Last Updated on 17 December 2024 by Vanessa
Are you curious about the intersection of Japanese culture, self-development, and cats? If so, The Zen of Cat: An A-Z of Japanese Feline Philosophy by Carla Francis is a must-read.
This book offers readers a unique A-to-Z guide that delves into the heart of Japanese culture and philosophy… with a feline twist.
Using cats as a lens, Carla explores various aspects of Japanese culture and Zen principles, encouraging readers to embrace the mindful, serene approach to life that both cats and Japanese traditions naturally embody.
Keep reading for an in-depth review and an exclusive paperback giveaway of the book!
The Zen of Cat by Carla Francis: book review and giveaway
What is The Zen of Cat about?
The book organizes its content around an A-Z structure, where each chapter is dedicated to a specific Japanese word or concept. These terms find their roots in Zen philosophy or the Japanese way of life. They are gateways into deeper discussions, enriched by Carla’ personal experiences and interviews with inspiring individuals.
Carla is passionate about these themes: Japan, cats, and self-development practices like mindfulness, yin yoga, and meditation. In her previous book, The Cat with Three Passports, she shares a deeply personal story about her years in Japan, which profoundly transformed her both spiritually and emotionally.
While living in cities like Osaka and Takayama and later working at British Hills in Fukushima Prefecture, Carla embraced Japan’s slower, more intentional way of life—a perspective she captures beautifully in her writing. While there, she also rescued five cats, an experience that helped her discover her ikigai, or purr-pose in life.
Check out our review of The Cat with Three Passports and our interview with the author.
The Zen of Cat is mainly a cultural exploration. However, it is also a lighthearted journey that shows us how cats naturally embody Zen principles like mindfulness, simplicity, and living fully in the moment. Carla also invites readers to reflect on how to live a more mindful and present life, much like our feline companions.
Here’s a sneak peek at some of the chapters:
Wabi-sabi (侘寂) – Imperfectly perfect
This is a well-known Japanese aesthetic concept that finds beauty in imperfection and transience. The chapter reflects on how cats embody this philosophy by living in the moment without concern for perfection. It also delves into the history of wabi-sabi, its connection to the tea ceremony, and various ways to embrace this timeless perspective.
Datsuzoku (脱俗) – Break from routine
As one of the Seven Aesthetic Principles of wabi-sabi, Datsuzoku encourages detachment from attachments and freedom from the distractions of everyday life. Carla argues that stepping away from our usual routines can unlock our creativity and gain a deeper understanding of ourselves. On the other hand, while daily habits can provide comfort and stability, they can also hold us back from reaching our true potential.
Natsukashii (懐かしい) – Bittersweet nostalgia
Just as the sound of a fridge door opening can send a cat sprinting to its food dish, certain sights, sounds, or smells can instantly transport us to cherished memories—a favorite holiday brought back by the scent of sunscreen or a song that takes us to a moment from our youth.
In Japan, the word natsukashii describes this feeling when encountering something familiar after a long time. While similar to nostalgia, natsukashii carries a unique sense of gratitude for the past. It’s about appreciating those moments without clinging to them, using them instead as a reminder to be thankful for what once was.
Torimadosu (取り戻す) – Bouncing Back
The verb torimodosu means to regain strength after facing something unexpected, like losing a loved one or going through a difficult breakup. Like cats, many of us struggle to rebuild the confidence needed to move forward and trust that life won’t bring even more hardships.
In The Zen of Cat, Carla explores this idea in a conversation with Takako Saito, the owner of the Asakusa Neko-en Rescue Cat Café in Tokyo. Takako has rehomed over 50 cats rescued from the Fukushima exclusion zone after the devastating 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. These cats showed remarkable resilience, bouncing back faster than humans—a perfect example of torimodosu.
Is The Zen of Cat by Carla Francis worth reading?
Plenty of other books blend cats with Zen or lifestyle topics, so it’s fair to wonder if The Zen of Cat stands out. The answer? Yes—this book brings something fresh to the table.
Carla’s meticulous research and conversations with experts is what sets The Zen of Cat apart. This isn’t just a rehash of widely available ideas. Instead, it’s a deep dive into Japanese culture and philosophy, paired with personal stories of people (and cats) who are living their lives through these principles.
Carla’s refined and intelligent writing matches the depth of her subject matter. It’s not just a cute book about cats—you’ll walk away with real insights and a greater appreciation for Japanese traditions.
The author’s personal connection to the material shines throughout the book. She has lived in Japan for several years and has firsthand experience with Zen practices, yin yoga, and meditation. This makes the book feel heartfelt and authentic.
While cats feature prominently, they aren’t always the central focus. Each chapter ties feline behaviors to philosophical concepts. However, in some cases, their inclusion feels more like a secondary detail than a driving theme. The connection with cats flows naturally in some chapters, but the feline aspect can feel a bit forced in others.
Still, this choice makes sense. Carla’s earlier books, Travelling With Pets on Australia’s East Coast and The Cat with Three Passports, center on our furry friends, so incorporating them here likely appealed from both a marketing and personal perspective.
Given the author’s passion for felines, their inclusion feels authentic, even if they aren’t the book’s main raison d’être. And let’s be honest—as fellow cat lovers, we’re not complaining about their presence! Just keep in mind that if you’re expecting a fully cat-centric book, you might feel a little let down. On the other hand, The Zen of Cat excels in its exploration of Japan’s rich cultural and philosophical traditions.
If you’re looking for a thoughtful gift for someone who loves self-development, Japanese culture, or cats—or if that person is you—this book is a perfect choice.
The Zen of Cat: sample chapter
Do you want to read a sample chapter of The Zen of Cat by Carla Francis?
You can read the chapter on the cat monk at Nyan Nyan Ji Cat Temple in Kyoto—a true embodiment of Zen in feline form. Part of a larger chapter on Annei (安寧) – meaning peace or tranquility – this excerpt shows just how deeply intertwined cats and Zen philosophy can be. Curious? Trust me, you won’t want to miss it.
Book giveaway
Here’s your chance to win a paperback copy of The Zen of Cat.
Simply enter the Rafflecopter giveaway below for your chance to be the lucky winner!
The giveaway is open worldwide and runs until December 31. Good luck!
Conclusion
Did The Zen of Cat by Carla Francis pique your interest?
The paperback and Kindle versions are available from Amazon US, Amazon FR, etc. It’s available in several languages, including Italian and Portuguese.
You can further support the author’s work by sharing this article with your friends and on social media.
Disclosure: I received a PDF copy of The Zen of Cat from the author to write this review. All opinions, however, are my own.
This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking on the links, Traveling Cats will get a small commission.
Pictures courtesy of Carla Francis.
Check out these other books for cat lovers!
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- Cats of Greece
- Travels of Suki the Adventure Cat
- Clowders
- The Cats of America
- Sigrid Rides
- Nala’s World
- The French Cat
- Saudades Mr. No Ears
- Street Cats of Thailand & Japan
- KeeKee’s Big Adventures
- The Cats of Britain
11 responses
What a great book for cat lovers.
This book seems great! It combines my love for cats with my desire to feel more at peace in life.
Looks like a super book. Thanks.
I would love to win this for my daughter. She is the definition of a lil cat lady.
I love anything with cats. Putting this on my to be read list.
Would love to gift this book to friend who loves her cat.
Great book for cat lovers like me!
What a fun book 🙂 Thanks!
Looks like a very cool book.
Thanks for the chance, I would love to win this! I am helping the stray and feral cats in my neighborhood and have learned quite a lot from them.
looks like a fun one