🐙 Cosmic Horror −23%

Cat Tales 2: Fantastic Feline Fiction

✍️ H. P. Lovecraft
Reader Score
4.5
(5 reviews)
$12.99 $17.00 Save $4.01 (23%)
In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days
📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A curated anthology of seventeen feline-focused horror tales and poems edited by George Scithers.

This collection distinguishes itself through its specific focus on cat-centric narratives rather than general horror. It combines original fiction with an essay from a master of the weird tale tradition. The content ranges from mystery to supernatural encounters, all unified by the presence of cats. The editorial choice highlights the versatility of the short form in exploring feline characters. Readers interested in niche genre anthologies will find value in this specific thematic approach.

Key Themes
feline fiction supernatural cats gothic tales
Literary Context

Published in 2024 by Wildside Press, this volume continues the Cat Tales series. It reflects the enduring American interest in horror and supernatural short fiction. The inclusion of Lovecraft places it within the legacy of weird tale literature.

Difficulty
● Easy
Recommended For Fans Of
Edgar Pangborn · George Scithers · P.D. Cacek
🐙
Cosmic Horror
🏛 Wildside Press 📅 2024 📖 160 pages 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781434409126

📝 Description: Cat Tales 2: Fantastic Feline Fiction

Cat Tales 2 gathers seventeen original tales and poems centered on felines, offering a curated collection for enthusiasts of the genre. This volume includes one classic narrative by Edgar Pangborn and an essay by H. P. Lovecraft, who is recognized as a foundational figure in horror fiction. The anthology is edited by George Scithers, a four-time Hugo Award winner known for his editorial work in speculative literature. Readers will encounter specific stories such as If Wishes Were Fishes by P. D. Cacek and The Case of the Unfortunate Mrs Ripley's Cat by Jeff Crook. Scott William Carter contributes The Problem with Polly to this diverse array of feline-focused narratives. The compilation draws on various literary traditions surrounding cats, blending supernatural elements with domestic intrigue. It suits those who enjoy short fiction featuring animals in unusual circumstances. It may not appeal to readers seeking long-form novels or non-feline horror. The structure presents a mix of prose and verse, organized by thematic relevance rather than chronological order. This approach allows for a varied reading experience that shifts between humor, mystery, and the uncanny. The inclusion of Lovecraft’s essay provides context for the genre’s historical roots. The book is published by Wildside Press and contains 17 original works plus additional contributions.

💎 Our verdict on Cat Tales 2: Fantastic Feline Fiction

“
🩸
Horror Reads editorial team
Horror desk
This anthology distinguishes itself through a specific focus on cat-centric narratives, combining original fiction with an essay by H.P. Lovecraft. Edited by Hugo Award winner George Scithers, it presents seventeen works that blend supernatural elements with domestic intrigue. While the thematic cohesion offers a unique reading experience for niche enthusiasts, this volume may not appeal to readers seeking long-form novels or traditional non-feline horror. The mix of prose and verse provides variety, though those expecting standard cosmic horror plots might find the feline focus too narrow. It is best suited for collectors of speculative literature who enjoy analyzing how short fiction explores animal characters in unusual circumstances.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers drawn to feline-centric narratives and short-form speculative fiction will find significant value in this curated collection. It appeals specifically to enthusiasts of niche genre anthologies who appreciate the versatility of the short story format when applied to unusual circumstances involving animals. The volume offers a diverse array of tones, ranging from humor and mystery to supernatural encounters, unified by the presence of cats. Those interested in the historical roots of horror fiction will also benefit from the included essay, which provides context for the genre's development. This book serves as an ideal resource for individuals seeking a focused thematic approach rather than general horror collections, allowing them to explore how domestic intrigue blends with the uncanny through various literary traditions.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —
⭐ HorrorReads editorial review Editorial rating 4.5/5
★★★★★
If you adore short fiction where cats defy reality through horror or whimsy, this collection is your treasure trove. However, if you prefer lengthy novels, strictly realistic animal stories, or genres outside the supernatural, this anthology will likely leave you unimpressed and bored.

Reader rating

4.5
Based on 5 reviews
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L
Laura W.
June 15, 2026

Been meaning to get this one for a while. There's real craft in how much is left unsaid. Would buy from this store again.

K
Karen C.
May 16, 2026

This has been on my wishlist for months. Good introduction if you have not read this author before. Print is comfortable for late-night reading.

A
Ashley V.
October 18, 2025
Almost perfect

Was skeptical at first. The audiobook crowd will want the paper copy for the margins. My only quibble is that the middle third sags a little. Still worth having on the shelf.

S
Susan J.
July 4, 2025

Was skeptical at first. A few scenes I will not forget, whether I want to or not. It leans on old gothic bones and makes them creak convincingly. Glad I finally picked this up.

❓ Frequently asked questions

It blends supernatural horror with whimsical tales. While Lovecraft’s presence signals eerie tones, the collection also features humor and mystery, offering a diverse spectrum of feline-focused weird fiction rather than pure terror.
No. It is an anthology edited by George Scithers featuring seventeen works. Lovecraft contributes only one essay, while other authors like Pangborn, Cacek, and Crook provide the narrative content.

📖 Who should read this

If you adore short fiction where cats defy reality through horror or whimsy, this collection is your treasure trove. However, if you prefer lengthy novels, strictly realistic animal stories, or genres outside the supernatural, this anthology will likely leave you unimpressed and bored.

📜 Historical context

This volume sits within the rich tradition of speculative feline literature, where cats serve as portals to the uncanny. By blending Edgar Pangborn’s classic narrative with H.P. Lovecraft’s foundational essays, it bridges early horror sensibilities and modern weird fiction. Editor George Scithers curates this lineage, showcasing how domestic animals often embody mystery and terror in short form, reflecting a long-standing literary fascination with their mysterious nature.

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