Book review: ‘Your House, Their Rules’

Your House, Their Rules: Your Guide to Being Owned by a Cat by Christopher Mancuso. Hearth & Home Press, 2025. Softcover, 269 pages.

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There is no truth to the rumor that my rescued black cat Tamsin made me write a glowing review of Christopher Mancuso’s guide to all things feline. Of course, I do follow all her instructions. But, even without her encouragement, I have to say that Your House, Their Rules is one of the best books about feline behavior and care that I have come across in ages.  

Christopher and his wife are longtime animal rescue workers who foster cats as well as tend to their own feline household. They have experienced a wide variety of cat behaviors. And, with humor and straightforward directions for maintaining a peaceful home, Christopher shares their experiences in the book.  

While the title might lead readers to think Your House, Their Rules is one of the ubiquitous feline humor books that frequently pop up, it is actually an exhaustive look at how to rescue and foster cats. Although told with humor, this book deals with the general behaviors one might expect in a multi-cat house filled with cats of different backgrounds.  

What is so striking is how intuitive and patient Christopher and his wife are about welcoming new cats into their home. Each cat matters and is given the time and effort required either to be adopted by someone else or to become an official member of Christopher’s family. Whether rescuing cats or helping them settle into their new environment, the author shows what love looks like when it is put into action.  

Although my cat Tamsin may not have persuaded me to write a glowing review of Your House, Their Rules, I am certain she would give this helpful book two paws up.

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Our goal at Best Friends is to support all animal shelters in the U.S. in reaching no-kill. No-kill means saving every dog and cat in a shelter who can be saved, accounting for community safety and good quality of life for pets. 

Shelter staff can’t do it alone. Saving animals in shelters is everyone’s responsibility, and it takes support and participation from the community. No-kill is possible when we work together thoughtfully, honestly, and collaboratively.