"It's like this, cat" by Emily Neville is a novel published in 1964 that won the Newbery Medal. Fourteen-year-old Dave Mitchell navigates the challenges of growing up in New York City, constantly clashing with his father while his mother's asthma worsens. When Dave adopts a stray cat from his elderly neighbor Kate, the independent feline leads him into unexpected adventures and friendships—including a troubled college student and his first girlfriend. Through Cat's wanderings across the city, Dave discovers new neighborhoods and begins his journey toward maturity.