So, what's it like to be a cat?
by Karla Kuskin
Atheneum Books for Young Readers 2008
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- perspective-taking
- imagination
- pets and animal behavior
- curiosity
- empathy
- identity and self-expression
- humor
About this book
In this playful picture book, a curious child interviews a cat to find out what life is like from whiskers to tail. The conversation unfolds in lively, poetic language that captures the rhythms, habits, and moods of a feline friend. Young readers will enjoy the humor and the cat’s-eye view of the world, while adults will appreciate the rich vocabulary and read-aloud charm. Perfect for kids who love pets and imaginative, language-rich stories.
Setting: a modern home and neighborhood from a cat’s perspective
Frequently Asked Questions
Is So, what's it like to be a cat? right for my child?
Yes — So, what's it like to be a cat? is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.2, which is typical for 3rd grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include perspective-taking, imagination, pets and animal behavior.
How long does it take to read So, what's it like to be a cat??
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, So, what's it like to be a cat? takes around 7m to finish. The book has 900 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does So, what's it like to be a cat? have an AR quiz?
Yes — So, what's it like to be a cat? has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is So, what's it like to be a cat??
So, what's it like to be a cat? has an AR reading level of 3.2, which places it at a 3rd grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.