Little Pussy
I like little pussy, her coat is so warm,
And if I don't hurt her she'll do me no harm;
So I'll not pullher tail, nor drive her away,
But pussy and I very gently will play.
This rhyme was first published in a children's book in 1830. Jane Taylor wrote the verse for a book called The Child's Song Book. Already at that time, the word had a double meaning. Since then, some versions of this rhyme replace the controversy with a not intimately loaded "kitty."
The additional lines to this rhyme are:
She shall sit by my side
And I'll give her some food;
And pussy will love me
Because I am good.
I'll pat pretty pussy,
And then she will purr;
And thus show her thanks
For my kindness to her.
I'll not pinch her ears,
Nor tread on her paw,
Lest I should provoke her
To use her sharp claw.
I never will vex her
Nor make her displeased:
For pussy don't like
To be worried and teased.
James William Elliott also composed a melody to this rhyme.
1. A simple retelling
A child promises to treat a gentle cat kindly, knowing she will stay friendly as long as she is not harmed.
2. The characters
- Main character: The child who speaks
- Other character: The cat (“little pussy”)
3. Setting
Indoors or around the home — the exact location isn’t specified.
4. Theme
Kindness toward animals and the rewards of gentle behavior.
5. Moral
Possible lesson: Treat animals with care, and they will respond with affection.
