What was your initial impression of the High Clowder Cats' society?

[Melisa Jane]

This is a discussion topic for the July 2025 Book of the Month, "High Clowder Cats" by Ruby Knight

What was your initial impression of the High Clowder Cats' society?

[NetMassimo]

I thought the cats were very human. I mean, despite the author's continuous remarks about cat nature, the metaphor for a human society seemed obvious.

[Shirley Ann Riddern Labzentis]

My initial impression of High Clowder Cats is that children would be drawn to it because of the cover, but it was not for children. I don't really think it is for young adults, either. The verbiage in the book is too complicated for young adults. If they have to look up the meaning of words, they won't read it. I even came across several words that I did not know the meaning of, and I am a senior citizen. It did have some valuable lessons in it, but if they aren't going to stick with it, what's the point?

[Rupali Mishra]

I found the kitties to be quite amiable. In spite of the author's constant references to the nature of cats, the allegory for human civilization seemed clear.

[Diana Lowery]

My initial impression of High Clowder Cats is that children would be drawn to it because of the cover, but it was not for children. I don't really think it is for young adults, either. The verbiage in the book is too complicated for young adults. If they have to look up the meaning of words, they won't read it. I even came across several words that I did not know the meaning of, and I am a senior citizen. It did have some valuable lessons in it, but if they aren't going to stick with it, what's the point?

I agree with you that some of the verbiage is complicated, but I think there are enough context clues that looking up definitions will not be necessary. I think young teens who are into fantasy will be able to stick with the story and learn valuable lessons in an entertaining way.