She was born in Schenectady, New York, and grew up in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. she was educated at the University of Massachusetts and the University of Kansas, graduating in 1975. Cadigan then went to work as a writer for Hallmark Cards. she was first published in 1981, succcess as an author encouraged her to write full time from 1987. She emigrated to England in 1996.
She has won a number of awards, including the Arthur C. Clarke Award in 1992 and 1995 for her novels Synners and Fools.
Pat Cadigan's works include: