Sleepy Cat Books

Going to sleepy cat always brings me so much comfort and joy! The owner Jeff and his cat Lyla are incredibly lovely. I also appreciate the wide selection of Asian authors and literature they carry. They always give you a cute cat bookmark with every book you buy 🙂

They KNOW great books here. Super well-curated book store, great staff recommendations table if you are browsing. A hidden gem in Berkeley. Must get me a tote next time.

I would’ve loved to leave another good review for this bookstore, but unfortunately my experience didn’t warrant it. I was already having a terrible day, and this truly added to it. I was so excited to visit the infamous cat bookstore in town and enjoy the good vibes. However, when I politely asked if I could pet the cat, the owner instantly said no and made me feel very uncomfortable. I was extremely polite and kind, yet I received such harsh responses. I knew the cat was extremely social, so I made sure to ask kindly. When I then asked if I could take a photo of the adorable cat, he responded by saying the cat was "camera shy." Honestly, the whole interaction left me feeling awkward, sad, and unwelcome—just for asking to pet a seemingly friendly cat. Also, this bookstore's whole Instagram acc is pictures of the cat :((( I guess the owner just didn't want me taking any pictures unlike any other customer. So if you’re like me, hoping for a chill time and maybe a chance to pet the cat, you may only find books about cats and an unfriendly owner instead. 10/10 recommend the bookstore across the street for much friendlier and more welcoming staff.

Sleepy Cat Books is a must-stop for any book or cat lover! I was thoroughly excited by the assortment of books, postcards, and "staff picks" tables. Due to the chic layout of the store, I was surprised when most of the titles were used! The owner does an excellent job in variety and I found many historical fiction novels I was interested in. Most of all, the customer service is outstanding, as Jeff and Lyla are so so sweet! True to the shop’s name, Lyla was sleeping. If you’re looking for a charming book shop, be sure to make this a stop when you’re in the area.

What makes an excellent Indie bookstore? It's in the name. Sleepy Cat Books was something I happened upon while adventuring in Berkeley. You should adventure too. Happily I found a copy of the international bestseller, The Travelling Cat Chronicles. I finished it yesterday. If you have not read it, do! For me it was as if I was revisiting my time in Japan. It's as if the bookshelves know what you are looking for and provide the answer. It is important for me to spend dollars when I am in another city. How fortunate I feel to be introduced to this shop.

Visited this store today, store is preety impressive, nice owner, limited books but the taste of owner is enough for a reader to see the variety of books. Sleepy cats is another best thing in the store. I will say this is the kind of store I want when I retire.

Wonderful small shop full of interesting titles for affordable prices, as well as an interesting array of wonderful postcards. Got to meet the sleepy little lady Miss Lyla in the fur as well, & she was so sweet! 🙂 The owner was very friendly and kind as well. Overall a wonderful experience! Definitely recommend stopping by if you’re in the area & have the time.