11 Fantastic Fictional Felines

Cat in the Hat (The Cat in the Hat, by Dr. Seuss)
A Dr. Seuss classic, there is possibly no more memorable fictional feline than the star of The Cat in the Hat, by Dr. Seuss. At once zany and quirky, this outspoken cat can drive, talk, and take your children on a magical adventure. You will both enjoy the poetic prose and original illustrations as you read about Dick and Sally’s escapades with this feisty feline. (Ages 3-7)

Skippyjon Jones (Skippyjon Jones, by Judy Schachner)
This hyperactive kitty has ears too big for his body, and an imagination too big for his world. In the first book of the series – Skippyjon Jones, he imagines himself as a sword-fighting Chihuahua bandito. Intersperesed with Spanish phrases, this multicultural kitty will inspire your children to pick up the other books in the bestselling series, including Skippyjon Jones in the Dog House or Skippyjon Jones and the Big Bones. (Ages 3-7)

Pete the Cat (I Love My White Shoes, by James Dean and Eric Litwin)
Preschoolers will love following the adventures of Pete, who is one super cool cat. In I Love My White Shoes, Pete’s brand new white sneakers turn various colors as he treads through an array of fruits and muddy messes. He takes it all in stride and doesn’t let his ruined footwear ruin his day, or his cool attitude. Kids will want to join him on some of his other adventures, including Rocking in My School Shoes and Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons. (Ages 3-7)

Cat (If You Give a Cat a Cupcake, by Laura Numeroff)
Numeroff’s series of If You Give… books are beloved by children and parents alike. This cat first appeared in If You Give a Pig a Party and now has his own book, complete with cupcakes, sprinkles, adventures, and many messes.  Get your kids into this simple series, with loose logic and detailed illustrations, and they’ll be excited for the newest book in the series, out this fall, If You Give A Mouse a Brownie. (Ages 4-8)

Splat (Splat the Cat, by Rob Scotton)
Originally introduced to us on his first day of school in Splat the Cat, all of this kitty’s concerns about school come to the surface as his fellow mousers pounce on his beloved pet mouse. Splat overcomes his fears, makes new friends, and returns for more adventures in a full series of books. With some big words, useful life lessons, and a fun cat to chase around the pages, Splat is a hero to many young readers. (Ages 4-8)

Puss in Boots (Puss in Boots, by Jerry Pinkney)
An old-fashioned story about a clever tomcat, Puss in Boots was originally published more than 300 years ago as a folk tale. Puss outsmarts a king and brings his penniless master many riches in a magical, Renaissance-era setting. Watch for the sly expressions and cunning maneuvers of this cat as you read through the beautifully illustrated pages. (Ages 4-8)

Kitty (Bad Kitty Gets a Bath, by Nick Bruel)
The first chapter book in the series, Bad Kitty Gets a Bath, all started with the popular Bad Kitty picture book. Bad Kitty’s muggy antics, attitude, and adventures will delight young readers, whether she’s going to the vet, meeting a new baby, or running for president (sounds like a good idea!). Silly story lines and laugh out loud moments will keep readers on Team Bad Kitty. (Ages 7-10)

Crenshaw (Crenshaw, by Katherine Applegate)
This large, outspoken imaginary feline friend is the star of Applegate’s beautiful book. Jackson and his family have fallen on very hard times when Crenshaw, a seven-foot tall cat who walks, talks, and loves purple jelly beans, reappears in his life. Despite his imaginary status, Crenshaw’s companionship proves to be just what Jackson needs. This larger than life feline proves that friendship comes in all different forms. (Ages 8-12)

The Cheshire Cat (Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, by Lewis Carroll)
A legendary cat character from a classic tale, the Cheshire Cat’s meandering, philosophical conversations often perplex Alice—fortunately he also has the ability to charm her and cheer her up (before randomly disappearing). How many real-life cats, if they could speak, would probably act exactly like the mysterious Cheshire Cat? Probably more than we’d like to admit. (Ages 8-12)

Rusty (Into the Wild, by Erin Hunter)
This house cat introduces readers to the extensive Warrior Series in book one, Into the Wild. The popular series features the adventures (and many conflicts) of four clans of wild warrior cats. Rusty has been living an ordinary life with humans that love him, but when he has a chance to join the wild and mysterious ThunderClan, he leaps right in. Following Rusty’s adventures in this first book will get your young reader climbing the bookshelves for more. (Ages 8-12)

Mrs. Norris (The Harry Potter Series, by J.K. Rowling)
Hogwarts would not be complete without the frequent appearance of Mrs. Norris, who belongs to the caretaker, Argus Filch, and does the hall monitoring for him. She is quick to catch kids creeping about after curfew or skipping class. She’s not a popular fictional feline, but she knows how to keep kids on their toes. Ages 9-12