Oh, Peter! IT is one of the BEST books, ever! Usually listed under children's books. It won the Newberry Medal.

Here's what the jacket says: This story of the cat who came to live wiht a poor Japanese artist and brought him good fortune while teaching him patience and devotion has become a recognised classic over the years. As his master paints lovingly on the silk scroll he ahs been commissioned to make for the village temple, the cat watches him draw a snail, a swan, a horse, a dog -- until finally, moved by compassion, the artist performs an act of pure love and is rewarded by a miracle.

PHOKAS, IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THIS, DO! It first came out in 1958, but there have been numerous printings since. My paperback came out in the 80's.