We have seen innumerable animal memoirs from veterinarians, horse trainers, dog lovers, and cat fanciers, but the stories of animals and their owners by James Herriot—based on his decades of experience as a vet in rural Yorkshire—are unsurpassed for their wit and warmth. If you have ever loved an animal, or a human for that matter, these books will touch your heart.

Even though James Herriot travels great distances to care for animals, cats seem to find their way to him. Illustrated with Lesley Holmes's charming watercolors, these ten true tales include Herriot's characteristically poignant accounts of Buster, the kitten who arrived on Christmas; Alfred, the cat at the sweet shop; little Emily, who lived with the gentleman tramp; and Olly and Ginny, the kittens who first appeared at the Herriots' house in the book Every Living Thing.