The Unadulterated Cat — Terry Pratchett

This is not a work of fiction, but an ironic analysis of what real cats are like. According to Pratchett, a real cat is not a cute creature with a bow, but a cheeky, scruffy egoist who eats off the dirty floor, sleeps on your head, and believes that humans are merely his service staff. Why it’s great: Hilarious to tears: Pratchett mocks cat quirks that every owner recognises in their fluffy tyrant. Life-affirming: The author explains ’cat logic’: why a box is better than a bed and why to scream at three in the morning. Anti-glamour: A book about real cats who can be unbearable, but that’s why we love them. Verdict: Read in an hour, lifts your mood for a week. The perfect gift for cat lovers.