We'll Prescribe You a Cat
Originally published in 2023. Translated by E. Madison Shimoda.
A cat a day keeps the doctor away…
Discover the award-winning, bestselling Japanese novel that has become an international sensation in this utterly charming, vibrant celebration of the healing power of cats.
Tucked away in an old building at the end of a narrow alley in Kyoto, the Kokoro Clinic for the Soul can only be found by people who are struggling in their lives and genuinely need help. The mysterious clinic offers a unique treatment to those who find their way there: it prescribes cats as medication. Patients are often puzzled by this unconventional prescription, but when they “take” their cat for the recommended duration, they witness profound transformations in their lives, guided by the playful, empathetic, occasionally challenging yet endearing cats.
Throughout the pages, the power of the human-animal bond is revealed as a disheartened businessman finds unexpected joy in physical labor, a young girl navigates the complexities of elementary school cliques, a middle-aged man struggles to stay relevant at work and home, a hardened bag designer seeks emotional balance, and a geisha finds herself unable to move on from the memory of her lost cat. As the clinic’s patients navigate their inner turmoil and seek resolution, their feline companions lead them toward healing, self-discovery, and newfound hope.
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We'll Prescribe You a Cat
We'll Prescribe You a Cat consists of two books and series is set to expand with the upcoming release of one more book. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.
Reviews and Comments
In Kyoto, there is a mysterious clinic where patients suffering insomnia and various other personal problems seek psychological help. To their surprise, regardless of their ailment, they receive a prescription for, say, 10 days of cat care. There are many different kinds of cats. The book is a warm-hearted, feel-good story that embodies magical realism. It is full of charming details about cats and their behavior, presented in a Japanese style and spirit. Highly recommended for cat lovers, though others will certainly enjoy it as well.
