𝗪𝗲’𝗹𝗹 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗔 𝗖𝗮𝘁 • 𝗦𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗜𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗱𝗮
★★★.𝟳𝟱

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗧𝗼 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁
- A cat a day keeps the doctor away
- Explores the healing power of cats
- Mysterious cat clinic
- Follows different stories

𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
I genuinely hope this is a series. My one dose of cat was not enough. I also feel like I need a stronger dose. Although the stories themselves could be quite emotionally impactful, I feel that they could be made even more powerful. This book could have emotionally eviscerated me.

The patients in this story present with various issues ranging from insomnia, to irritation, to perfectionism, to childhood trauma, to guilt. Prescriptions range from an older affectionate cat, a fluffy white kitten, cats with zoomies, indifferent cats, and mischievous cats. All these cats deserve to be loved and in their own heartwarming way, they make the lives of the patients better.

If it becomes a series then I hope the backstory has more clarity because honestly I’m still trying to work it out. But the main story points are easy to interpret and this book makes me want to go out and adopt a whole bunch of cats which I don’t think my allergies, nor my dog, would appreciate.

𝗤𝘂𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀
‘𝘌𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵? 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘰𝘶𝘴. 𝘊𝘢𝘵𝘴 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘰 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘥𝘰 𝘴𝘢𝘺 “𝘢 𝘤𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘴”. 𝘖𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵, 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘪𝘵 “𝘤𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘴”?’

‘𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘮𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘺 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦. 𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘵’𝘴 𝘢 𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳, 𝘩𝘶𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘰𝘳 𝘤𝘢𝘵, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘧 𝘸𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴.’

A runaway bestseller in Japan, We’ll Prescribe You A Cat is set to be translated into 20 languages - with the English translation set to be published on the 3rd of September 2024.

We’ll Prescribe You a Cat is a collection of loosely related short stories about the impact a cat can have on your health and life - a little like the often joked about ‘cat distribution system’, when people seemingly randomly are adopted by cats or have a cat simply appear in their life through circumstances understood by nobody save the car in question - the clinic in this story prescribes the people of Kyoto a cat, and then the mini narratives explore the effect these cats have on the people who have temporarily adopted them.

My second "cats as healers" book in a row.

Hidden away in a backstreet of Japan is a clinic who prescribes people a cat to help them process or resolve the thing that is troubling them. The cat is prescribed for an allocated time after which you have to return it. They are also issued with a cat carrier, food and a physical prescription tells you about the cat's personality and how to care for it.

It's a quirky book, each chapter dedicated to different people and cats. The chapters headings are illustrated with drawings of cats - extra bonus points from me for that. I really liked all the people, I really felt myself drawn to them and wanted them to succeed.

There's an element of mystery surrounding the clinic too - who are these people and how do they know which cat is going to be right for you.

n entertaining read! Thanks to Doubleday for the RC in exchange for an honest review.

Review: We’ll Prescribe You a Cat by Syou Ishida

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Are you ready for another incredibly wholesome translated fiction to add to your shelf?

We’ll prescribe you a Cat is set in a mysterious clinic in the backstreets of Kyoto, which is recommended by word of mouth. Without this recommendation, its location is a mystery as the door isn’t always there…..

It’s patients, include a variety of people who need support with work stress, relationships, self esteem and other issues, arrive at the clinic expecting a medical diagnosis, and somehow leave with a cat and a prescription of cat food, and other care items and are told to come back in 7-14 days.

We meet 5 characters as they undergo this special treatment who each learn how much better life can be with a feline companion.

This book was so cute, had a perfect amount of magical realism for me and each chapter features a drawing of the cat that gets prescribed 🐈 The cats all have different personalities and cause different levels of chaos which is fun to read about, and not all patients are cat people.

In conclusion, cats are great (and i’m a dog person), and the chill/comforting vibe of the book is even better. If you were a fan of Before the Coffee Gets Cold

The stories were so cute, I could not get enough. I wish there were more, but then I think it had enough stories to make this a good book. The last story was a bit sad, though not going to lie I cried a bit.

We'll Prescribe You a Cat is a cheery little book that fills my heart with so much joy every time I turn a page, leaving me craving for more. Often finding myself feeling dejected by life's unfairness, I, too, would have really liked to have a cat prescribed to me. I think the idea of having an adorable fluff of ball as a companion would help to greatly soothe my aching heart. .

Another quirky and fascinating translation, I love the idea of prescribing a cat as a medication to cure depression or other mental health illnesses.
You can only find the clinic if you are in true need, and then the answer may not be what you expect but it’s always what you need.
There are a couple of different perspectives and it lovely to see the changes that the cats bring.
This book is guaranteed to make you smile, it’s brimming with positivity and possibilities.

⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.5) We’ll Prescribe You a Cat by Syou Ishida, translated by E. Madison Shimoda

This book consists of four short stories in which the protagonist has a dilemma at work, school, or home and decides to visit a psychiatrist they have heard of. After some trouble finding the ‘Kokoro Clinic for the Soul’, they arrive to see a beautiful yet very obnoxious receptionist and that they are the only patient. When they tell the doctor their troubles he prescribes them a cat along with a set of instructions and is told to return in 10 days.

These cats work their magic, transforming patients' lives after ten days. They provide unadulterated love along with hope and comfort in their lives. Such heartwarming bonds are created with these animals and the cats help their patients see what is important like kindness, family, love and loss and allowing themselves to make mistakes now and again.

This book is typical of Japanese literature in its directness and every word on the page is important without long and unnecessary sentences or paragraphs. I like this writing style although it won’t always be for everyone and you must be in the mood.

This was an enjoyable and easy read that I flew through. It is definitely one for cat lovers or anyone who understands the bonds between a pet and its owner.

Thank you to Random House UK and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I wish this was a real prescription. Suffering from general malaise, people end up at a therapy place that was recommended by someone who knows someone who knows someone etc.

Once getting past stuffy Nurse Chitoise they see the Doctor who prescribes them a cat for a fixed term with the agreement to return said cat at the end of the prescription.

This book basically proves that cats are 100% medicinal. We all need cats because they bring so much joy to your life. I recommend this to everyone but especially to those who claim they “dislike” cats. (We know you’re lying).

I really liked the idea of this book and was aware that it was a collection of short stories, however, I did find myself loosing interest after the first couple of stories.

It does seem really popular going by other reviews so think this one just wasn’t for me.

Many thanks to #NetGalley for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

“The amount of time you spend together probably matters, but less time doesn’t mean less love. Whether it’s a day or a year, human or cat, and even if we may never see them again, there are those who are irreplaceable in our lives.”

Struggling at work or at school? Feeling stressed? Feeling lost? Something missing from your life? Perhaps all you need is a cat prescription.

"We'll Prescribe You a Cat" by Syou Ishida is a delightful and heartwarming book that explores the unique and therapeutic bond between humans and cats. The title itself suggests a whimsical idea—that sometimes, the best remedy for life's challenges isn't found in a bottle, but in the companionship of a feline friend.

Syou Ishida's writing is both tender and insightful, capturing the essence of what makes cats such beloved companions. The book is filled with anecdotes and reflections that highlight the calming presence of cats and their ability to bring comfort and joy to their owners. Ishida weaves together stories that range from humorous to deeply moving, showcasing how cats can subtly yet profoundly impact our lives.

One of the book's key strengths is its exploration of the emotional and psychological benefits of having a cat. Ishida delves into how cats can provide a sense of purpose, alleviate loneliness, and even help with mental health issues like anxiety and depression. The author’s portrayal of these relationships is sincere and relatable, making it easy for readers—especially cat lovers—to connect with the content.

The idea that cats are attracted to bad energy makes a lot of sense to me. It felt true that when someone is feeling really down, a cat can come into their life to make things better.

“Cats can solve most problems”

Most of the characters were not pet owners, however,  during the prescription period, characters were slowly getting attached and the cats mysteriously worked and helped their problems.

Animals bring comfort to us and losing them was the hardest part. Our lives may be longer than their lives but the memories with them will never be forgotten.

Overall, "We'll Prescribe You a Cat" is a comforting read that celebrates the special bond between humans and their feline companions. It’s a perfect book for anyone who loves cats or is looking for a gentle reminder of the healing power of companionship.

PS. Thank you Netgalley, RandomHouse UK, Transworld Publishers for this ARC. Also congratulations and thank you to Syou Ishida-san, I'm excited to buy a physical copy of this one on its release. 🫶🏻

There is something very special about this book that I cannot put in to a well structured sentence. That what’s really gotten to me, how Syou Ishida builds a sentence like a magician and I learn new ways to think, feel and change how I look at cats. I want to read this book again. I need to buy the audiobook, buy at least four physical copies to my mother, best friend, my boss and husband. This book was pure escapism in the best way.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC copy!

This book reads like a hug. I loved the writing style, it was funny and enjoyable. I loved it and I can't wait for the second book.

The mysterious centre in Kyoto prescribes a cat to do the treatments of the patients. Shuta Kagawa was not happy at work so the doctor prescribed him a grey cat to take care of it for 7 days. After that many more patients come who were going through issues like insomnia, anxiety, guilty and not able to accept unpredictable life. It was miraculous how the different cats cured each of them. This was such a thought provoking and delightful read.

Thanks to the Publisher and Author

I recently finished reading We'll Prescribe A Cat and I’m truly moved by this heartwarming book. The story revolves around the unique concept of prescribing cats to people dealing with various challenges like insomnia, loss of appetite, work troubles, or the grief of losing a pet.

What really struck me was how these cats, who are given to the characters for 10 days or more, help them work through their problems. Although most of the characters start out without any pets, they gradually form deep bonds with the cats. It’s fascinating to see how these furry companions bring comfort and solutions to their issues in ways they never expected.

The book also touches on the profound impact animals have on our lives and the pain of losing them. It beautifully illustrates that while their lives might be shorter than ours, the memories and the love we share with them last a lifetime.

I’m grateful to @netgalley and Random House UK for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this touching story.

'We'll Prescribe You a Cat' is exactly my kind of read.
The premise is simple, the Kokoro Clinic for the Soul only appears to those who desperately need it. Once you meet a doctor, that doctor will prescribe you a cat to cure your ailments.
The cats are more than just ordinary pets, they're therapeutic companions.
This was such a wholesome, cosy and comforting read. I wonder what kind of cat would the doctor prescribe me if I walked through that door.
I highly recommend this book to fans of Japanese literature.

Similar to other Japanese novels on this topic, we meet a number of protagonists with problems who eventually find the Kokomo clinic and are, inevitably, prescribed a cat to help them overcome their problems. As the format is several short stories rather than a continuous novel, we get some character development of the protagonists within the stories but the nurse/doctor/clinic are invariably described in the same way. After the first 2-3 stories, this began to grate. There are cute illustrations of the cats to feature in that story.

A light read but quite generic/formulaic within this genre. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

A gorgeously warm, cosy novel. Sure to be a hit on those Autumn nights! I would love to be prescribed a cat.

3.5

We'll Prescribe You A Cat is a sweet little book. As an analogy for how we need to treat ourselves, our family and our pets it serves very well.

The basic premise is that troubled people are given the name of a psychiatric centre that will help them. However once they've managed to find the clinic they meet an aloof receptionist and a slightly crazy doctor whose advice is always the same - we'll prescribe you a cat. As we all know looking after an animal of any kind requires love, care and dedication and this change in attitude seems to help the people who came to the clinic.

As I said, it's a sweet little book that might give you pause for thought about the way we treat our own mental health as well as the ones around us that we say we love and care about.

Unlike some reviewers I've not read any of the slew of feel-good books coming out of the far east so I enjoyed this book very much. It's immensely readable, gives you a warm fuzzy feeling (and who doesn't need that these days) and makes me miss my own beloved cat very much.

Thankyou to Netgalley and Random House for the advance review copy.

This book remind me with Before the Coffee Gets Cold series and Kamogawa Food Detectives. It's containt several story about people who have mental health issues and then the psychiater will prescribe them a cat to take care of. I thought this book will flat without element of surprise (since it's collected stories), but in the end of book, there is mystery about psychiater's background. However, this mystery still contain plot hole and not really well executed.

It's not an outstanding book that will inspiring you whatsover. But, it's light and heart-warming enough if you are a cat lovers.

It has slow paced story and little character development in each story, What I love the most is because the story is set in Kyoto (I have soft spot for Kyoto 🥹).