We’ll Prescribe You a Cat by Syou Ishida – heartwarming Japanese literature

We’ll Prescribe You a Cat is a heartwarming Japanese literature with elements of magical realism. Cat lovers, in particular, will find it utterly delightful.

Synopsis

A cat a day keeps the doctor away….

Discover this utterly charming, vibrant celebration of the healing power of cats in the award-winning, bestselling Japanese novel that has become an international sensation.

Tucked away on the fifth floor of an old building at the end of a narrow alley in Kyoto, the Nakagyō Kokoro Clinic for the Soul can be found only by people who are struggling in their lives and who genuinely need help.

The mysterious clinic offers a unique treatment to those who find their way there: it prescribes cats as medication. Patients are often puzzled by this unconventional prescription, but when they “take” their cat for the recommended duration, they witness profound transformations in their lives, guided by the playful, empathetic, and occasionally challenging yet endearing cats.

Throughout these pages, the power of the human-animal bond is revealed as a disheartened businessman finds unexpected joy in physical labor, a middle-aged man struggles to stay relevant at work and home, a young girl navigates the complexities of elementary school cliques, a hardened handbag designer seeks emotional balance, and a geisha learns to move on from the memory of her lost cat.

As the clinic’s patients grapple with their inner turmoil and seek resolution, their feline companions lead them toward healing, self-discovery, and newfound hope.

Review

We’ll Prescribe You a Cat is a cozy, heartwarming collection of stories reminiscent of Before the Coffee Gets Cold but without the repetitiveness or time travel. It introduces the magical “Kokoro Clinic for the Soul,” a mysterious place that appears only to those struggling with life and seeking change. Its unconventional therapy? Prescribing a cat.

The concept is unique and captivating. From the start, it’s clear there’s something peculiar about the clinic—the cryptic address, its elusive location, and its quirky staff. The doctor and nurse might seem eccentric, but they genuinely listen to each patient and thoughtfully match them with a cat tailored to their needs.

The book comprises four stories, each named after the cat prescribed to individuals grappling with life’s challenges:

Bee – Shuta Kagawa is a young man struggling with insomnia and dissatisfaction at work. Though employed at a prestigious company, he endures a toxic boss, blaming himself for the unhappiness. He is prescribed Bee, a female gray cat.

Margot – Koga, a middle-aged man, feels overshadowed at home and at work he struggles with change in management. His inability to assert himself frustrates him, especially when faced with his vibrant, younger boss. He is paired with Margot.

Koyuki – Aoba, a schoolgirl, visits the clinic with her mother, Megumi, who secretly needs the therapy more than Aoba. They are prescribed Fluffy, a white kitten reminiscent of Koyuki, a cat Megumi had loved and have to leave as a child.

Tank and Tangerine – Tomoka Takamine, a controlling store partner, struggles with perfectionism and alienates her staff with her critical nature. Forced to look on the real issue in life, she seeks help and is prescribed Tank and later Tangerine.

Mimita – Abino, a geiko, is heartbroken after her sick cat disappeared just as she decided to pursue advanced treatment for it. Her grief and guilt remain unresolved until she meets Mimita.

Each story is deeply human, showcasing relatable struggles, frustrations, and moments of growth. The cats help their humans in unexpected ways—shifting mindsets, soothing emotional wounds, and fostering change. They beautifully explore the bond between humans and felines, offering a comforting and uplifting reading experience.

What makes the book particularly compelling is how the clinic’s own story unfolds gradually through the narratives. The final story reveals who the doctor and nurse truly are and why the clinic exists, emphasizing that they, too, are seeking peace and renewal. The “clinic for the soul” serves not just its patients but also its caretakers, both literally and figuratively.

Overall, We’ll Prescribe You a Cat is a heartwarming Japanese literature with elements of magical realism. Cat lovers, in particular, will find it utterly delightful.

What to expect from We’ll Prescribe You a Cat

Magical Realism
Unique Concept
Cats as Catalysts for Change
Human-Animal Bond
Theme of personal growth
Heartwarming cozy vibe

Favorite Lines/quotes

“You know the old saying: ‘A cat a day keeps the doctor away.’ Cats are more effective than any other medicine out there.”

“The amount of time you spent together probably matters, but less time doesn’t mean less love. Whether it’s a day or a year, human or cat, and even if we may never see them again, there are those who are irreplaceable in our lives.”

“If something is not working, it’s only natural to replace it. There are plenty of alternatives, you know.”

“Cat or not, only the person herself knows how she feels. But to speak from the cat’s perspective, it’s only humans who becomes attached. Cats, though small in stature, have their own worlds. From the moment they step into a new world, they’re already looking towards the future. No matter how tough that world is.”

Book Links

Goodreads | Amazon.in | Amazon.com | Amazon.co.uk
(free on Audible)

Have you read this or plan to?
What is your favorite Japanese literature?

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