If Cats Disappeared from the World

By Genki Kawamura

New York Times Bestseller

The international phenomenon that has sold more than two million copies, If Cats Disappeared from the World--now a Japanese film--is a heartwarming, funny, and profound meditation on the meaning of life.

This timeless tale from Genki Kawamura (producer of the Japanese blockbuster animated movie Your Name) is a moving story of loss and reconciliation, and of one man’s journey to discover what really matters most in life.

The young postman’s days are numbered. Estranged from his family and living alone with only his cat, Cabbage, to keep him company, he was unprepared for the doctor’s diagnosis that he has only months to live. But before he can tackle his bucket list, the devil shows up to make him an offer: In exchange for making one thing in the world disappear, the postman will be granted one extra day of life. And so begins a very strange week that brings the young postman and his beloved cat to the brink of existence.

With each object that disappears, the postman reflects on the life he’s lived, his joys and regrets, and the people he’s loved and lost.

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Published Feb 25, 2025

176 pages

Average rating: 7.11

99 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

Nikkilopez
Mar 31, 2025
5/10 stars
This was a good read, but I felt some parts dragged, and the ending just wasn't what I was expecting.
E_reader8
Apr 14, 2026
5/10 stars
This is not a book I would normally choose to read but powered through it for a bookclub. This book is about a guy who is dying and learns the value of things based on the devil taking something away for each day of life. If you like introspection and thoughts on life, you'd probably life this. I was bored and couldn't wait for it to end.
Gias_BookHaven
Dec 30, 2025
8/10 stars
If Cats Disappeared from the World takes readers through the final week of the main character after learning he has a terminal illness. The news seems to paralyze him until an entity calling itself the Devil, wearing his face, appears before him. The Devil challenges our narrator to think about things he could live without permanently  in order to have just one more day to live. This proposal has a deeper effect on the main character as he recalls memories of his life and the things and people he's lost and those who meant the most to him.

In my opinion, If Cats Disappeared from the World will challenge its readers to think about their own mortality and the moments in their lives that meant to most in the moment but from afar seem of little consequence. My love for translated books continues to grow and  this book is a very good example of self-reflection and examining details of our lives that truly matter and bring us happiness. 
PintaGuh
Dec 11, 2025
9/10 stars
Oh my sweet summers heart. This is a beautiful read. You feel the clock ticking away. I read this in one go. Just at my favorite cafe sobbing my eyes out!
Kristin C.
Jun 26, 2025
Group Rating 2/3 stars - neither loved it or hated it

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