There is something altogether delicious about a witch and her familiar—that particular bond between a magic-wielder and a creature who is neither servant nor pet, but something far more mysterious. The familiar sees what others cannot. It speaks when silence would be wiser. It remains steadfast when the very stars themselves conspire against its witch, and yet it maintains an air of superiority that suggests, perhaps, it is doing the witch a tremendous favour by deigning to help at all.
If you have found yourself craving tales of magical cats who steal scenes with their sardonic observations, mystical creatures who provide counsel both wanted and otherwise, and that irreplaceable partnership between witch and companion, you have arrived at just the right place. These are the finest fantasy novels featuring familiars—from cozy mysteries to dark assassin tales, each one guaranteed to leave you yearning for a magical companion of your very own.
Sabriel by Garth Nix
In the Old Kingdom, death is merely a border crossing, and the dead do not always stay where they belong. Sabriel, trained in the art of Necromancy, must venture into this perilous realm to rescue her father—accompanied by Mogget, perhaps the most gloriously complicated cat in all of fantasy literature.
Appearing as an innocent white cat with a miniature bell at his collar, Mogget is in truth an ancient being of tremendous power, bound to serve the Abhorsen line whether he wishes to or not. His personality oscillates between helpful guide and something far more dangerous lurking beneath that fluffy exterior. He loves fresh fish, annoying the Abhorsens, and being deeply inconvenient at precisely the wrong moment. This is dark, atmospheric fantasy with one of the most memorable cat familiars ever committed to paper.
Love, Lies, and Hocus Pocus by Lydia Sherrer
Lily Singer is a proper wizard who likes her magic logical, systematic, and thoroughly researched. Naturally, the universe sees fit to saddle her with Sir Edgar Allan Kipling—a magical talking cat extraordinaire blessed (or cursed, depending on whom you ask) with human intelligence and absolutely no intention of keeping his opinions to himself.
When her comfortable life of library research collides with Sebastian, a witch with a talent for trouble, Lily finds herself dragged into adventures she never requested, accompanied by a feline who provides approximately sixty percent of the sass in any given situation. Sir Kipling steals every scene he graces, dispensing wisdom and withering commentary in equal measure while keeping his human out of trouble, whether she appreciates his intervention or not. This delightfully cozy urban fantasy series has been embraced by readers who love their magic with a side of snark.
Nevernight by Jay Kristoff
For those who prefer their familiars with an otherworldly touch, permit us to introduce Mister Kindly—a not-cat with not-eyes who exists as shadow given form and purpose.
In a world where three suns blaze and true night is a rarity, young Mia Corvere walks in darkness, seeking vengeance against those who destroyed her family. At her side lurks Mister Kindly, consuming her fear like a delicacy, leaving her capable of feats that would make others tremble and flee. He is sardonic, ruthless toward the world, and absolutely devoted to his human.
This is assassin fantasy painted in shades of blood and shadow, not for the faint of heart—but readers who brave these pages will discover one of the most unique familiar relationships in modern fantasy.
Kiki’s Delivery Service by Eiko Kadono
When a young witch turns thirteen, tradition demands she leave home to find her place in the world, accompanied only by her broomstick and the black cat who has been raised alongside her since birth. Kiki and her snarky companion Jiji arrive in a seaside town where their unique skills might be put to use—if only the locals would stop being so suspicious of newcomers.
This is the enchanting novel that inspired the beloved Studio Ghibli film, though the book possesses its own particular charms. Jiji is wonderfully cynical, providing commentary on human foolishness with the casual cruelty only cats can manage, while remaining Kiki’s most faithful friend through every triumph and setback. It is pure, wholesome magic of the sort that warms the soul on cold evenings.
A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna
Sera Swan lost her magic at fifteen, banished from the witch guild for the forbidden spell that resurrected her beloved aunt. Now, years later, she runs the delightfully peculiar Batty Hole Inn in Lancashire, which has accumulated quite the collection of unusual permanent residents—including a zombie rooster, a friend cursed into the body of a talking fox, and various other oddities who find refuge within its walls. When Sera discovers an ancient spellbook might restore her powers, she must navigate guild politics, inconvenient romance, and the mischief of her magical menagerie.
The familiar-as-friend theme weaves throughout this heartwarming tale, particularly through Sera’s relationships with her magical animal companions. This is cozy fantasy at its finest, featuring found family, gentle humour, and the reassuring notion that the weird, wonderful beings we gather around us might be the best magic of all.
The Song of the Lioness Quartet by Tamora Pierce
Alanna of Trebond disguises herself as a boy to train as a knight, a deception that requires all her considerable wit and determination. When a small black cat with violet eyes matching her own appears during her journey, she names him Faithful—not yet understanding just how apt that name shall prove.
Faithful speaks only to Alanna, offering counsel that is occasionally helpful, frequently cryptic, and always delivered with feline superiority. His presence elevates these already excellent fantasy adventures into something truly memorable—a beloved series that has introduced generations of readers to the particular magic of the witch-familiar bond.
The Village Library Demon-Hunting Society by C.M. Waggoner
Librarian Sherry Pinkwhistle has a concerning habit of finding dead bodies—and an even more concerning talent for solving the murders surrounding them. When the fatalities in her quaint village begin seeming decidedly supernatural, and her cat Lord Thomas Crowell becomes possessed by what appears to be an ancient demon, Sherry realises she may need to add exorcism to her repertoire of skills.
Assembling an unlikely Demon-Hunting Society from the village’s eccentric residents, she sets about solving murder and banishing evil with the same methodical approach she applies to catalogue organisation. This delightful genre mashup combines cozy mystery with supernatural menace, all anchored by the relationship between a sensible librarian and her suddenly rather problematic feline.
Calling on Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede
Deep in the Enchanted Forest lives the witch Morwen with her nine cats—Murgatroyd, Fiddlesticks, Miss Eliza Tudor, Scorn, Jasmine, Trouble, Jasper Darlington Higgins IV, Chaos, and Aunt Ophelia. They are tabby, grey, white, tortoiseshell, ginger, and every colour except properly witchy black because Morwen has never cared for convention.
Only Morwen can understand them, and their commentary on the magical mishaps befalling the kingdom is absolutely hilarious. The more cats a witch possesses, the more power she can channel, making Morwen rather formidable indeed. This third book in the Enchanted Forest Chronicles features Morwen as the protagonist, and the cats steal every scene they grace with their irreverent observations.
The Teller of Small Fortunes by Julie Leong
Tao wanders between villages with her trusty mule, telling only small fortunes—whether it shall hail next week, which boy the barmaid shall kiss. Big fortunes, she has learned, carry big consequences. When a semi-reformed thief, a poetry-composing warrior, a baker of delicious but ugly treats, and a slightly magical cat join her journey, Tao discovers that perhaps the greatest fortune is the unexpected family we accumulate along the way.
This warm, gentle cozy fantasy celebrates companionship both human and animal, offering exactly the sort of comfort one needs after a difficult day.
Spellslinger by Sebastien de Castell
Kellen should have been a great mage, heir to a magical legacy—but his power never manifested properly, leaving him branded an outcast among his own people. His unlikely companion is Reichis, a squirrel-cat with violent tendencies, a weakness for butter biscuits and bubble baths, and an appetite for eyeballs that speaks to his more feral nature.
Reichis is sarcastic, antagonistic, and insulting, throwing barbs at everyone he encounters while simultaneously being Kellen’s most loyal partner. Only Kellen can understand what Reichis says, making their interactions delightfully awkward when viewed by outsiders. This completed six-book series delivers adventure, magic, and one of the most memorable animal companions in young adult fantasy.
The Books of Elsewhere by Jacqueline West
When young Olive moves into a strange old house filled with peculiar paintings, she discovers she can enter them—and that three cats named Horatio, Leopold, and Harvey are far more than they seem. These feline familiars were bound to serve a rather unpleasant family of not-entirely-dead witches, but that does not prevent them from attempting to help Olive navigate the dangerous magic seeping from every corner of the house.
This delightful middle-grade series blends mystery, magic, and wonderfully characterised cat companions who are equal parts helpful and mysterious.
Whether you seek the cozy warmth of a talking cat providing domestic commentary, the dark intensity of a shadow-creature consuming fear, or the delightful chaos of nine felines with nine separate opinions, these tales offer just what you desire. A familiar is no mere pet—it is a partnership between worlds, a bridge between the magical and mundane, and frequently the most sensible character in any given scene.
May you find your own perfect companion among these pages, and may they provide precisely the sort of sass and wisdom your life requires.
