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

Post by **Melisa Jane** » 03 Jul 2025, 01:32

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 · Post by **NetMassimo** » 03 Jul 2025, 04:46

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 · 03 Jul 2025, 08:45

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?

Post by **Rupali Mishra** » 07 Jul 2025, 02:52

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.

Post by **Diana Lowery** » 08 Jul 2025, 09:32

Shirley Ann Riddern Labzentis wrote: ↑03 Jul 2025, 08:45 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.

Helen Waziri · Post by **Helen Waziri** » Yesterday, 06:43

Shirley Ann Riddern Labzentis wrote: ↑03 Jul 2025, 08:45 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 also thought this would be a book for children but considering the level of grammar it contains, I now think otherwise. It has some really important messages in it however.

Helen Waziri · Post by **Helen Waziri** » Yesterday, 06:44

At first, I thought their society felt really structured—almost surprisingly organized for a group of feral cats. The whole clowder hierarchy and the way they handled roles and rules reminded me of a mix between a tribe and a tight-knit community. It definitely caught me off guard in a good way!

Helen Waziri · Post by **Helen Waziri** » Yesterday, 06:45

Diana Lowery wrote: ↑08 Jul 2025, 09:32
Shirley Ann Riddern Labzentis wrote: ↑03 Jul 2025, 08:45 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.

Yeah, I can see that. Once you settle into the world and get used to the style, it starts to flow more naturally. Plus, I think the slightly complex language actually adds to the magical vibe—it gives the story a bit more depth without being overwhelming.

Helen Waziri · Post by **Helen Waziri** » Yesterday, 06:46

Helen Waziri wrote: ↑Yesterday, 06:45
Diana Lowery wrote: ↑08 Jul 2025, 09:32
Shirley Ann Riddern Labzentis wrote: ↑03 Jul 2025, 08:45 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.
Yeah, I can see that. Once you settle into the world and get used to the style, it starts to flow more naturally. Plus, I think the slightly complex language actually adds to the magical vibe—it gives the story a bit more depth without being overwhelming or overbearing, per se.