Chapter I: The Pet Cat

Dainty little ball of fur, sleek and round and fat,
Yawning through the lazy hours, some one’s household cat,
Lying on a bed of down, decked in ribbons gay,
What a pleasant life you lead, whether night or day.

Dining like an epicure, from a costly dish,
Served with what you like the best, chicken, meat or fish,
Purring at an outstretched hand, knowing but caresses,
Half the comforts of your life, pussy, no one guesses.

Romping through the house at will, racing down the hall,
Full of pretty, playful pranks, loved and praised by all,
Wandering from room to room to find the choicest spot,
Favored little household puss, happy is your lot.

Sleeping on my lady’s lap, or dozing by the grate,
Fed with catnip tea if ill, what a lucky fate!
Loved in life and mourned in death, and stuffed maybe at that,
And kept up on the mantel-shelf—dear pet cat.