Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Book Review of The Cat Who Went To Paris

The Cat Who Went To Paris
reviewed on + 149 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1


I got this book (and the two sequels, which I haven't yet read) through paperbackswap.com. Although this book is billed as the true story of Norton and his human, I am somewhat skeptical that all the things attributed to Norton actually happened. I have shared my home with cats since 1986 (nearly 34 years) and am well aware of typical cat behavior. It stretches belief that Norton obediently trotted behind Gethers on his many walks to the market, the social gatherings on Fire Island, etc. I suppose it's possible, but from my experience with cats, unlikely.

Although Gethers seemed to be devoted to Norton, Gethers was an utterly irresponsible cat owner. He let Norton roam outside. It apparently never crossed his mind that Norton could be hit by a car, attacked by a dog or another cat, exposed to diseases, lost or stolen. Gethers let Norton have milk and chocolate--most adult cats are lactose intolerant and can end up with an upset stomach from milk; and chocolate can be lethal for cats. I was also aghast that while in Paris, Gethers would open his hotel room window so that Norton could explore the rooftops.

Gethers also seemed to have no consideration for others when it came to Norton. He decided to visit his parents in CA. Even though Gethers' dad was emphatic that Gethers not bring Norton, Gethers ignored his father and brought Norton anyway. And while Gethers' dad ultimately came to like Norton, I was bothered by Gethers' disrespecting his dad's wishes. Gethers brought Norton on airplanes with no thought that there could be travelers who were allergic to cats. And, in fact, on one trip there was a passenger who was allergic and who ended up being moved.

When Gethers first started traveling with Norton, he also completely forgot that perhaps he should bring a litter box and litter with him. How could anyone be that clueless? Gethers also incorporated his many relationships with women into the story. I don't know that this part of his life was that integral to the story of Norton--it seemed to be a bit of braggadocio on the author's part about his many relationships with all these beautiful women. I really didn't like the author as a person--he seemed very self-absorbed.