The Cat Who Came for Christmas Book Summary - The Cat Who Came for Christmas Book explained in key points

The Cat Who Came for Christmas summary

Brief summary

The Cat Who Came for Christmas by Cleveland Amory is a heartwarming memoir about the author's unexpected bond with a stray cat. It captures the joy and companionship that pets bring into our lives.

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    The Cat Who Came for Christmas
    Summary of key ideas

    The Unlikely Christmas Guest

    In The Cat Who Came for Christmas by Cleveland Amory, we meet the author, who is an animal lover but has never had a pet. However, his life changes when he meets a stray cat in the alley outside his apartment. The cat, whom he names Polar Bear, is a bedraggled, dirty, and hungry creature, and Amory, in a moment of impulse, takes him in.

    Amory's life is turned upside down by his new feline friend. Polar Bear, a white angora, is an independent, strong-willed, and intelligent cat. He immediately takes over the apartment, making it his own. He is not a typical pet, refusing to be held or picked up, and only allowing Amory to touch him on his terms. Despite this, Amory becomes deeply attached to the cat and is determined to provide him with a happy home.

    The Cat Who Stole Christmas

    As Christmas approaches, Amory realizes that he can't bear the thought of spending the holidays without Polar Bear. He decides to take the cat with him to his family's country home in New England. This decision is met with skepticism by his family, who are not particularly fond of cats, but Amory is resolute.

    What follows is a series of uproarious and heartwarming incidents, as Polar Bear wreaks havoc in the Amory household. From stealing the Christmas turkey to leaving a trail of destruction in his wake, Polar Bear's antics are both exasperating and endearing. Despite the chaos, Amory's family can't help but be charmed by the cat's unique personality.

    The Cat Who Found a Home

    As the holiday season draws to a close, Amory faces a difficult decision. He is due to return to New York, and he can't bear the thought of leaving Polar Bear behind. However, he is aware that his city apartment is not an ideal environment for a free-spirited cat like Polar Bear. After much deliberation, Amory makes a life-changing decision. He buys a farm in the countryside and moves there with Polar Bear, where the cat can roam free and be his true self.

    Settling into their new home, Amory and Polar Bear embark on a new chapter of their lives. Surrounded by nature and with plenty of space to explore, Polar Bear is in his element. Amory, too, finds solace in the peaceful surroundings and the companionship of his unique feline friend. Together, they forge a deep and unbreakable bond.

    The Gift of Unconditional Love

    In The Cat Who Came for Christmas, Amory's life is transformed by the unexpected arrival of a stray cat. What begins as an act of kindness turns into a lifelong companionship that brings joy, laughter, and unconditional love. Through Polar Bear, Amory learns valuable lessons about acceptance, patience, and the true nature of happiness.

    By the end of the book, it's clear that Polar Bear is no ordinary cat. He is a force of nature, a free spirit, and a constant source of amusement and wonder. Amory's decision to take him in was, in many ways, a decision to embrace the unexpected and the unconventional, and it leads to a life that is richer, more fulfilling, and infinitely more interesting. In The Cat Who Came for Christmas, we are reminded that sometimes, the best gifts come in the most unlikely packages.

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    What is The Cat Who Came for Christmas about?

    The Cat Who Came for Christmas is a heartwarming memoir by Cleveland Amory that tells the story of a stray cat who enters his life during the holiday season. As Amory recounts the misadventures and antics of this charming feline, he also reflects on the joy and companionship that the cat brings into his home. It is a delightful tale that celebrates the special bond between humans and animals.

    The Cat Who Came for Christmas Review

    The Cat Who Came for Christmas (1987) follows the heartwarming story of how an unexpected feline friend brings joy and companionship during the holiday season. Here's why this book is a gem:

    • Rich in emotional depth, it beautifully portrays the bond between a man and his new furry companion, capturing the essence of unconditional love.
    • Through humorous anecdotes and heart-touching moments, the book offers a delightful escape into the world of pet-human relationships.
    • The author's charming storytelling style makes the book a delightful read, ensuring it's far from dull and always engaging.

    Who should read The Cat Who Came for Christmas?

    • Animal lovers who enjoy heartwarming stories about pets

    • People looking for a feel-good holiday read

    • Those interested in the bond between humans and animals

    About the Author

    Cleveland Amory was a renowned author and animal rights activist. He dedicated his life to advocating for the welfare of animals and founded several organizations, including The Fund for Animals. Amory's love for animals is evident in his writing, with many of his books focusing on the unique bond between humans and their furry companions. 'The Cat Who Came for Christmas' is one of his most beloved works, chronicling the heartwarming story of a stray cat who finds a home during the holiday season. Amory's other notable books include 'Man Kind? Our Incredible War on Wildlife' and 'Ranch of Dreams.'

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    The Cat Who Came for Christmas FAQs 

    What is the main message of The Cat Who Came for Christmas?

    The main message of The Cat Who Came for Christmas is the transformative power of love and companionship.

    How long does it take to read The Cat Who Came for Christmas?

    The estimated reading time for The Cat Who Came for Christmas is brief, allowing for a quick but meaningful read. The Blinkist summary can be read in under 15 minutes.

    Is The Cat Who Came for Christmas a good book? Is it worth reading?

    The Cat Who Came for Christmas is a heartwarming tale that celebrates the joy of friendship and the bond between human and animal. It's definitely a worthwhile read.

    Who is the author of The Cat Who Came for Christmas?

    The author of The Cat Who Came for Christmas is Cleveland Amory.

    What to read after The Cat Who Came for Christmas?

    If you're wondering what to read next after The Cat Who Came for Christmas, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer
    • Fox by Martin Wallen
    • The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
    • The World Without Us by Alan Weisman
    • Green Illusions by Ozzie Zehner
    • Energy Myths and Realities by Vaclav Smil
    • Fukushima by David Lochbaum, Edwin Lyman, Susan Q. Stranahan and the Union of Concerned Scientists
    • The Moral Case for Fossil Fuels by Alex Epstein
    • Should We Eat Meat? by Vaclav Smil
    • Cradle to Cradle by William McDonough and Michael Braungart