Cats make truly excellent characters in picture books, due to their natural charisma, sinuous curves, acrobatic moves and unique life outlook. Here are our favourite picture books for feline admirers.

(Do you also love dogs? Find 10 pawsome picture books about dogs here.)

Blue Ethel by Jennifer Black Reinhardt

Ethel the cat is initially embarrassed when she accidentally dyes her fur a different colour, but she soon finds another colourful cat friend and embraces the joys of being different. The illustrations of Ethel are an absolute joy – her exaggerated and warped proportions somehow convey a pure catliness (if that’s a word).

They All Saw a Cat by Brendan Wenzel

Perspective is introduced to children in this simple story of a cat walking around the neighbourhood, viewed by various animal residents through different lenses. The fish sees googly yellow eyes, the worm sees vibrations, the skunk sees in black and white and the mouse sees a red terror.

The Cat Wants Cuddles by P. Crumble & Lucinda Gifford

If you like your cats reticent, aloof and prone to side-eye, then you will love Kevin. Kevin likes his space, and most definitely does not want to be patted, stroked or embraced… until he sees a dog enjoying his owner’s affections. But Kevin still can only tolerates so many hugs. I feel you, Kevin.

Kevin also stars in The Cat Wants Custard and The Cat Wants Kittens

Stack the Cats by Susie Ghahremani

Counts cats from 1 to 10 and back down again in this bright graphic book featuring cats sleeping, playing and being pileed into towers. Kids will laugh at the cats’ antics and won’t even realise that they’re learning numbers and counting. When the cats get stacked into various groupings, they’ll even pick up addition and multiplication too.

Doodle Cat is Bored by Kat Patrick & Lauren Marriott

Doodle Cat finds a crayon, and goes to town creating wild and imaginative realities in this fun, anarchic ode to creativity. Doodle Cat’s psychedelic ride with Wizard Susan is a highlight, as is the pangolin party.

Also check out the original, I am Doodle Cat and the latest Doodle Cat Wears a Cape.

Mog Time: Six stories about Mog the Forgetful Cat by Judith Kerr

Lovely and forgetful tabby cat Mog has a place in many people’s hearts around the world, and most of us are still trying to get over what happens in Goodbye, Mog (weep). Mog’s family, the Thomas’s, are based on author Kerr’s family, and each Mog story is a gentle, affectionate adventure. The stories included in this hardcover treasury are: Mog the Forgetful Cat, Mog and Bunny, Mog and Baby, Mog on Fox Night, Mog’s Bad Thing and Mog’s Christmas.

Cat by Matthew Van Fleet

If you must have photographic images with real-life cats, then look no further. Van Fleet’s interactive board book has furry bits, tabs to pull, flaps and more, and is almost as fun as watching a real cat play. The final pages show and name many breeds, including some quite rare and exotic cats.

The Catawampus Cat by Jason Carter Eaton & Gus Gordon

The Catawampus Cat, a small grey cat with a charming sideways lean, has a knack for changing everyone’s perspective on life. The grocer, the barber, a painted, a schoolboy and more are all inspired by the cat to take a new slanted view of the world, with excellent and surprising results. Gus Gordon’s mixed media illustrations with collage and vintage paraphernalia are, as usual, delightful.

I Am Pusheen the Cat by Claire Belton

You cannot underestimate the love kids have for Pusheen, even if the adults don’t fully get their passion. This is Pusheen’s guide to life, based on her blog, and let me tell you – Pusheen has got the work-life balance thing sorted out. Find out about sleeping positions, acquisition of treats, how to make friends, cat etiquette and more.

John Brown, Rose and the Midnight Cat by Jenny Wagner & Ron Brooks

John Brown is sheepdog and Rose is his lovely elderly owner. When the midnight cat shows up unannounced and insinuates itself into their routines, it sends John Brown into fits of jealousy and worry. This is a sweet, sombre and touching story where the ‘midnight cat’ can be read literally or symbolically.

Leanne Hall