Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats

Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats Summary | Plot Summary

Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats covers thirteen distinct characters and plot lines. Each character has his or her poem and is thoroughly discussed. There are also two poems dedicated to the naming and addressing of cats; these chapters do not introduce any characters, but serve as an opening and a closing to the work, thoroughly acquainting the reader with the behavior of cats. The cats range from very practical to highly impractical.

We begin with Jennyanydots, who is a typical cat. Her life is spent doing for others and she is very industrious. After Jennyanydots, however, we move to a different type of character. Although Growltiger is also a cat, he is not like Jennyanydots. He is gruff and feared, a menace to society. His reign of terror is due to end soon, as his enemies gather forces around him.

After the drama of the poem "Growltiger's Last Stand," we meet Rum Tum Tugger. He is labeled as a curious cat, a cat that is never happy. No matter what you do, you will never be able to please this cat. "The Song of the Jellicles" introduces the Jellicle Cats, who are a very rare breed. They are extremely impractical and spend their time preparing for a big event.

Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer provide some comic relief to the book as they go about destroying everything in their path. These two cats work together to perform the most heinous deeds, and it is almost impossible to tell who is responsible.

Old Deuteronomy is a practical cat who has it good and isn't going anywhere anytime soon. He is as old as the hills, some say even older, and as he comes to town, the entire population goes into paroxysms to please him. "The Awful Battle of the Pekes and the Pollicles" is an amusing adventure that features a cat only at the last. A horrible battle is averted just in time by the arrival of the Great Rumpuscat.

Mr. Mistoffelees is a cat that can do almost anything, but his is still very practical. Whether disappearing into thin air or appearing unexpectedly, Mistoffelees is sure to surprise everyone. Macavity: The Mystery Cat is a cat that would put The Godfather to shame. He has many secret agents under his employ, and his exploits are fabulous. One thing is certain: this is a cat that will never be caught in the act.

Gus: The Theater Cat works at the theater door. His career as an acting cat was extensive, but nothing will ever compare to the role of his lifetime, Firefrorefiddle, The Fiend of the Fell. Bustopher Jones: The Cat About Town is an amusing character. He does not hold a steady job, but has his plans all worked out. Regardless of what time it is, you can always find Bustopher getting a free meal. Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat is a cat much like Jennyanydots. He works for the railroad, taking care of the passengers. No matter what may arise, Skimbleshanks is on the job.

The book ends with Cat Morgan, who is a very likeable character. His youth was spent on illegal exploits, and his tales are exciting. However, he is now living out his days as a legitimate business cat, taking care of the door at Faber and Faber.