If Cats Disappeared From The World

A moving and thought-provoking tale for fans of cosy Japanese fiction

By: Genki Kawamura, Eric Selland - translator

Narrated by: Brian Nishii

A tender, whimsical tale of love, loss, and the quiet miracles of everyday life. Perfect for fans of cosy Japanese fiction.

When an unexpected diagnosis turns his world upside down, a lonely man, with only Cabbage the cat for company, is faced with an impossible choice. The Devil appears with an offer: if he makes one thing in the world disappear, he can have an extra day of life.

As the days tick by, and with Cabbage by his side, he begins a journey that might just lead him back to the people he thought he’d lost. Before it’s too late . . .

Genki Kawamura’s If Cats Disappeared from the World is a life-affirming meditation on what we leave behind – and what we hold onto until the very end.

'If you're a fan of The Guest Cat (or even just cats generally), you'll love this.' – Sunday Times

Critic reviews

A warm, quirky novel on life, love, family estrangement and what remains when we are gone with a surprising emotional charge.

If you're a fan of The Guest Cat (or even just cats generally), you'll love this.

This brief existential enquiry into life’s priorities is gently charming.

A moral tale.

A poignant, affecting story about facing up to one's mortality, taking responsibility for one's choices and deciding what truly holds value.

Reminiscent of Johnathan Livingston Seagull, this was a quick read – it only took me a few hours – but it will stay with you long after you finish it.

I loved the book ❤️❤️❤️

A story about a small family, their cats and life itself. Quite amusing as well.

thought provoking

a short, and worthwhile book .
it could have been longer ,but the 2 first hours of the book was the best .

Deep thoughts yet casual storytelling

I loved how casual the story was told for some deep thoughts of personal issues. Also reminders for readers on how we place importance on certain things in life over the trivials. Loved it

Love these stories with cats. :)

A deep story, lots of thinking, several funny moments, fewer cats. :)
Recommended if you liked Travelling Cat Chronicles.

A philosophical journey

As I got into this book I assumed I knew what I could expect, but it turned out to be so much more. While the premise of the story is a game of dare with the devil, the actual story is a philosophical consideration of what matters in life, set against loss, love and the company of cats. I thoroughly enjoyed it.