Kipling's Just So StoriesOther Tales

The Cat That Walked by Himself

A clever cat bargains for comfort and milk while refusing to surrender his wild independence.

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Illustration for The Cat That Walked by Himself - a other tales Kipling's Just So Stories story with moral lessons

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Story Summary

In The Cat That Walked by Himself, Rudyard Kipling explores the origin of the domestic cat, who keeps his independence while enjoying the comforts of the home.

In the early days, when all animals were wild, the Woman tamed them for the Man. She tamed the Dog to be First Friend, the Horse to be First Servant, and the Cow to be Giver of Good Food. But the Cat, walking through the Wet Wild Woods, refused to be tamed. He told the Woman, 'I am the Cat who walks by himself, and all places are alike to me.' The Woman made a bargain: if she ever praised the Cat, he would be allowed inside the warm Cave and drink milk. By being clever—first by playing with the Baby and then by catching a mouse—the Cat won three praises from the Woman. Thus, he earned his place by the fire and his saucer of milk. However, the Man made a counter-bargain: if the Cat was not kind to the Baby, the Man would throw his boots. To this day, the Cat remains a domestic companion who nonetheless retains his wild, independent spirit, walking by himself when he chooses.

The Moral

True independence means being able to navigate both the comforts of society and the freedom of solitude on one's own terms.

“I am the Cat who walks by himself, and all places are alike to me.”

Fun Fact

Rudyard Kipling's daughter, Josephine, was the original audience for these stories, which were told to her exactly the same way every time, or she would complain they weren't 'just so.'

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the moral of The Cat That Walked by Himself?

The story teaches that one can enjoy the benefits of community while maintaining personal independence. It highlights the unique, dual nature of cats as both domestic pets and wild hunters.

Who wrote The Cat That Walked by Himself?

The story was written by Rudyard Kipling and was first published in 1902. It is part of his famous collection of origin stories titled 'Just So Stories.'

How did the Cat get into the Cave?

The Cat used his wit to earn three praises from the Woman by comforting her baby and catching a mouse. These praises fulfilled a bargain that allowed him to enter the cave and drink milk forever.

How does the Cat differ from the Dog and Horse?

Unlike the Dog and Horse, who became 'First Friend' and 'First Servant' through total submission, the Cat refused to surrender his autonomy. He negotiated a way to stay in the home without becoming a servant.

What was the Man's agreement with the Cat?

The Man agreed that the Cat could stay, but if the Cat was ever unkind to the baby, the Man would throw his boots or stones at him. This explains why cats and humans sometimes have a slightly tense relationship.

Why does the Cat say all places are alike to him?

This phrase signifies the Cat's complete independence and self-sufficiency. It means he does not depend on any specific place or person for his identity or survival.