Get your cat to develop a reading habit
I was horrified to know that Pixie had not developed a love for reading
I was visiting my friends and I knew they had a cat called Pixie. So I asked them if I could bring a book for Pixie, you know things that he likes to read. I did not want to give him a book he already had. After an embarrassed silence they told me that Pixie had never really developed a taste for fiction.
I asked tentatively, “Would he prefer non-fiction?”
“No he just does not enjoy reading books. He really spends all his time on the mobile. He is part of a few WhatsApp groups and they keep forwarding silly cat videos all day. His attention span has dropped.” My hosts were concerned. They had presented Pixie with a copy of Paul Gallico’s fabulous book called Jennie. That remained untouched. I knew this needed a quick resolution.
The story in brief
This is the story of a young boy called Peter, who is knocked down by a car. To his considerable astonishment, when he recovers, he is not a young boy, but a cat!
Fortunately, he meets Jennie, a cat who had been abandoned by her family when they moved away, who educates him in the wiles of the feline world.
My host wiped a tear and said, “Pixie did not even go past the first page of this book. We need help. Teach our cat how to read.”
Ten tips to get your cat to be a book lover
As I travel I am constantly amazed at how many cats have never experienced the joy of reading. Here are things that cat-parents can do that can turn their pet into a book lover.
Start with their interests: What are their hobbies, passions, and curiosities? Recommend books that align with those interests, even if they seem unconventional. If your cat loves fish, get a storybook about fishes or fishing.
Embrace diverse formats: Reading doesn't have to mean traditional novels. Suggest graphic novels, audiobooks, or short story collections. Variety can keep things fresh and engaging. I absolutely recommend audiobooks. The cat can listen to it even as they snooze or take a walk in the neighborhood.
(Here is a list of graphic novels that cats have loved)- <click this>
One day I discovered that Pixie actually enjoyed audiobooks. So I started reading aloud. And that worked.
3. Create a comfortable reading ritual: Encourage them to dedicate a specific time and place for reading, free from distractions. A cozy armchair, a warm beverage, and soft lighting can make all the difference. Curl up with a dark chocolate after dinner and a murder mystery. It is a great combination.
4. Find their "reading tribe": Suggest joining a book club, online forum, or social media group focused on books. Discussing stories with other cats can deepen appreciation and provide motivation. Invite another cat to join your book club. Make it social.
5. Don't force it: Encourage exploration and allow your cat to abandon books he/she don't enjoy. There's no shame in putting down a book that isn't captivating. Pixie was fussy. It took me time to get him to find a book that he liked. I finally found success in Jonathan Livingstone Seagull by Richard Bach.
6. Celebrate small victories: Acknowledge every finished book, chapter, or even page. Positive reinforcement can build confidence and encourage further reading. Initially I would give Pixie a treat after each page. Then I delayed the treat until we reached the end of a chapter. Eventually when he looked up and smiled after the end of War and Peace by Tolstoy, I knew it had happened.
7. Be a reading role model: Share your own reading experiences, recommend books you love, and demonstrate the enjoyment reading brings you. Feel free to recommend a variety of books. When you go to the gym to lift weights you always start with something light and easy. Reading habits are no different. Start small. Stay ambitious.
8. Visit a library or bookstore together: Browsing shelves and discovering new titles can be an adventure in itself. The atmosphere of these places can be inspiring. Pixie loves audiobooks. I found that he would listen to me for hours if I read out a story. I would dramatize different segments to get him interested.
Pixie listening to me reading out a short story by Satyajit Ray
9. Gift them a personalized book subscription: Services that curate books based on individual preferences can introduce them to new authors and genres they might not discover on their own. I bought Pixie a set of books I have written. He promises to write a review.
I cried with joy when my cat wanted to read every book I had written.
10. Focus on the journey, not the destination: Emphasize the pleasure of immersing oneself in a story, escaping reality, and connecting with characters. The love for reading will grow naturally with time and positive experiences. So keep at it. Don’t deprive your cat of this huge opportunity.
I would love to know if any of these worked for you or your cat. Email me at abhijitbhaduri@live.com
