A book with stories about cats who change lives? Yes, please! In “The Blanket Cats,” author Kiyoshi Shigematsu not only introduces us to seven extraordinary cats, he provides a glimpse into life in Japan beyond what tourists might see. We see real people with real struggles. And we see some very clever, perhaps almost magical, cats.
At first, I was bothered by the idea that the cats in the title would be “rented” for three days. The pet shop they lived in provided these special cats for two nights, three days. And you couldn’t rent the same animal more than once a month. They are called “blanket cats” because they must sleep with their special blanket. It’s what they are used to; the specific blanket in their carrier.
But the book isn’t about reality. It’s about the magic that happens when each cat changes the trajectory of the life of the person or people who are lucky enough to bring that cat into their lives. Each story is different, and each one ends without definite closure, just like real life.
In one very touching story, the rental cat is given to a woman we definitely don’t think is responsible enough to have a cat. (See? Renting cats is a BAD idea!) But the cat runs away and finds two runaway children. A strange voice in the cat’s head reminds him of his ancestors who crossed oceans and bravely guarded travelers, crossing rugged mountains. And this cat, who is compared to the faithful dog Hachiko, is magnificent.
The author shares the reality about the pet shop and the fate of the animals who don’t get purchased. No one wants older pets. “It was always the younger, the better. What was with the collective Lolita complex when it came to animals?” And it’s no different in the US; few people want the senior dogs, the older abandoned dogs. In fact, many surrender their faithful senior pets at a shelter and then shop for their next puppy at that same shelter!
Although the author’s profile doesn’t share whether or not he has a pet of his own, I feel that he must. He so touchingly captures the feeling we get sharing our emotions with an animal. One woman remembered a poem that was, in part, “There is a cat named Sorrow, It never leaves my side.” The black cat she rents four times a year, to vacation with, she names Sorrow. Her story is filled with sorrow, yet touching and beautiful.
One story, “The Cat No One Liked,” depicts a grumpy old man, the landlord of an apartment complex. He doesn’t allow his renters to have cats or any pets at all. And at random intervals, he rents a cat from the shop and carries the cat around. The cat alerts him to any pets in the apartments. Once discovered, he makes the offenders move out. He is ruthless. We know that the first person narrator is struggling to make ends meet. But his girlfriend wants to move in with him, and she wants a cat. How they manage this, and what we learn about the landlord, makes this story especially memorable.
Make no mistake. This is not a sweet animal story with happy endings. It’s rather a thoughtful collection of tales about life, decisions, and cats who change people. The author writes,”We’re all alone. We go through all this on our own. If life is one long journey, then we all travel solo. Friends, couples, families—at some point, sooner or later, they’re all torn apart.” But in spite of that dark view of life, the author makes it crystal clear that life is better with a cat at your side. And I agree.
Please note: This review is based on the final, hardcover book provided by G. P. Putnam’s Sons, the publisher, for review purposes.