Pawmistry: Unlocking the Secrets of the Universe with Cats

By Megan Lynn Kott

From the past hidden in their paws to the future predicted by their leftover kibble, discover the true magic of cats in this hilarious guide to feline divination.

Pawmistry is a tongue-in-cheek guide to the feline oracle and the supernatural signs your cat may leave behind. Written and illustrated by the beloved creator of Cat Tarot Megan Lynn Kott, this playful and informative book offers instruction in a number of types of divination to practice with your cat, where messages and portents may be delivered by scattered cat toys, particular tail positions, and sleeping on your face. What does that barf in your shoe really mean? You may even consider learning the dark magic of their litterbox leavings (if you dare). Each section includes write-in pages to record your own cat's messages from the universe, and a removable, fold-out Feline Divination Board included with the book will allow you to take your arcane partnership to the next level.

MAKE CAT PLAY TIME PAWMISTRY TIME: Using the easy step-by-step instructions, turn your cat's daily routine into opportunities for mystical discovery. Play with toys to consult the oracles! Discover messages from the universe in leftover kibble! Dare to read the dark portents hidden in their litterbox!

FOR CAT LOVERS: This is a unique gift for the "crazy cat person" in your life—even if it's yourself! Learn the mystical meanings behind the "slow blink" or the past hidden in your kitty's bean toes, and celebrate the magic of cats.

DIY SHAREABLE CONTENT: Along with playful instructions and illustrations, the book also includes a fold-out Feline Divination Board—a talking board for cats—which not only makes for a fun interactive element, but also a perfect photo opportunity to share with friends.

GREAT GIFT: This playful book is perfect for a birthday present, white elephant gift exchange, or to celebrate a new cat adoption. Add it to the shelf alongside You Need More Sleep: Advice From Cats by Francesco Marciuliano, Ask Baba Yaga by Taisia Kitaiskaia, and Crafting with Cat Hair by Kaori Tsutaya and Amy Hirschman.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Chronicle Books Digital
• Release date: Oct 19, 2021
• ISBN: 9781797210049

Megan Lynn Kott

Megan Lynn Kott is a Milwaukee-based illustrator and author of projects including Cat Lady Old Maid, Cat Tarot, Unfamiliar Familiars, and Pawmistry. She has collaborated with Maximum Fun, Tea Collection, Kitten Lady, and others.

Book preview

This book is dedicated to all the cats I’ve had the pleasure of fostering thus far. You’ve taught me so much, and not just about the Dark Arts.

Copyright © 2021 by Megan Lynn Kott.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Kott, Megan Lynn, author.

Title: Pawmistry : unlocking the secrets of the universe with cats /

by Megan Lynn Kott. Description: San Francisco, California : Chronicle Books,

[2021]Identifiers: LCCN 2021007835 |

ISBN 9781797209593 (hardcover)

ISBN 9781797210049 (epub, mobi)

Subjects: LCSH: Cats.Classification: LCC SF445.5 .K68 2021 | DDC

636.8--dc23LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2021007835

Design by Maggie Edelman.

Chronicle books and gifts are available at special quantity discounts to corporations, professional associations, literacy programs, and other organizations. For details and discount information, please contact our premiums department at [e-mail] or at 1-800-759-0190.

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San Francisco, California 94107

www.chroniclebooks.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction: Fortune Favors the Furry 8

FORTUNE FAVORS THE FURRY 10

I. The Trial of Bastet: Is Your Cat a Mystical Guide? 14

IS YOUR CAT A MYSTICAL GUIDE? 17

HOW TO FIND A MYSTICAL CAT: A FLOW CHART 20

II. Tattling Tail Positions: Common Tail Configurations and What They Mean 24

COMMON TAIL CONFIGURATIONS AND WHAT THEY MEAN 26

THE QUESTION MARK 28

THE DUSTER 28

THE MONUMENT 29

THE WORM 29

THE TIMID TABBY 30

THE SLOW BOIL 30

THE TRACTOR BEAM 31

THE PRETZEL 31

THE LIGHTNING BOLT 32

THE SALUTE 32

THE PEACEFUL PAL 33

THE WIGGLE 33

ALL-A-QUIVER 34

THE DEVIL’S PLAYMATE 34

A NOTE CONCERNING OUR SHORT- AND NO-TAILED FRIENDS 35

III. Pawmistry: Talk to the Paw 36

TALK TO THE PAW 38

DOMINANT PAW 39

LEFT-PAWED 40

RIGHT-PAWED 41

TOE BEANS 43

DIFFERENT-COLORED TOE BEANS 45

FRECKLED TOE BEANS 46

ALL-BLACK TOE BEANS 47

ALL-PINK TOE BEANS 48

ALL-BROWN TOE BEANS 49

ALL-GRAY TOE BEANS 50

COLOR IN YOUR CAT’S TOE BEANS 52

CLAWS 54

IV. Oracular Toy Scattering: Prophetic Playtime 56

PROPHETIC PLAYTIME 58

V. Kibbleography: A Message in Leftovers 64

A MESSAGE IN LEFTOVERS 66

SMILEY FACE 67

BELL 67

BIRD 68

FLOWERS 68

CRESCENT MOON 69

HEART 69

CAT’S EYE 70

PERFECT CIRCLE 70

A BATTLE PLAN 71

FISH 71

SPIRAL 72

PAW 72

THE HUNGRY BOY 73

A NOTE FOR OUR WET-FOOD-ONLY FRIENDS: 73

VI. Ailuromancy: The Morse Code of Slow Blinking and Beyond 76

THE MORSE CODE OF SLOW BLINKING AND BEYOND 78

SLOW BLINK (BOTH EYES) 79

WINK (RIGHT EYE) 79

WINK (LEFT EYE) 79

SITTING WITH THEIR BACK TO THE HEATER OR FIREPLACE 80

SHOWING YOU