Picture a storyteller who’s as comfortable decoding a cat’s meow as she is crafting a heart-pounding thriller—meet Amy Shojai! A certified animal behavior consultant and award-winning author, Shojai has penned over 35 nonfiction pet care books and a gripping series of pet-centric thrillers. Her knack for blending furry wisdom with suspense has made her a beloved voice for pet lovers and mystery fans alike.
From translating 'medicalese' into pet-parent-friendly advice to spinning tales of service dogs and sinister conspiracies, Shojai’s work is a celebration of the human-animal bond. Let’s dive into her sparkling, bling-filled world!
The Making of Amy Shojai
Amy Shojai didn’t set out to be a writer—she dreamed of starring on Broadway or living in a cave with a pet lion! Growing up shy, she found solace in books and pets, who never judged her wild daydreams. A happy accident led her to become a veterinary technician, where she honed her ability to explain complex medical jargon. In 1992, a New York editor spotted her articles and offered two book contracts, launching her career. Her love for pets and storytelling became her superpower, fueled by furry muses like Karma-Kat and Shadow-Pup.
Amy Shojai’s Unforgettable Stories
Shojai’s nonfiction books, like Complete Care for Your Aging Cat and The First-Aid Companion for Dogs & Cats, are go-to guides for pet owners. With over 35 titles, she covers everything from kitten training to canine dementia, making veterinary science accessible with her jargon-free style. Her work has earned dozens of awards, including two Friskies Writer of the Year honors, and her articles appear in outlets like Reader’s Digest and Chewy.com.
But Shojai’s not just about facts—she’s got a thrilling side! Her September Day series, starting with Lost and Found, follows animal behaviorist September Day and her PTSD service dog, Shadow. These 'Thrillers with Bite' weave dark suspense with pet perspectives, like a dog’s-eye view of a deadly conspiracy. Books like Hide and Seek and Fight or Flight keep readers on edge, blending Shojai’s animal expertise with pulse-pounding plots. She also dabbles in musical theater, co-writing pet-themed plays like Strays, the Musical.
Her writing sparkles with 'bling-icity'—a term she coined for her love of shiny, vibrant storytelling. Whether she’s demystifying pet behavior or crafting a cliffhanger, Shojai’s passion for animals shines through, making her work both educational and electrifying.
Why Amy Shojai Matters
Shojai’s impact goes beyond bookshelves. As a founder of the Cat Writers’ Association and a member of the Dog Writers Association of America, she’s shaped the pet writing community. Her ability to empower pet owners with practical advice has saved countless furry lives, while her thrillers celebrate the courage of animals and their humans. Her media appearances on CNN and Animal Planet have spread her message far and wide, cementing her as a trusted pet expert.
By blending science, suspense, and heart, Shojai has carved a unique niche, inspiring readers to see pets as partners in life’s adventures. Her legacy is one of connection, proving that stories—whether factual or fictional—can strengthen the bond between people and their animals.
- Key Works: Complete Care for Your Aging Cat, Lost and Found, Hide and Seek
- Awards: Two-time Friskies Writer of the Year, over 30 writing awards
- Fun Fact: She’s a playwright and loves all things bling!
About Amy Shojai
Snag Lost and Found or The First-Aid Companion for Dogs & Cats and dive into Amy Shojai’s sparkling world of pets and suspense!