The Cat Who Went To Heaven

In a humble Japanese village, a penniless young artist opens his home to a three-colored cat named Good Fortune. When the local temple commissions him to paint the passing of the Buddha, he must choose which creatures deserve a place beside the Enlightened One. As elephants, horses, deer, and other animals—each with its own luminous fable from Buddhist lore—gather on the silk, the little cat watches and waits, longing for a blessing she has been denied. What follows is a tender miracle born of courage, mercy, and the transformative power of art. Rich with the gentle wonder of a folk tale and the quiet strength of a parable, The Cat Who Went to Heaven is a timeless meditation on compassion and grace. Andrew Ryan’s warm, expressive narration brings to life the artist’s journey, the housekeeper’s lilting songs, and the procession of creatures from the Jataka tales, inviting listeners of all ages to reflect, rejoice, and be moved. Perfect for family listening, classrooms, and anyone who loves cats, art, and stories that heal the heart.