The Cat on My Lap: Stories of the Cats We Love

Pets are such a big part of so many of our lives. As any pet lover knows, a wagging tail or a tender purr can soothe the soul after a hard day. And sometimes, the presence of dogs and cats in our lives can do even more. In these delightful books, Callie Smith Grant collects stories that celebrate the dogs and cats in our lives--stories that touch our hearts, renew our spirit, and show us how God created these beasts for unique purposes. A funny little dog named Prince earns his title by protecting the children of the house. A "dickens of a cat" gives a cancer survivor something else to think about. A lively litter of puppies soothes a troubled child. A scrawny kitten helps an anorexic girl begin to eat.
Well-known authors, including Melody Carlson, Tracie Peterson, and Robert Benson, as well as new voices share their inspirational true stories of these otherwise ordinary cats and dogs whose presence in the lives of humans make them remarkable. Each book also includes interesting sidebars, memorable quotes, helpful hints for living with dogs and cats, and forewords by H. Norman Wright. The stories are warm, captivating, and ideal for a good curl-up-and-read or for a gift to any pet lover. Cat lovers, dog lovers, and anyone who likes to read uplifting stories will cherish these books.

From the Back Cover

"In that minute, I realized that healing had begun . . .
That cat didn't need something from me. I needed something from him."

Our cats are more than pets. They are our best friends when times are tough, our partners when we are lonely, our pillows to cry on when we are sad. Cats bring companionship, humor, and a sense of mystery to our lives that no other pet can match. A rumbling purr or a tender meow can change our moods and warm our hearts.

In this charming collection of true stories, you will find cats of all shapes, sizes, and demeanors. Each of them has played an important part in the lives of their humans. You'll meet a scrawny kitten who helps an anorexic girl get well, a selfless mother cat who gives up her kitten to a little boy who needs a friend, a cat who acts as a partner down the lonely road of cancer recovery, and many more ordinary and extraordinary felines.

So grab a cup of coffee, find a comfortable chair, curl up with the special cat in your life, and enjoy these uplifting tales.


Callie Smith Grant is the editor of The Cat in the Window, The Dog at My Feet, and The Dog Next Door. She is also the author of several nonfiction books for young readers and adults, as well as many animal-themed stories and poems that can be seen in Guideposts anthologies and in magazines such as Small Farmer's Journal.