Growing up, we never really had a pet at home. Sure, my father bred ornamental fish, raised ducks, and kept fighting cocks for as long as I can remember, but the typical household cat or dog was always missing. That is, until last year, when my brother brought home a kitten. As if that wasn’t enough to shake things up, two weeks later, he added a puppy to the mix—and just like that, our quiet lives were never the same.
This new experience with pets made me realize how timing can influence our appreciation of things. Had it not been for our own mischievous cat and dog, I doubt I would have connected as deeply with Makoto Shinkai’s debut novel, She and Her Cat.
Yes, the Makoto Shinkai—the brilliant filmmaker behind Your Name, Weathering with You, 5 Centimeters per Second, Suzume, and so many other beloved films. Now, he’s turned author, and it’s only fitting that his first novel centers around the creature from his own Twitter avatar: cats.
What is She and Her Cat All About?
She and Her Cat began as a short film released in 1999, later adapted into a mini-TV series in 2016. The story has since evolved into a novel aimed at pet owners and animal lovers alike. Divided into four chapters, it tells the stories of four women and their cats, exploring how their lives intersect and change through their unique companionships. As the wise dog, Jon, puts it: “Why bother looking after people? Because if we don’t, they die.”
I might be biased—my mind instantly paints scenes inspired by Shinkai’s films, complete with vivid skies and meticulously crafted settings. Yet, this book is a delightful read on its own. It’s simple, heartwarming, and offers an intimate glimpse into the everyday lives of cats and the people they love. Think of it as a cozy, introspective version of The Secret Life of Pets.
Reading this, I was reminded just how vital companionship is, whether it comes from humans or the animals that share our homes. For those looking for a short, satisfying read, She and Her Cat is highly recommended.
Quotes and Lessons Learned from She and Her Cat
Here, allow me to share some of my favorite quotes and life lessons from Makoto Shinkai’s book, She and Her Cat.
We can’t remember everything. Only the parts that are truly important.
Even when you have a boyfriend, there are times when you feel terribly lonely, more than when you didn’t have one.
I believed things like happiness and misfortune depended on how you saw things.
No human is always strong, but then no human is weak forever either.
Why bother looking after old people? If you don’t, they die.
It’s your life and you have to make sure you keep enough of it for yourself.
Kuro had lived his whole life being free, so he well knew that freedom came with a price.
People who are too earnest can’t bring themselves to blame others, so they end up blaming themselves and suffering for it.
Dakilanglaagan 