Varjak Paw by SF Said

Varjak Paw is a children's book, but not intended for really young children. It is about a cat named Varjak Paw who is a Mesopotamian Blue and the member of a family of Mesopotamian Blues cared for by The Contessa. All of his family are descendents of Jalal, who developed a kind of cat martial art called The Way.

Early in the book, The Contessa disappears and is replaced by a frightening man with two fierce black cats. Varjak escapes from The Contessa's villa to seek out a Dog, as directed by his grandfather.

Varjak Paw meets up with two street cats who take him under their paws and help him survive on the streets. In dreams, Varjak learns The Way, which helps him to overcome many obstacles in his quest. Once Varjak has mastered The Way, he returns home to The Contessa's Villa to try and save his family, aided by his new friends.

This was a cute story with a very nice cover illustration (by Dave McKean) and monotone illustrations throughout. A movie deal is in development.