The Cat
A humorous and thoughtful prose piece that reveals the hidden character, independence and adventurous life of a cat.
Lesson Overview
What the lesson is mainly about
In The Cat, Andrew Barton Paterson challenges the common idea that a cat is merely an unintelligent, lazy animal interested only in mice and milk. He presents the cat as an animal with character, physical skill, intelligence and a strong sense of independence.
During the daytime, the cat appears lazy and relaxed. But when evening comes, its real nature becomes visible. It becomes active, alert, graceful and adventurous. It moves through the backyard, climbs fences and roofs, avoids danger and meets other cats.
The lesson also shows that a cat is strongly attached to its familiar home and surroundings. Through humour and vivid description, the author makes the reader look at cats from a completely different point of view.
Central Theme
The main idea of the lesson
Misunderstood Nature
People often misunderstand the cat by judging it from its quiet daytime behaviour.
Independence
The cat values freedom and prefers to live life in its own way.
Adventure
The backyard becomes a place of sport, hunting and adventure for the cat.
Love of Home
The cat has a strong attachment to its familiar territory and surroundings.
Important Ideas
Key points students should understand
Most people think that a cat is unintelligent, fond of ease and interested mainly in mice and milk.
The author believes that a cat has more character than most human beings and gets great satisfaction from life.
A cat is described as an athlete, an acrobat and a grim fighter.
During the day, the cat loafs about the house and may watch a mouse-hole to avoid boredom.
In the evening, the cat’s real and active nature becomes visible.
At tea time, the cat appears to get its share of food and is especially civil to guests.
If a guest only strokes the cat instead of feeding it, the cat quietly but firmly rakes the guest’s leg.
After tea, the cat goes outside and begins its real adventure.
The cat moves like a panther, watches for danger and calls its kindred.
Cats turn ordinary suburban backyards into exciting hunting grounds.
A cat prefers its familiar territory and knows every landmark of its own neighbourhood.
The lesson humorously presents the cat as independent, adventurous and strongly attached to its home.
Story Flow
How the lesson develops
People consider the cat lazy and unintelligent.
The author reveals its athletic and fighting abilities.
The cat rests, loafs about and watches a mouse-hole.
The cat appears for food and behaves cleverly with guests.
The cat goes outside and meets its kindred.
The cat prefers its familiar home to an unfamiliar place.
Important Questions & Answers
Core questions for understanding the lesson
What do most people think about the cat?
Most people think that the cat is an unintelligent animal, fond of ease and caring little for anything except mice and milk.
What does the author say about the character of a cat?
The author says that a cat has more character than most human beings and gets a great deal more satisfaction out of life.
What qualities of a cat are mentioned by the author?
The cat is described as an athlete, an acrobat and a grim fighter.
How does the cat spend most of the daytime?
During the daytime, the cat loafs about the house, takes things easy and allows itself to be pestered by the attention of people. Sometimes it watches a mouse-hole for an hour or two to avoid boredom.
When can one see the cat as it really is?
One can see the cat as it really is when the shades of evening fall.
Why does the cat watch a mouse-hole for an hour or two?
The cat watches a mouse-hole simply to pass the time and keep itself from dying of boredom.
Why does the cat appear when the family sits down to tea?
The cat appears at tea time to get its share of the food.
Why is the cat particularly civil to a guest?
The cat is particularly civil to a guest because the guest is likely to have the best of the food that is offered.
What does the cat do when the guest only strokes it?
When the guest only strokes the cat instead of giving it food, the cat quietly but firmly rakes the guest in the leg with its claws.
What happens after the family finishes tea?
After tea, the cat casually goes out of the room and begins its real life in the backyard, moving through fences and rooftops and eventually calling its kindred.
Why does the cat look keenly from side to side?
The cat looks keenly from side to side because it has to remain alert to dangers such as dogs and small boys with stones.
Why does the cat prefer its old home?
The cat prefers its old home because it knows the land, the landmarks and the surroundings, and all its familiar friends are there.
Key Elements to Remember
Essential facts from Lesson 7
Very Short & Short Answer Questions
Lesson 7 — The Cat | Andrew Barton Paterson
Very Short Answer Questions
1 Mark QuestionsWho is the author of “The Cat”?
Andrew Barton Paterson is the author of “The Cat”.
What do most people think about a cat?
Most people think that a cat is unintelligent and fond of ease.
What two things are cats commonly associated with?
Cats are commonly associated with mice and milk.
What does the author think about a cat’s character?
The author thinks that a cat has more character than most human beings.
Name one quality of a cat mentioned by the author.
A cat is an athlete.
What other quality of a cat is mentioned besides being an athlete?
The cat is also described as an acrobat and a grim fighter.
How does the cat spend the daytime?
It spends the daytime loafing about the house and taking things easy.
When can one see the cat as it really is?
One can see the cat as it really is when the shades of evening fall.
What does the cat sometimes watch during the daytime?
It sometimes watches a mouse-hole.
Why does the cat watch a mouse-hole?
It watches a mouse-hole to avoid boredom.
When does the cat come into the family room?
The cat comes into the family room when the family sits down to tea.
Why does the cat appear at tea time?
The cat appears at tea time to get its share of the food.
Who does the cat particularly favour at tea time?
The cat particularly favours a guest.
Why is the cat civil to a guest?
The cat is civil to a guest because the guest is likely to have good food.
What does the cat do if a guest only strokes it?
It quietly but firmly rakes the guest’s leg with its claws.
Short Answer Questions
2 Marks QuestionsWhy does the author disagree with the common opinion about cats?
The author disagrees because a cat is not merely a lazy and unintelligent animal. It has character, physical skill, intelligence and a strong desire for an active life.
Why does the author call a cat an athlete and an acrobat?
The cat possesses great physical ability. It can move, climb, jump and balance itself with remarkable skill. Therefore, the author calls it an athlete and an acrobat.
How does the cat spend its time during the day?
During the day, the cat usually loafs about the house and takes things easy. At times, it watches a mouse-hole for an hour or two simply to avoid boredom.
How does the behaviour of the cat change in the evening?
In the evening, the cat becomes active and alert. It leaves its quiet daytime routine and begins exploring the backyard, fences and rooftops like an adventurous animal.
Why does the cat come when the family sits down to tea?
The cat comes to tea because it expects to receive its share of the food. It is especially friendly towards guests who may offer it something tasty.
What happens when a guest strokes the cat without feeding it?
The cat does not appreciate mere affection when it expects food. It quietly but firmly rakes the guest’s leg with its claws.
What does the cat do after tea?
After tea, the cat goes outside and begins its more active life. It moves through the backyard, climbs and explores the surrounding area.
Why does the cat look carefully from side to side?
The cat looks carefully from side to side because it must remain alert to possible dangers. Dogs and boys who may throw stones are among the dangers it watches for.
How is the cat’s outdoor life different from its daytime life?
Its daytime life is quiet, lazy and relaxed, whereas its outdoor life is active, adventurous and full of movement.
Why is the cat’s life described as adventurous?
The cat explores fences, roofs and backyards, keeps watch for danger and meets other cats. These activities make its life appear adventurous.
What does the cat’s behaviour tell us about its character?
Its behaviour shows that it is independent, clever, alert, physically skilful and adventurous rather than simply lazy and unintelligent.
Why is the cat strongly attached to its familiar surroundings?
The cat knows the landmarks, paths and surroundings of its own territory. It is comfortable there and knows the other creatures and places around it.
How does the author make the description of the cat humorous?
The author humorously contrasts the cat’s lazy daytime behaviour with its exciting evening adventures. He also gives the cat human-like habits and attitudes.
What contrast does the author present in the life of the cat?
The author contrasts the cat’s relaxed and apparently lazy daytime life with its energetic, alert and adventurous life after evening falls.
What does the lesson suggest about judging animals?
The lesson suggests that animals should not be judged merely by their outward or familiar behaviour. They may possess abilities and characteristics that people fail to notice.
The Cat
Descriptive & Long Answer Questions
Andrew Barton PatersonDescriptive Answer Questions
Write the answers in complete sentences.
What wrong conception do people generally have about a cat?
Most people think that a cat is an unintelligent creature, fond of ease and interested only in mice and milk. They do not understand the real character of the animal. According to the author, a cat is actually intelligent, athletic, adventurous and capable of getting great satisfaction from life.
Describe the habits of the cat during the daytime.
During the daytime, the cat loafs about the house and takes things easy. It allows the people of the house to pester it with their attention. Sometimes it watches a mouse-hole for an hour or two. In this way it passes the time and keeps itself from dying of boredom.
How does the cat try to attract the attention of the members of the family?
The cat tries to attract the attention of the family members by purring noisily and rubbing itself against their legs. It behaves affectionately so that the people notice it and give it attention.
Why does the cat make an appearance when the family sits down to tea?
The cat appears at tea time because it expects to get its share of the food. It is particularly civil to a guest, because the guest is likely to have the best of what is offered at the table.
How does the cat manage to get a bit of fish from the guest?
The cat behaves very politely towards the guest and tries to attract his attention. When the guest gives it a bit of fish, the cat receives the food. Its apparently friendly behaviour is therefore mainly connected with its desire for food.
What happens when the cat becomes tired of being stroked by the guest?
When the cat becomes tired of the guest’s attention, it quietly but firmly rakes the guest’s leg with its claws. The guest then reacts with pain and annoyance, while the cat makes its true intention clear that it wants food rather than excessive affection.
Why does the author call the cat an athlete, an acrobat and a grim fighter?
The cat possesses great physical strength and agility. It can climb, jump and move with remarkable balance. It is also capable of fighting fiercely when necessary. Hence the author describes it as an athlete, an acrobat and a grim fighter.
Detailed Answer Questions
Develop the answer with relevant details from the text.
Describe the change in the cat’s behaviour when evening falls.
During the day, the cat appears lazy and relaxed. It loafs about the house and may watch a mouse-hole simply to pass the time. But when evening falls, its real nature becomes visible. It becomes active, alert and adventurous. It goes outside, moves through the backyard, climbs onto the roof of an empty shed and looks around carefully for danger. Thus, evening reveals the cat’s energetic and adventurous character.
How does the cat behave towards a guest, and why?
The cat is particularly civil to a guest because the guest is likely to have the best of the food offered at the table. It purrs noisily and rubs itself against the legs of the family members to attract attention. However, if the guest merely strokes it without giving it food, the cat becomes impatient and rakes the guest’s leg with its claws. This humorous behaviour shows that the cat is clever about getting what it wants.
Why does the cat look keenly from side to side after going outdoors?
Once outside, the cat enters a world full of possible dangers and adventures. It has to be careful about dogs, boys with stones and other threats. Therefore, it looks keenly from side to side and remains alert. This careful behaviour shows that the cat is not a helpless or foolish animal but an experienced and intelligent creature that knows how to protect itself.
Describe the outdoor activities of the cat in the evening.
After leaving the house, the cat saunters down its own backyard. It moves towards the roof of an empty shed and climbs onto it with great agility. Its movement is compared to that of a panther. From the roof, it sends a call to its kindred, and other cats come gliding towards it. Thus the quiet house-cat becomes an active and adventurous creature in the evening.
Long Answer Questions
Answer in a well-organised paragraph.
“The cat is quite different from what most people think.” Discuss the statement with reference to the lesson.
Most people consider the cat an unintelligent and lazy animal that cares only for mice and milk. The author, however, gives us a completely different picture. He says that the cat has more character than most human beings and gets great satisfaction from life. It is an athlete, an acrobat and a grim fighter. During the daytime it may appear lazy, but this is only one side of its nature. When evening comes, the cat becomes active and adventurous. It climbs roofs, moves through the backyard, watches for danger and calls its kindred. Thus the lesson shows that the cat is intelligent, skilful, independent and full of character.
Give a detailed description of the cat’s life from daytime to evening.
During the daytime, the cat leads a quiet and apparently lazy life. It loafs about the house, accepts the attention of the people and sometimes watches a mouse-hole for an hour or two. At tea time, it appears before the family and tries to get its share of food. It is especially polite to a guest because the guest may offer it something good. But when evening falls, the cat’s character changes completely. It goes outdoors, moves through the backyard, climbs onto the roof of an empty shed and looks around carefully. Its movements are graceful and energetic. It calls its kindred and other cats come gliding towards it. Thus evening reveals the adventurous side of the cat’s life.
How does Andrew Barton Paterson present the cat as an independent and adventurous creature?
Paterson presents the cat as an animal with a strong personality and a desire for freedom. It does not remain dependent on human beings throughout the day. Though it enjoys food and attention at home, its real life begins when it goes outdoors in the evening. It moves freely through the backyard, climbs the roof of an empty shed and calls its kindred. It remains alert to dangers and moves with the skill of a panther. The cat also has a strong attachment to its own territory. These qualities make it appear independent, intelligent, skilful and adventurous.
Discuss the humour in “The Cat”.
Humour is one of the most attractive features of the lesson. The author humorously contrasts the cat’s apparently lazy daytime behaviour with its exciting evening life. The cat appears at tea time not out of affection but because it wants food. It is especially polite to a guest because the guest may have something tasty to offer. When the guest merely strokes it instead of feeding it, the cat rakes the guest’s leg with its claws. The description of the cat climbing onto the roof and calling its kindred also creates a comic picture. By giving the cat human-like motives and behaviour, the author makes the lesson lively and entertaining.
What picture of a cat do you get from the lesson “The Cat”?
The lesson presents the cat as a fascinating and complex creature. At first, it seems lazy, relaxed and interested mainly in food. But beneath this appearance lies an active, skilful and adventurous animal. It is an athlete, an acrobat and a grim fighter. It knows how to attract people when it wants food and how to defend itself when necessary. In the evening, it becomes energetic and explores its surroundings with confidence. It is alert to danger and closely attached to its familiar territory. Thus the cat is shown as intelligent, independent, physically capable and full of character.
Text-Based Questions & Important Lines
The Cat — Andrew Barton Paterson
Reference to the Context
Read the lines carefully and answer the questions.
Who says this?
Answer: The author, Andrew Barton Paterson, says this.
What does the statement suggest?
It suggests that the cat has a distinct personality, intelligence and strong character.
How does the lesson support this idea?
The cat is shown as skilful, independent, alert and adventurous rather than merely lazy and unintelligent.
Who is referred to as an athlete?
Answer: The cat is referred to as an athlete.
Why is it called an acrobat?
It is called an acrobat because it can climb, jump and balance itself with great agility.
Why is it called a grim fighter?
It is called a grim fighter because it can fight fiercely and defend itself when necessary.
When can the cat be seen as it really is?
The cat can be seen as it really is when the shades of evening fall.
How is the cat different at this time?
It becomes active, alert and adventurous instead of remaining quiet and apparently lazy.
Why is this change important?
The change reveals the hidden side of the cat’s personality and proves that its daytime behaviour does not tell the whole story.
When is the cat particularly civil?
The cat is particularly civil when a guest is present at tea time.
Why does it behave so politely?
It behaves politely because the guest is likely to have the best of the food offered.
What does this behaviour reveal?
It humorously reveals that the cat is clever and knows how to behave when it wants something.
What does the cat do after tea?
It casually leaves the room and goes outside.
Where does it go?
It goes into the backyard and begins its active outdoor life.
What change does this indicate?
It indicates the change from the cat’s relaxed indoor routine to its adventurous outdoor activities.
Why does the cat look from side to side?
It looks from side to side to remain alert to possible dangers.
What dangers may it face?
It may face dangers from dogs and boys who may throw stones.
What quality of the cat is shown here?
This shows that the cat is alert, cautious and experienced.
Important Lines & Explanation
Important expressions from the lesson
“Fond of ease”
The expression means that the cat likes comfort and relaxation. People often judge it as lazy because of this habit.
“More character than most human beings”
The author humorously suggests that the cat has a stronger and more distinct personality than many people.
“An athlete, an acrobat and a grim fighter”
These words highlight the cat’s physical strength, agility, balance and fighting ability.
“The shades of evening fall”
This refers to the arrival of evening. It is at this time that the cat’s active and adventurous nature becomes visible.
“Particularly civil to a guest”
The phrase humorously describes the cat’s polite behaviour towards a guest because it expects food from the guest.
“Quietly but firmly rakes the guest in the leg”
This means that the cat scratches the guest’s leg with its claws when the guest merely strokes it instead of giving it food.
“Its own backyard”
The phrase refers to the familiar territory around the cat’s home where it feels comfortable and knows its surroundings.
“Moves like a panther”
The comparison highlights the cat’s graceful, stealthy and powerful movement while it is outdoors.
Meaning-Based Questions
Understand the ideas behind the text
What is meant by the “real” cat?
The “real” cat refers to the cat’s active, alert, independent and adventurous nature which becomes visible in the evening.
Why is the cat’s daytime behaviour misleading?
Its relaxed and lazy appearance during the day makes people think that it has no energy or intelligence, although its evening activities prove otherwise.
What does the cat’s reaction to the guest reveal?
It reveals the cat’s practical and self-centred nature. It values food more than unnecessary human affection.
What does the cat’s alertness outdoors show?
It shows that the cat understands its surroundings and knows how to protect itself from possible dangers.
Why is the backyard important to the cat?
The backyard is part of the cat’s familiar territory. It provides the space where the cat can freely explore, hunt and meet other cats.
What is the main contrast in the lesson?
The main contrast is between the cat’s apparently lazy daytime behaviour and its energetic and adventurous evening life.
Text-Based Analytical Questions
Questions requiring deeper understanding
“The Cat” is not merely a description of an animal. Explain the statement.
The lesson goes beyond describing the physical appearance of a cat. The author explores its habits, personality, intelligence, independence and adventurous spirit. By giving the cat human-like motives and behaviour, he also makes the reader think about how easily animals are misunderstood.
How does the author use contrast to make the lesson interesting?
The author places the cat’s quiet daytime life against its energetic evening life. In the day it seems lazy and relaxed, while at night it becomes active, alert and adventurous. This contrast creates humour and reveals the hidden personality of the animal.
How is the cat presented as an independent creature?
The cat does not remain dependent on human beings for all its activities. Although it enjoys food and attention at home, it freely leaves the house and explores its own territory. It chooses its movements and activities according to its own instincts, which makes it appear strongly independent.
Why is humour important in the presentation of the cat?
Humour makes the description lively and memorable. The cat’s interest in food, its special politeness towards guests and its reaction when it is not fed create amusing situations. The humorous treatment also makes the reader appreciate the unusual personality of the cat.
Objective Question Bank
The Cat — Andrew Barton Paterson
Multiple Choice Questions
Choose the correct answer.
Who is the author of “The Cat”?
What do people generally think about a cat?
What is the cat commonly associated with?
According to the author, the cat has more ______ than most human beings.
How does the author describe the cat physically?
What does the cat generally do during the daytime?
What does the cat sometimes watch during the day?
When can one see the cat as it really is?
When does the cat appear before the family?
Why is the cat particularly civil to a guest?
What does the cat do if a guest only strokes it?
What does the cat do after tea?
To what animal is the cat’s movement compared?
Why does the cat look from side to side?
Which word best describes the cat’s outdoor life?
True or False
Write True or False.
The cat is described as an unintelligent animal by the author.
FalsePeople generally associate the cat with mice and milk.
TrueThe cat is described as an athlete and an acrobat.
TrueThe cat spends the entire day hunting outdoors.
FalseThe cat sometimes watches a mouse-hole during the day.
TrueThe cat appears at tea time to get its share of food.
TrueThe cat dislikes guests because they never give it food.
FalseThe cat is particularly civil to a guest.
TrueThe cat rakes the guest’s leg when it is merely stroked.
TrueThe cat remains indoors after tea.
FalseThe cat becomes more active when evening falls.
TrueThe cat is compared to a panther in its movement.
TrueThe cat never worries about danger outdoors.
FalseThe cat is an independent and adventurous creature.
TrueThe lesson presents the cat only as a lazy animal.
FalseFill in the Blanks
Complete the sentences with the correct words.
The author of “The Cat” is Andrew Barton Paterson.
People commonly associate a cat with mice and milk.
The author says that the cat has more character than most human beings.
The cat is described as an athlete, an acrobat and a grim fighter.
During the daytime the cat loafs about the house.
The cat sometimes watches a mouse-hole.
The cat appears when the family sits down to tea.
The cat is particularly civil to a guest.
If merely stroked, the cat may rake the guest’s leg.
After tea, the cat goes outside.
The cat’s movement is compared with that of a panther.
The cat looks keenly from side to side.
The cat watches for possible danger.
The evening reveals the cat’s real nature.
The lesson presents the cat as an independent creature.
Match the Columns
Match Column A with Column B.
One-Word / Very Short Answers
Answer briefly.
Who wrote “The Cat”?
Andrew Barton PatersonWhat does the cat watch to avoid boredom?
A mouse-holeWhen does the cat show its real nature?
In the eveningWhat does the cat want at tea time?
FoodWhose leg does the cat rake?
The guest’sWhere does the cat go after tea?
OutsideWhat animal is used for comparison with the cat?
PantherWhat quality is shown by the cat’s alertness?
CautionVocabulary
Important words and their meanings.