The Karma of Cats

September 16, 2019
Ventimiglia, an editor at Sounds True, collects in this charming volume short essays (and one poem) that meditate on the spirituality of cat companionship. Opened by a lovely introductory essay from yoga teacher Seane Corn, these thoughtful, well-crafted pieces present anecdotes and moments of communion inspired by feline companions. They include Suzan Colón’s story of choosing to adopt a cat with medical problems soon after the death of her previous beloved pet, Rachel Naomi Remen’s essay of cat love and coping with her diagnosis of Crohn’s disease, and Brother David Steindl-Rast’s story of a life shared with many cats (starting with one in WWII Vienna). Most of the essays adopt a broad spiritual approach to their topic, and readers will find familiar Buddhist and yoga themes considered through a furry lens. The entire collection is capped off with Alice Walker’s almost Seussian “I Was Born to Hold A Cat”: “But in my heart?/ Enough/ of that./ the question was: Where/ is/ Phoebe?/ Where is/ my/ cat?” Each entry is also accompanied by a picture of the author with their cat. This fun, cheerful edition will appeal to any spiritualist or cat lover.