Whether mysterious, mischievous, or downright magical, cats in middle grade stories bring a special kind of wonder—padding silently through plots, stealing scenes, and proving that heroes sometimes have whiskers.

Varjak Paw – S.F. Said

A young Mesopotamian Blue cat learns a secret feline martial art called “The Way” to defend his family and discover what bravery truly means.

The Time-Travelling Cat and the Egyptian Goddess – Julia Jarman

When Ka the cat vanishes into a glowing hieroglyph, her owner follows her back to

Ancient Egypt — a clever mix of history, magic, and feline mystery.

The Wild Way Home – Sophie Kirtley

Though the hero is human, a loyal wildcat companion helps guide a frightened boy through a Stone-Age world, blending survival with friendship.

The Incredible Journey – Sheila Burnford

Three beloved pets – including the wise Siamese cat Tao – trek hundreds of miles across the Canadian wilderness to find their family.

The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents – Terry Pratchett

A street-smart talking cat teams up with intelligent rats to run a Pied Piper scam – until one town’s dark secret changes everything.

The Cat Who Came In Off the Roof – Annie M.G. Schmidt

A shy reporter befriends a mysterious woman who can turn into a cat –  a whimsical Dutch classic full of humour and heart.

The Cat Who Saved Books – Sōsuke Natsukawa

A talking tabby guides a lonely boy on magical adventures through abandoned libraries, reminding him of the power of stories.

The Mummy in the Attic – Mitch Mitchell

Tom McNabb’s adventure is made all the more chaotic (and comical) by Meatball, his mischievous ginger cat who seems to sense the mummy’s secrets long before the humans do.

The Cheshire Cheese Cat: A Dickens of a Tale – Carmen Agra Deedy & Randall Wright

A cheese-loving London cat and a mouse form an unlikely friendship that even Charles Dickens would applaud.