How to Tell If Your Cat Is Plotting to Kill You Summary & Key Insights

"How to Tell If Your Cat Is Plotting to Kill You" by Matthew Inman (The Oatmeal) isn't a narrative with a traditional plot; it's a humorous collection of essays and comics exploring the complex, often baffling, relationship between humans and their feline companions. Instead of a main plot, the book presents a series of interconnected observations and anecdotes centered around the perceived (and often jokingly exaggerated) malevolence of cats.

The "key characters" are, essentially, all cats and their human owners. Inman uses himself, his own cats, and a cast of fictionalized, anthropomorphized cats as vehicles for his comedic observations. These cats aren't simply pets; they're cunning strategists, miniature overlords patiently waiting for the opportune moment to unleash their wrath (or, at least, a well-timed swat). The humans are portrayed as perpetually bewildered and slightly terrified victims of this feline conspiracy.

The overarching theme is the humorous juxtaposition of human assumptions about their cats' intentions and the often-absurd reality of feline behavior. Inman explores several recurring "plot points" – or rather, perceived feline plots – throughout the book:

• The Slow, Deliberate Conquest: This involves the seemingly innocent gestures like a cat slowly gaining dominance over the household, strategically placing themselves in optimal napping spots, or subtly manipulating their humans with purrs and cuddles before striking (with a paw, or a sudden, pointed stare).

• The Masterful Manipulation of Food Resources: Cats, according to Inman's humorous observations, are masters of manipulation, expertly exploiting human generosity for their own gain. They meticulously assess food availability, strategically time their meows, and use their adorable features to get what they want.

• The Art of the Silent Threat: This involves the subtle, yet chilling, power dynamics between humans and cats. The lingering stare, the sudden, inexplicable stillness, the slow, deliberate tail flick – these are all presented as potential signs of an impending feline attack.

• The Mysterious Disappearance and Reappearance: Inman highlights the unpredictable nature of cats, their inexplicable disappearances followed by sudden reappearance at the most inconvenient times. This is presented not as a mystery to be solved but as another facet of their "plotting."

The book is not a guide to actually understanding whether your cat is plotting your demise (though it playfully offers some "clues"). Instead, it's a witty and insightful exploration of the often-amusing power dynamic between humans and their feline overlords, celebrating the absurdity of our relationship with these mysterious creatures. The humor stems from the exaggeration of typical cat behaviors and the human tendency to anthropomorphize them, resulting in a highly entertaining and relatable read for any cat owner.