Title: Ninety-9 Reasons Why Cats Make Purrfect Pets: A Voice for Voiceless Stray Cats
Author: Helen Teo Walton
Publisher: Helen Teo Walton 2023
ISBN: 978-981-18-5081-3
Pages: 122
Genre: Picture Book
Reviewed by: Michaela Gordoni

Read Book Review

Through creative reasoning and over hundreds of photos, Helen Teo Walton creates a convincing argument for why cats are some of the best human companions in her book, Ninety-9 Reasons Why Cats Make Purrfect Pets: A voice for voiceless stray cats. It is a re-publication, as the original publication came out in 2003 during the SARS outbreak.

Author Helen Teo Walton explains that during the SARS pandemic, Singapore began culling stray cats. Deeply saddened by this, she felt compelled to showcase the immense joy and value that cats bring into our lives. She has filled her book with an impressive amount of numbered reasons. Each reason emphasizes the unique qualities that make cats such exceptional companions, such as #4: ”Their adorable, intelligent, and curious nature, fills your days with joy, delight and rest,” #24: “They sometimes look so PENSIVE and you forget your cares and worries as you wonder what’s on their mind,” and #70: “Their unconditional love for you makes you feel accepted and understood in the midst of challenges.” Coming up with 99 reasons for nearly anything is no small feat, and Helen Teo Walton has effectively demonstrated her creative skills.

The hundreds of photos of cats within the book are mostly lifelike sketches of cats, and Helen Teo Walton has even included small bios of the many cats she has owned and rehomed, along with their cute photos. While young readers might enjoy looking at the many cat photos covering the pages, it is important to note that Ninety-9 Reasons Why Cats Make Purrfect Pets is not designed specifically for children. It is meant to be for all ages, and with the exception of its playful and light hearted title, Helen Teo Walton has done a good job of creating it with that in mind, effectively conveying the multifaceted benefits of having a cat as a pet for a broad audience.

Helen Teo Walton’s persuasive writing and heart-warming reasoning are sure to impact readers and resonate with their desire for the unique feline bond that only a cat can provide. Overall, Ninety-9 Reasons Why Cats Make Purrfect Pets is a very convincing argument to get a pet cat for anyone who might be considering acquiring one. I certainly feel warm toward the idea of having a cat after reading this book.