The Cat Who Went to Paris

The cat in this short novel is named Norton and that may ring a bell as the book was later published under that name. Two additional books followed. Gethers, who works in the entertainment business, didn't like cats until his girlfriend actually gave him one. It didn't take him long to fall in love with the sweet kitten and decided to treat Norton as he would a dog, taking him everywhere he went including business trips outside the U. S., on dates, and to the world's best restaurants.

I liked Norton and his adventures but I didn't care much for Gethers himself. Originally published in 1992, I'm not sure it would be as popular today as it was thirty years ago.

The author was a writer of screenplays and books, and never liked cats. When a girlfriend and his brother got together to get him a Scottish Fold cat (their ears are bent down), he fell in love instantly! But, his lifestyle involved a lot of travel. Right from when the little kitten, at 6 weeks old, came to live with him and flew across the country to do so, Peter brought Norton with him most of the time when he was travelling. Norton had no problems with it. He loved people and people loved him.

Love this little cat! What a charmer! Felt badly that he was separated from mom and siblings at only 6 weeks, though (that’s really too soon; from what I’ve read, ideal is 12 weeks to be completely socialized, though most breeders and many show more rescues will send them out at 8 weeks, when they are physically ready). I’m not sure the years/decades Norton lived, but the book was written in 1991, so maybe less attention was paid to that back then? There were cute little cat illustrations at the start of each chapter, as well. show less

For the first few chapters, I couldn't help but think Gethers was an appallingly irresponsible kitten owner. Despite knowing little about cats, he claimed he just 'knew' that Norton was clever and wouldn't come to any harm, even when following him around the streets, or being taken to hotels or on planes.

Despite this, it contained charming and amusing tales about Norton's escapades and his ability to win over even the most cat-phobic people.

Just finished this fabulous book! It is funny and touching, well-written, and just plain fun. I have never had a cat as easygoing as Norton and it's hard to imagine.

I did have a cat that loved to take rides, though. I started putting him in my bicycle basket when he was a kitten, and eventually he would ride anything: wheelbarrow, people's shoulders, etc. More than once we had a visitor get halfway home from our house and be startled by something furry touching them--just Billy along for the ride! I also had a cat who was very friendly toward strangers. When we moved into our current house, I met two neighbors within two days who said, "your cat came in our house." He would just go in any open door and expect to be welcomed.

I would love show more to meet a Scottish fold. I never have bought pure-bred animals because there are so many "mutts" out there needing homes, but this breed sounds like fun.

I thoroughly enjoyed the story of Norton and Peter. I'm interested in reading one of Gethers's novels, too. show less

I enjoyed listening to this on audiobook although certain bits made me wince as very much a reflection of the 1970/1980s. What a cat!

This was a great read .... you could feel Norbet making his way into Peter's heart

As a cat lover, how could I not love this story? So charming. However did he manage when Norton finally passed?