About the Book
From the creative mind behind countless hilarious viral cat narrations comes a collection of poems, each offering a snapshot of life in the Thunderhome. See the world through this AuDHD author’s eyes and experience a perspective like no other.
This poetry collection takes readers through the lives of The Pawtistics, a family of quirky cats and neurodivergent humans, as they navigate both the joys of chaotic cat antics and the struggles of unexpected loss.
Beginning with the quippy, lighthearted narrations familiar to followers of The Pawtistics, readers are then guided into the shadows, following Kayla’s journey as she grieves the sudden passing of her beloved cat Gizmo—a special orange soul who captured the hearts of millions.
“I sobbed. I smiled.
And I remembered.
And then it was time to laugh again.”
What People Are Saying
“I knew it was going to be love, given wings.
I knew you were going for my throat...
But, I didn't expect it at the dedication!
Then, by page three, I was in full laugh-out-loud mode. And then....I saw the trigger warning, and went through anyway.
I felt every word, every drop of pain. I've said many of these goodbyes over the years. Each one is a different kind of hurt, of loss, of empty. And I cried.
For the 30 'official' furry family members that have come and gone from my life over the past 35 years or so. For the uncountable 'strays' that touched down for a day, week, month - or more - and allowed me to help them on their journeys.
I sobbed. I smiled.
And, I remembered.
And then it was time to laugh again.”
— Michelle A.
“Her poems are not just about cats; they’re about what it means to love so fiercely that the loss feels like it might undo you.”
— Full Review Below
“I am so glad to be able to add this book to my collection and think it is worth the read to anyone who has ever loved or lost a beloved pet. ”
— Full Review Below
“Nine Lives” is a beautiful collection of poetry about joy, love, loss, and the transformative power of grief.”
— Full Review Below
“The poems made me laugh remembering the wonderful times, and made me tear up remembering how similar my grief felt, and still feels. ”
— Full Review Below
Reviews from Advanced Readers
“I knew it was going to be love, given wings.
I knew you were going for my throat...
But, I didn't expect it at the dedication!
Then, by page three, I was in full laugh-out-loud mode. And then....I saw the trigger warning, and went through anyway.
I felt every word, every drop of pain. I've said many of these goodbyes over the years. Each one is a different kind of hurt, of loss, of empty. And I cried.
For the 30 'official' furry family members that have come and gone from my life over the past 35 years or so. For the uncountable 'strays' that touched down for a day, week, month - or more - and allowed me to help them on their journeys.
I sobbed. I smiled.
And, I remembered.
And then it was time to laugh again.”
— Michelle A.
I had the privilege of reading an ARC of Nine Lives, and it’s a book that will stay with me for a long time. Kayla Delcoure’s poetry is a beautiful blend of humor, tenderness, and raw vulnerability. From laugh-out-loud moments—like her four-year-old son adorably calling whiskers “twinkles”—to poignant reflections on love, grief, and healing, this collection captures the full emotional spectrum of living and loving deeply.
Through her words, Kayla invites readers into the world of The Pawtistics: a neurodivergent family of humans and cats whose daily chaos and heartfelt connections feel incredibly real. Her poems are not just about cats; they’re about what it means to love so fiercely that the loss feels like it might undo you.
I cried for Gizmo and Arya, Kayla’s beloved companions I’ve followed for years on social media, and I cried for Enzo, my own cat whom I lost just three weeks ago. Kayla’s grief resonated deeply with me. She lays herself bare on the page in a way that is both brave and deeply comforting—reminding readers who have loved and lost that we are not alone. The pain may lessen, but as she captures so honestly, the soul never truly heals from the loss of a soulmate.
This book is a testament to love—in all its joy, absurdity, and heartbreak. For anyone who has ever bonded with a pet on a soul-deep level, Nine Lives will speak to you. It’s charming, gut-wrenching, healing, and ultimately, beautifully human.
— Michelle A.
““Nine Lives” is a beautiful collection of poetry about joy, love, loss, and the transformative power of grief. It seems strange to call this “pet loss” because that is too easily minimized. “It’s just a cat”, those words cut like razor blades. Soulmates, they’re not always human. I am sad for those who would disagree, as it means they’ve never been loved this way.”
— Anonymous 001
“This book is a beautiful story of what it means to love a cat and be loved by them in return. It touches your soul and makes you want to just grab your cats and give them the biggest hug. I am so glad to be able to add this book to my collection and think it is worth the read to anyone who has ever loved or lost a beloved pet. ”
— Anonymous 002
“You are never completely over the death of a soul cat, but sometimes you think after 6 years the grief is a quiet shadow you are outrunning. The poems made me laugh remembering the wonderful times, and made me tear up remembering how similar my grief felt, and still feels. They reminded me that no matter the time, distance, or differences, love and grief are universal. Thank you for writing this book and making me feel like I’m not alone in either.”
— @marleythefluffalosoldier
“Funny, short & sweet, heartbreaking, healing. All in one. 10/10 recommend.”
— @mclaughlinknits
“Being a cat Mom, and dealing with the loss of 2 cats in 5 years, I felt everything in this book immensely. The line "He carried my soul" is really everything. This book has funny silly cat moments, but I felt the poems about loss in my soul. Thank you for sharing the rawness of your loss as it helps show others that grief before (anticipatory) and after pet loss is not a linear path.”
— Kimberley
“Nine lives is a heartfelt collection of poems dedicated to Cats and their owners who worship them. Many will make you smile but be warned that there is a group of poems concerning the loss of a pet. Anyone who has felt the loss of the unconditional love our pets give us will be touched by the words and grief in those poems. I definitely shed a tear or two feeling the authors pain but also remembering my own pets. Overall a sweet collection of poems.”