The Cat by Andrew Barton Paterson – Textual Questions and Answers

Andrew Barton Paterson’s The Cat offers a fascinating look into the hidden world of a seemingly ordinary household pet. While many perceive cats as lazy, self-indulgent creatures, Paterson paints a vivid picture of their intelligence, athleticism, and independent spirit. Through his engaging prose, he takes readers on a journey into the secret life of a cat—one that extends far beyond lounging in the sun and mewing for food.

In this article, we will delve into a detailed study of The Cat, examining key passages, answering thought-provoking questions, and analyzing the deeper themes of the text. Whether you are a student preparing for an exam or a literature enthusiast eager to explore Paterson’s work, this guide will provide a structured and insightful breakdown of the text.

Let’s begin by exploring some key questions and answers that will enhance our understanding of this delightful and thought-provoking piece.

1. Choose the correct alternative to complete the following sentences:

(a) Most people think that the cat is (i) wise (ii) unintelligent (iii) clever (iv) intelligent

(b) The cat cares little for anything but mice and (i) soup (ii) juice (iii) water (iv) milk

(c) One can see the cat as he really is in the (i) morning (ii) night (iii) afternoon (iv) evening

2. Complete the following sentences:

(a) The cat really has more character than most human beings.

(b) The cat sometimes watches a mouse-hole for an hour or two just to keep himself from dying of boredom.

(c) All day long the cat allows himself to be pestered by the attentions of the people in the house.

3. State whether the following statements are True or False. Provide sentences/ phrases/words in support of your answer:

(a) The cat is not fond of ease.
Answer: False – The cat is not fond of ease.
Supporting statement: “All day long the cat loafs about the house, takes things easy…”

(b) The cat has no athletic skills.
Answer: False – The cat has no athletic skills.
Supporting statement: “He-or she-is an athlete, an acrobat and a grim fighter.”

(c) The cat takes things very easily.
Answer: True – The cat takes things very easily.
Supporting statement: “All day long the cat loafs about the house, takes things easy…”

4. Choose the correct alternative to complete the following sentences:

(a) The cat rubs himselfs against the legs of the family members and noisily (i) purrs (ii) howls (iii) barks (iv) mews

(b) With tears of rage and pain in his eyes, the guest affects to be very much (i) amused (ii) annoved (ii) unhappy (iv) upset

(c) The guest hands down the cat a bit of (i) meat (ii) fruit (iii) fish (iv) vegetable

5. Fill in the chart with information from the text:

Information Required	Answer
(a) The guest calls the cat	“Poor pussy! Poor pussy!”
(b) Part of the guest’s body that the cat rakes	The leg
(c) The thing from which the cat stays at a safe distance	The guest’s boot

6. Answer the following questions:

(a) When does the cat make an appearance to get his share of food?
The cat makes an appearance when the family sits down to tea.

(b) Who is the cat particularly civil to?
The cat is particularly civil to the guest at the table because the guest is likely to have the best of what is offered.

(c) How does the cat receive the bit of fish handed down by the guest?
The cat gingerly receives it, with a look in his eyes that seems to say, “Another time, my friend, you won’t be so slow to understand.” He then purrs as he moves to a safe distance from the guest’s boot before eating his food.

7. Choose the correct alternative to complete the following sentences:

(a) The cat saunters down his own (i) courtyard (ii) front yard (iii) backyard (iv) shipyard

(b) The cat skips to the roof of an empty (i) room (ii) shade (iii) floor (iv) corridor

(c) Exiled in a new land, the cat would have to learn new (i) history (ii) manners (iii) culture (iv) geography

8. Complete the following sentences:

(a) When the family gathers round the fire, the cat casually goes out of the room.

(b) The cat droops his head nearly to his paws and sends across a call to his kindred.

(c) Cats go for sport to the suburban backyards as these backyards are hunting grounds for them, where they have more gallant adventures than King Arthur’s knights ever had.

9. Fill in the chart with information from the text:

Cause	Effect
(a) The cat has many enemies.	He looks keenly from side to side and moves noiselessly.
(b) He wants to check if every muscle is in full working order.	The cat stretches himself a few times.
(c) The cat knows his friends and every landmark.	He does not like to leave his country and stays at the old house when the family moves.

10. Split the following sentences:

(a) They postponed their visit as the programme was called off.
Answer: They postponed their visit. The programme was called off.

(b) Having fought the battle, he returned victorious.

Answer: He fought the battle. He returned victorious.

(c) He poured some water into the glass and drank it.
Answer: He poured some water into the glass. He drank it.

(d) He was afraid lest he be proved guilty.
Answer: He was afraid. He might be proved guilty.

11. Join the following pairs of sentences into a single sentence:

(a) He is wise. He is brave.
Answer: He is wise and brave.

(b) My grandfather lives in a big house. The house is by the river.
Answer: My grandfather lives in a big house by the river.

(c) I got a new book. I felt happy.
Answer: I got a new book, and I felt happy.

(d) Muskan is sick. She could not attend the function.
Answer: Muskan was sick, so she could not attend the function. Or, Muskan could not attend the function because she was sick.

12. Suppose you are the Secretary of a club which has decided to open a library. Write a notice (within 100 words) to the members of your club inviting them to actively join this programme by donating books for the library.

Click here for the notice

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Andrew Barton Paterson’s The Cat offers a remarkable insight into the hidden life of one of the most misunderstood domestic animals. Through vivid descriptions and keen observations, the text challenges common misconceptions about cats, portraying them as intelligent, strategic, and fiercely independent creatures.

By analyzing key passages and answering relevant questions, we have uncovered the deeper layers of the narrative, appreciating the humor, irony, and subtle commentary woven into the prose. Whether viewed as a lighthearted exploration of feline behavior or a reflection on individuality and survival, The Cat remains a fascinating read.

As we conclude this discussion, one thing is clear—there is much more to a cat’s life than meets the eye.