Product Description

Grace the Cat is not at all like me, as she is forever bent on mischief. But because I am an older and wiser cat, she looks to me for counsel, and so I have allowed Grace to prevail upon me to set down the story of my life as a housecat in the human world. . . .

As the irrepressible Foudini M. Cat regales us with his adventures, an exciting story unfolds. After his valiant but frail mother leaves him in search for food and never returns, the starving kitten is taken, hissing and spitting, to a frightening room with cages and men in white coats. Facing the specter of eternal sleep, the homeless cat is adopted by a woman he later calls "Warm." ("All cats like to make up strange names for things.")

From here Foudini enchants us with splendid tales of his unlikely but ultimately poignant friendship with Sam the Dog; their trips between Cold House in the city and Mouse House in the country; his mystical experiences with famous felines of the past; his near-death in a raging river that leads to a profound act of sacrifice; and his introduction to a silly young thing named Grace, which evolves into something completely unexpected.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #413454 in Books
• Published on: 1998-09-29
• Released on: 1998-09-29
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 176 pages

Amazon.com Review
"In the beginning," Foudini M. Cat explains, "I was not a housecat. I was born in a wall." This wise old cat tells his life story for the edification of Grace, a young cat new to the fold. His story includes an explanation of the behavior of his Assigned Persons, whom he calls "Warm" and "Pest"; the tolerance that evolves into love for "his" dog Sam; and charming memories of his orphaned kittenhood. Treated to fine feline philosophy, we learn that Foudini considers cats' reputations for aloofness and vanity completely undeserved: "what we ought to be celebrated for is our ability to exist alone and to dream." In his dreams Foudini visits cats of the rich and famous--Cleopatra and Sigmund Freud--and applies (with sometimes comic, sometime positive results) their advice. All this he tries to impart with generosity and warmth to Grace, who is, alas, "demented with youth." Though easily distracted, far more interested in catnip or naps in pooled sunlight, Grace does manage from time to time to talk back or pay attention.

Susan Fromberg Schaeffer, author of 10 previous novels and a National Book Award nominee, has created an endearing narrative voice--refreshingly unsentimental and completely charming.

From School Library Journal
YA?A fast, easy-to-read novel. Foudini, a proud but not pompous feline, narrates his life story for Grace the Cat so that she might learn from his knowledge and experiences. His musings include everything from philosophy and Flying Feathered Feasts to the manipulation of Warm and Pest, their owners. The description of the relationship between Foudini and a dog is particularly touching as he moves from enemy to beloved friend. The story is realistic, correctly portraying the life of a pampered cat. Schaeffer's imagination is further shown as Foudini learns ancient cat wisdom from the ghost cats of Freud and Cleopatra. This novel should be shared with creative writing teachers as it could motivate students to describe their own pets. While not a first purchase, this is a gentle, touching book that's suitable for all pet lovers.?Claudia Moore, W. T. Woodson High School, Fairfax, VA
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From AudioFile
Anyone who's owned cats can't help but wonder what actually goes on in their heads during those seemingly reflective moments perched on the couch. It could be they're working on their life stories. Susan Fromberg Schaeffer's delightful audiobook takes us through the turbulent and witty life of an articulate house cat, Foudini. His exciting adventures and thoughtful reflections are matched up perfectly with the voice of David Hyde Pierce, who plays brother Niles on TV's "Frasier." His tone moves from staccato excitement to slightly aloof with all the agility of a leaping tabby. R.A.P. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

Customer Reviews

"...every word of it true"
Like my own cat, Foudini was a housecat. The only time Foudini escaped, he nearly drowned himself and his dear dog. My cat lived with me for his whole fifteen years and was very much like Foudini: intelligent, wise, careful and dearly loved. I found Foudini's autobiography just after my cat had to leave me and it was just wonderful to read a whole book written by a cat. To see what I knew to be true about how cats feel about each other, and their people and other animals in a book written by a cat and to read about their dreams was a wonderful thing. I would say that this the book to give to any friend who has just lost a cat because, it is, just as Foudini says "...my story written by myself, every word of it true."

Niles should have been paid just as much as Frazier
David Hyde Pierce turns the Audio Version into a work of art. His urbane persona lends a very humorous aspect to the cat, which would otherwise have been a far more mundane protagonist. Accented renditions of the dog, and Freud's cat are particularly praiseworthy.

Disappointing!
I love and adore cats! I love reading about cats! But, this book left me so disappointed! Don't get me wrong Foudini was adorable. I enjoyed his voice as well as that of HIS dog. They were sweet friends and I truely adored them both. But what in the heck was the author thinking!! First off, her time line was a bit askewed. Foudini's people had owned Foudini for at least a few years before they had their own child. Then the child grew up and moved away. I will assume to college which would make him at least 18. After the child moved away Mr. Foudini jumped on their new cat Grace and fathered a batch of kittens!! I can't believe an author would write about unnuetered and unspayed cats! I'm sorry I cannot relate or condone the breeding of housecats. All the unwanted and destroyed animals in the shelters these days and Foudini is out fathering kittens at a ripe old age! I was disgusted really! That whole ending basically ruined an otherwise very sweet book!