The Cat That Walked by Himself

Summary

«The Cat That Walked by Himself» is a fairy tale by Rudyard Kipling about how wild animals became domesticated. At the heart of the story is the Cat, who, unlike other animals, refuses to submit to humans and maintains her independence. The story begins with Man and Woman taming the Wild Dog, Wild Horse, and Wild Bull, who agree to serve humans in exchange for food and protection. The Cat, however, prefers to remain free and walk by herself. Yet, through her cunning and charm, she finds a way to get everything she needs from humans without losing her independence. Ultimately, the Cat makes a pact with the Woman, allowing her to come into the house whenever she wants and receive milk, while still remaining free. The tale highlights the uniqueness and independence of cats, as well as their ability to find compromises while staying true to themselves.