My Cat is a Secret Agent

by Daniel J. Mahoney

In this laugh-out-loud picture book that’s purr-fect for fans of Adam Rubin and James Marshall, a girl tries to convince her parents that their cat is really an undercover spy. But when things don't quite go as planned, hilarious hijinks and plenty of feline fun ensue.

Samantha knows her cat, Walter, is anything but ordinary—he’s a secret agent with the very serious codename Kitty Pants. Unfortunately, no one else appreciates Walter’s superspy-ness. Samantha’s parents think he’s nothing more than your average pet. It’s up to Walter to convince them otherwise.

Operation Kitty Pants is a go. But will this undercover feline prove his impressive espionage skills battling foes, including a butt-sniffing pup, a wild-haired kitty, and a band of mischievous mice, or will he find his missions compromised? With Samantha’s help, perhaps Walter can show that there’s a bit of secret agent in all of us.

From Daniel J. Mahoney, the author-illustrator of We Don’t Eat Our Neighbors , My Cat Is a Secret Agent is a rollicking story for pet lovers and pet-free families alike—ideal for storytime in the classroom or at home.

Genres: Picture Books, Cats, Childrens, Animals, Fiction, Family, Humor

40 pages, Hardcover

Published September 30, 2025

Reviews

[Erin Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this audio book with my six year old granddaughter and four year old grandson and we all enjoyed it, especially the six year old. The sound effects were fun and the story was cute. Will have to purchase the paper picture book to accompany the delightful narration. Recommended. 4 stars.
Many thanks to Net Galley and Macmillan Audio | Macmillan Young Listeners for a chance to listen to an ARC version of the book.

[Krystal Kraft · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not your ordinary cat!

🐱🕵️‍♀️ 🐱

Loved this book in our house! My 6 year old Nora wanted me to mention how much she loved the pictures and how cool they looked! Accurate. Because I really liked them too!! As far as the story goes- It was short, sweet, and to the point! Secret agent cats are the coolest and come in handy to have around! Also, would make a cool Halloween costume for a family- secret agents with one person being the cat!☺️ We laughed more than a few times while we read and will enjoy again without question! Thanks for a fun book to enjoy with my kiddos!

[J Kromrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the Macmillan Young Listeners and Netgalley for this eARC.

Daniel J. Mahoney’s Thanks to My Cat is a Secret Agent is a gleefully absurd, high‑energy adventure that understands exactly what makes kids laugh—and what keeps adults listening along. It’s a story that treats imagination not as an escape from reality but as a legitimate way of navigating it, and that sincerity gives the book a surprising amount of heart beneath its comedic chaos.

The premise is delightfully simple: a kid discovers that their cat isn’t just a pet but a full‑fledged secret agent with missions, gadgets, and a flair for dramatic entrances. Mahoney leans into the humor without ever letting it become noise. The jokes land because they’re rooted in character—especially the cat, who manages to be both aloof and heroic, exactly as any self‑respecting feline spy should be.

Mahoney’s pacing is brisk, and the plot unfolds with the kind of escalating silliness that feels tailor‑made for young listeners. But there’s also an undercurrent of emotional intelligence: themes of trust, bravery, and believing in the impossible are woven in lightly, never overshadowing the fun but giving the story a satisfying shape.

🎧 Narration: Amanda Stribling’s lively, character‑driven performance

Amanda Stribling’s narration is a major asset. She brings a bright, animated energy to the story without tipping into over‑the‑top theatrics.
- Her kid‑friendly pacing keeps the humor crisp.
- Her character voices—especially the cat’s dry, spy‑movie seriousness—add an extra layer of charm.
- She strikes a balance between playful and polished, making the audiobook feel like a performance rather than a simple read‑through.

Stribling’s delivery enhances the comedic timing, and her ability to shift tone quickly helps the story’s more heartfelt moments land.

Thanks to My Cat is a Secret Agent is a joyful, imaginative romp that succeeds because it never talks down to its audience. Mahoney writes with wit and warmth, and Stribling’s narration elevates the experience into something genuinely memorable. It’s the kind of audiobook that kids will want to replay—and adults won’t mind hearing again.

[Our Weekend Is Booked · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daniel J. Mahoney’s picture book My Cat is a Secret Agent is a delightful story about a little girl named Samantha and her cat, Walter, who is definitely more than just a fluffy kitty. Samantha truly believes that Walter is a secret agent and even gives him the code name Kitty Pants. The problem is that Samantha’s parents don’t see how amazing Walter's secret-agent skills are.



What I Liked: The greatest source of enjoyment in this book is the vivid contrast between Samantha’s perspective and the chaotic aftermath discovered by her parents. It is fun to read Samantha’s version of what occurred compared to the messy reality her parents face. For instance, when Walter spots mice in the basement near the train set, he leaps into action to eliminate the intruders. In Samantha’s mind, Walter has successfully completed a vital mission and saved the day. However, her father simply sees a giant mess and is understandably upset about the destruction. The book is further enhanced by the brightly colored illustrations, which are filled with little details that effectively help tell the story. The artwork's quirkiness is a highlight, particularly the funny, exasperated expressions on Samantha’s father's face.

My Cat is a Secret Agent is a charming picture book that celebrates loyalty, imagination, and the incredible, unique bond between a child and their pet. Cat lovers, especially, will enjoy this imaginative tale.

This review first appeared on YA Books Central and can be found here:

https://yabookscentral.com/my-cat-is-...

[Barbara Schultz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: My Cat is a Secret Agent
Author: Daniel J, Mahoney
Format: 🎧
Narrator: Amanda Stribling
Publisher: Macmillan Audio/Macmillan Young Listeners
Genre: Children’s
Pub Date: September 30, 2025
My Rating: 4 Stars

Samantha knows her cat Walter is no ordinary car. It seems that Walter graduated from the Secret Agent Academy for Gifted Felines and his codename is Kitty Pants.
.
Aww this cute story is definitely too short!!!
As a grandma I always loved reading books to my grandchildren and, of course, before them my daughters. Most stories have a good message something that can get discussed afterwards..
I believe every child should be read-to and who knows if that indeed happens perhaps there just might be more kind loving adults in this world!

Want to thank NetGalley and Macmillan Audio/Macmillan Young Listeners for granted me this children’s audiobook.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for September 30, 2025.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank Macmillan Audio, Macmillan Young Listeners and NetGalley for a free ALC of this title in exchange for an honest review.

This was a sweet picture book in audio. Do I think I missed something from consuming this in only audio form? yes, of course. But I do think there is a lot of good stuff in the audio and a blended read is the perfect way to consume this book! The narrator is great at doing interesting voice work for each of the characters. There is a fantastic soundtrack that is never overwhelming the narration. There are several sound-effects added to enhance the narration as well. The one drawback is that it is not giving the listeners any more description in order to make up for the lack of illustrations (you see this a lot in audio adaptations of graphic novels, and I think it should be a thing in picture book audio adaptations as well!)

This title is available for purchase on September 30th, 2025

[Pam · Rating 2 out of 5]

This just wasn't for me. Others appreciate it more so please read their reviews.
The basic storyline works but feels minimal. Readers see the truth but are not sure if it is Samantha's imagination or reality at first. Her parents don't believe her and blame the cat for many issues. When Walter makes a dramatic rescue in front of all three, they are stunned to realize he truly is a secret agent. The book ends with everyone wanting to be one too. The artwork is fun to study as it tells so much more of the story.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first time I've listened to a children's book on audio but I was happily surprised! I loved hearing the purrs, meows, and light background music while the narrator read. This is a children's book I would recommend for ages 3.5 to 4 years+ and for any child in your life who adores cats and all of their mysterious, spy-like behaviors.
Thank you, Macmillan Audio, for the advanced listener copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Sarah Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much like the cat we have at home, Walter is a mischievous “secret agent” that is always causing trouble. Samantha is out to convince her parents that Walter is no ordinary cat!

My daughter & I enjoyed this audiobook; however, it would have been better to have seen the illustrations with a physical copy. Perfect for a quick car ride, though!

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great and immersive audiobook. The story was cute and the audiobook narration was fully immersive with soundtrack, and sound effects. However, the audiobook alone is not enough to follow the story so this would be a great option in conjunction with the physical book or picture book.

I received a courtesy copy of this audiobook from netGalley

[Bookaholic__Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

My three year old thought it was great that she could listen to an audiobook like mommy...but I personally don't think audio is the best way to enjoy this book. I think it is probably more enjoyable as a picture book or maybe listen/read in tandem. The audio production did have some fun music and sounds though!

I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Jame_EReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

👦🏻 review: this funny children’s book is silly, animal friendly and endless entertainment about Walter the secret agent cat. I had fun reading about Walter and Samantha’s parents are seriously entertaining. This book is even better for cat-lover-people because the dialogue discussed is something that would be spoken like a true cat-person. This one is out of this world!!!

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Walter is more than an ordinary cat-- he's a crafty, heroic, and talented secret agent. Now if only his human, Sammy, could get her parents to believe it! Super cute and fun, and a reminder that it's entirely possible that every cat in the world is a secret agent on some level.

[Danielle Mccoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this audiobook from netGalley for a honest review.

What a cute story about a kid who thinks their cat is a secret agent. Oh so many things go wrong but it all works out in the end. I think the pictures might add a great deal to this book though.

[Constance · Rating 5 out of 5]

A completely adorable picture book with a clever cat and a little girl who believes! The illustrations are utterly charming, there's lots of little details to keep kids coming back to reread (in the artwork especially!) and it's very funny! Definitely recommend.

[Debby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Intrigue for the littles. Read my full review here.

Publication day: September 30.

#NetGalley #MacmillanAudio #MacmillanYoungListeners #MyCatisaSecretAgent

[Serhiy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun little read, made even more engaging in the audiobook. The illustrations are superb and the story is easy to follow. Now, I need to keep a close eye on my cats 🤨.

[Lauren M · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decently fun story about a secret agent cat and the imagination of his owner.

[Alyssa Gudenburr · Rating 2 out of 5]

A little too silly.

[M · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story follows a girl and her secret agent kitty, Walter, aka Kitty Pants.

[Dylan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun cat picture book that has illustrations reminiscent of some 1990s picture books from my childhood (can't remember the exact title it reminds me of).

[AllyP Reads Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book but with stupid parents unable to see the obvious that the cat is a spy.

[Y.Poston]

cute

[Lbsantini · Rating 4 out of 5]

The illustrations are so fantastic!

[Kelly Teen Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, funny, and worth the read. Clever, colorful, and cheeky!

This was a Net Galley read, July 2025.

[CMAC · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting story! Unexpectedly so, it seemed there was a high production value. For a kid, I could see them really enjoying all the music and the sound effects while telling the story.
It was overall really cute and relatable.

**Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for a copy of the ARC in exchange for an honest review.