A delightful collection of short stories about a magical clinic in Kyoto where cats are given as therapy to people in emotional pain. Each story focuses on different characters who find comfort and healing through their unique feline companions.

Perfect for cat lovers and fans of Japanese fiction, “We’ll Prescribe You a Cat" is a charming and uplifting book that celebrates the joy and comfort that cats bring into our lives.

A lovely feel good read, whilst in parts there are sorrow and sadness, with cats you get this unexpected and surprising joy which just gets you. A fantastic concept which is so well executed, a perfect introduction to translated and Japanese fiction for any reader and a good one for someone who just needs some time to think, reflect and share the joy. The book highlights so many important benefits of cats and the link between the struggle with work and mental health which I haven’t ever read before!

Its just possible that I have reached peak "cosy fantasy set in Japan with cats" point but I didn't connect with this book at all. None of the characters seemed real and I didn't understand the whimsical/fantasy element at all.
It has a great title and cover but wasn't for me at all

This book is written in the style of serial short stories— common in Japanese writing. The atmosphere of this book is very magical an fun —and focuses on the benefits of pets ( in this case cats ) for mental health therapy. You can read this book in one sitting or take your time and read one story a day— I think by taking time to read the stories you are less likely to get tired of the theme and situations. I always enjoy reading books about cats as I am allergic and can’t have one but I can enjoy them and their personalities through books. In this book the magical feel that the doctor always knows which cat would be the best fit for the patient was nice. My favourite story was Koga`s as I felt he had the biggest transformation — as the cat allowed him to develop a better relationship with his family and coworkers as well as being more open and understanding of others changing his mind set from a more traditional style to a more modern style. The stories focus on things that are commonly issues in Japanese society or focus on way of thinking and gives a good insight into mental health struggles and social expectations in Japan . The translation was well done and Is full of fast paced stories.


Thank-you to Netgalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers | Doubleday for this ARC. This is my honest review.

A dreamy story that begins in a fun and whimsical way and finishes on a melancholy and emotional note, this book had a more expansive range than I was initially expecting. A impactful book for anyone who has lived with, loved, and lost pets and would like to immerse themselves in the healing power of cats.

What worked for me:
● The writing style had a dreamy feel to it; as typical with translated works, word count is sparse because each word is used intentionally - this succinct yet impactful style really works for me!
● The first section focusing on Shuta does a wonderful job at laying the foundation of the clinic. Because so much care is put into this section, this book doesn’t have the repetition across the sections that other Japanese serial shorts tend to which helped the flow, pacing, and overall story development beautifully.
● The range of emotions I felt while reading this surprised me: the scene where bewildered Shuta encounters the doctor for the first time made me laugh out loud, how both Aoba and Megumi were treated as children infuriated me, I felt the pain and loss that Abino felt.
● Finding out the origins of the clinic and both the doctor and the nurse’s backstories and purpose in setting it up was a treat.

What I wasn’t so keen on:
● Some of the characters and themes felt misogynistic (this was particularly bad in Koga’s story) and I didn’t love how job-obsessed some of the characters were either (Tomoka’s attitude toward Daigo quitting his job made was kinda gross).
● The promotion of Scottish Fold cats. Scottish Folds are doomed to carry osteochondrodysplasia so they’re often in pain for the duration of their lives. People find them cuddly and docile but this is likely because they’re not physically able to play, jump, and tear around like other cat breeds. Find out more about Scottish Folds and why some jurisdictions are advocating breeding them be banned. (https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/getting-a-cat/scottish-folds#ban)

I’m going to buy this book when it comes out. It’s definitely one to revisit and enjoy!

I was privileged to have my request to read this book accepted through NetGalley. Thank you so much, Random House UK, Transworld Publishers!

On the top floor of an old building at the end of a cobbled alley in Kyoto lies the Kokoro Clinic for the Soul. Only a select few - those who feel genuine emotional pain - can find it.

The mysterious centre offers a unique treatment for its troubled patients: it prescribes cats as medication.

I really enjoyed this! Great story and very funny.

I often feel like apologizing for not finishing a book, but this one wasn't for me... The story had a feeling of being a modern day fairytale, but it was a bit simplistic, superficial.

A truly beautiful book about the incredible healing power of cats.

This book is lovely and I have already pre-ordered a hardback copy as well as recommending to friends and family!

This was much better than some of the Japanese translated novels I've read recently. I liked the idea of the book, where the prescription patients receive is a cat! And although I have to admit to being a dog person, not a cat person, I still really enjoyed this story and all the many different kinds of cats involved. Really it's lots of interconnected short stories, but there is an arc running through so it doesn't just feel like a short story collection. The writing style is quite minimalistic, and perhaps some readers won't get on with that. But I rather liked the directness, and the stories did keep making me smile, especially all the people who didn't read the instructions that came with their cat. It *almost* made me want a cat.

"We'll Prescribe You a Cat" by Syou Ishida made me grin from ear to ear. As a cat lover, I was immediately drawn to this book's premise: a mysterious clinic that prescribes cats as medication to heal troubled souls. It's a concept that's both whimsical and wonderful, and Ishida's execution did not disappoint.
The story is presented in a series of short, interconnected vignettes that showcase the unique relationships between the clinic's patients and their feline companions. Each cat has its distinct personality, and I adored watching them work their magic on their human counterparts. From Bee, the energetic mixed-breed who helps a businessman find joy in physical labour, to Koyuki, the exquisite white cat who brings closure to a mother haunted by the memory of a rescue kitten she was forced to abandon, each cat is carefully crafted to bring out the best in their human.
I loved how the book felt like a collection of short stories, each with its unique tone and style. The writing is charming and accessible, making it easy to become immersed in the world of the Kokoro Clinic. And the cats! Oh, the cats. The illustrations are adorable and add an extra layer of warmth to the already heartwarming stories.
For cat lovers like myself, this book is a must-read. It's a love letter to our feline friends, celebrating their ability to bring us joy and comfort in times of need. But even if you're not a cat person, I think you'll find something to appreciate in this book. The stories are universal and relatable, and the themes of healing, self-discovery, and hope resonate deeply.
Overall "We'll Prescribe You a Cat" is for anyone looking for a charming, uplifting, short read. It's a book that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside, and maybe even inspire you to appreciate the special bond you share with your feline friends.

Solid 3 stars. This a cute book, about a clinic, well, you get the idea. The idea is what drew me to this book, as well as the book being set in Japan.
This is a quick read, and does not overload your brain.
The prose is quite cinematic and easy-to-follow. I highly recommend this book, although my preferences and expectations were towards a more magical realism and in-depth, complex, funny style and plot.

first things first, i am in love with the name of this book. that is what caught my attention. and the idea of having a cat prescribed to you sounds so good.

as for the plot, it was heart warming. the first and the last story were my favourite though. especially the last one where everything was explained. but i liked how each one of them had a lesson in it. cats can really help a person and they can be such great companions (i have 2 so i know 🧡🩶).

i think there is going to be a series. and that means more books in this world 🥹can’t wait to read them.

thanks to netgalley and the publishers for the copy!

I expected to love this book because I usually enjoy heartwarming and encouraging stories and even more so when they include animals. However, this book sort of fell flat for me. I found myself skimming pages after a while and frankly found it a bit boring. So it wasn’t my cup of tea but I‘m sure other will enjoy it more than I did.

I really thought I would love this book as a cat lover and someone who has 8 cats at home, but this was a bit boring to me and the dialogue felt odd; kind of stiff.

I appreciate the concept and I agree that this is very wholesome. It's a slice-of-life book about how cats are great and they help us or teach us things just by being cats. Every chapter focuses on a different character with a particular issue finding the clinic, and I like that. However, it just didn't hit for me.

I wasn't engaged and I didn't find the stories particularly interesting or funny or heartwarming. I loved the cats and their unique personalities, though. The illustrations were good too!

What a beautiful and heartwarming story! While the writing itself was a little unremarkable, the story was uplifting and hopeful. I really enjoyed the cats themselves as characters, although the ending left me a little confused. Still, a sweet and quick read that left me feeling happy.

Thank you NetGalley, Random House UK and Syou Ishida for providing this arc in exchange for a honest review.

‘Cats are more effective than any other medicine out there.’

This was such a cute book that is a must for any cat lover as this felt like a ode to cats everywhere. Every cat owner knows that when you feel down or tired or annoyed at the world the company of your cat helps you and this book puts to paper.

It’s a sweet, fast paced story with a strange mystical clinic that people find themself because they heard someone else talk about. They al start so skeptical but then they meet the cat…

I loved how this book felt like separate short stories that were still connected. A definitive must read for cat lovers everywhere.

I prescribe cats always so this book was perfect for me. Charming heartwarming stories with gorgeous pencil drawings of a mixture of beautiful cats. I love this book it was just what the doctor ordered. Would make a lovely cat for all the cat people in your life.