Your cat is not just a playful floof filled with love and painful pointy claws. Your cat can also predict the future. In fact, he or she is probably giving you hints every day about your future. You just have to learn to pay attention and read the signs. That is the beauty fo Pawmistry, the art and science (or just the light-hearted humor) of unlocking the secrets of the universe with cats.

Author and illustrator Megan Lynn Kott has taken the time to study the kitties to figure out what they’re trying to tell us about our present and future. And she is ready to share the answers with us She explains what the different tail configurations mean. She tells us about the toe beans, what the different colors mean. She teaches us about right- and left-pawedness, and the knowledge that unlocks about your beloved chonk.

Pawmistry includes sections on learning to read the scattering of the toys, or the kibbleography of the meaning of the food left in the bowl. There are chapters on the slow blink, the offerings in the litter box, and a chart for where to do the scratches and the scritches. And on the back cover is the Feline Divination Board (it’s in the ebook too), so you can use your cat to answer questions either by the choice of treats or by the playing of the wand toy. (Although this is an advanced technique, not to be taken on lightly or with inferior treats.)

This adorable gift book will be a big hit with cat fans of all ages and offers lots of satirical fun along with some genuine helpful advice for cat owners. The charming illustrations pair well with the playful ideas, like the book was written by someone with the soul of a cat.

Personally, I really enjoyed the whimsy and playfulness, and the way Kott understands that being a cat person is a magical journey, and some of us need a guide to find our way. It’s fewer than 200 pages, so it’s a short read. But the downside to that is that it’s a short read. I would’ve loved some more content to celebrate all the special joy that cats bring us. Still, it’s a fun, charming book and will be a big hit as a gift for celebrations or as a welcome gift (or cautionary guide) for first-time cat owners. And remember the real secret of the universe with cats: hiss less, purr more.

Egalleys for Pawmistry were provided by Chronicle Books through Edelweiss, with many thanks.