat insists on sitting in the sun all day or why it seems to leave surprise "gifts" in the oddest places. And don't even get me started on the bonus sticker sheet—because who doesn’t love cat stickers?

Whether you're a seasoned cat parent or a newbie, The Cat Operator's Manual is the purrfect gift for anyone who loves their feline friend. It’s practical, funny, and will make you look at your Cuddle Unit 5™ in a whole new way.

Was this review helpful?

I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. Super funny book about how to raise your cats. Part true statements, part absolute hilarity.

Was this review helpful?

This book is hilarious if you are owned by a cat. It's a very quick read and definitely entertaining. Love the art.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you, NetGalley and Chronicle Books for this ARC for review. This book was both informative and hilarious! I feel fully confident and prepared to take care of my cat cuddle unit now! Must read for any cat owner!

Was this review helpful?

I'll be honest: I am NOT a cat person. I'm actually fairly afraid of cats. But I somehow ended up in a household with one of these Cuddle Units, so I figured this was the best way to make sure I know everything I need to regarding operation and maintenance.

And oh my god, this book delivers. The humor is spot-on—consistently funny, without being over-done or fake. The advice is actually solid (especially with regard to how to avoid the Sharp Embrace). And I feel much more confident sharing my space with a fuzzy little razorblade. So all in all, this book is a win/win/win! We're already planning on picking up a copy for a mutual friend who loves cats.

While writing this review, I read the author's name and went "Queen Olivia III? Huh, that almost sounds like this book was written BY a cat!" and then I googled them, and oh my gosh they're absolutely fantastic.

Thank you Queen Olivia III, NetGalley, and Chronicle Books for the eARC!

Was this review helpful?

Absolutely fantastic - funny and adorable. A must read for cat lovers! Highly recommended. Any cat lover will appreciate this.

Was this review helpful?

If cats came with an owners manual this would definitely be it! Lots of practical advice layed out in a hilariously entertaining read that is perfect for all cat lovers! Loved all of the illustrations. I thank Netgalley and Chronicle Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Was this review helpful?

This was a hilarious book! Cat lovers will greatly appreciate this manual and will relate with many of the facts provided!

Was this review helpful?

This is definitely cute but it's really just a fun little coffee table book. Nothing of real substance here just a fun conversation starter to prop up somewhere.

Was this review helpful?