T.S. Eliot‘s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats is a delightfully eccentric collection of poems that has captivated readers for generations. Originally published in 1939, this slim volume of light verse explores the secret lives, peculiar habits, and whimsical personalities of cats with warmth, humor, and a touch of satire. Though it may appear as simple children’s poetry on the surface, the book carries a rich subtext of social commentary, clever wordplay, and profound insight into human behavior—disguised in feline form.
The Origins of the Practical Cats
The genesis of Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats can be traced back to T.S. Eliot’s correspondence with the children of his friends. He adopted the nickname “Old Possum” in his letters and began writing light, amusing poems about cats to entertain them. Though known primarily as a serious modernist poet and author of works like The Waste Land and The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock, Eliot embraced a lighter side in this collection. The poems were not intended for publication at first, but Eliot eventually compiled and published them with whimsical illustrations by Nicolas Bentley.
The book’s charm lies in its cast of anthropomorphic cats, each with their own quirks, habits, and backstories. Characters like the mischievous Macavity, the magical Mr. Mistoffeleess, and the fastidious Bustopher Jones form a miniature society, each representing a type of person—or archetype—through the lens of feline behavior.
Memorable Felines and Their Hidden Symbolism
Each poem in the book introduces a different cat, providing not only entertainment but also satirical commentary on human nature. Take Macavity, the “Napoleon of Crime”—a clear nod to Sherlock Holmes’ arch-nemesis Moriarty. Eliot constructs him as an elusive criminal genius, poking fun at both villainous archetypes and the inability of institutions to catch such figures.
Meanwhile, cats like Jennyanydots, who runs a regimented household when humans aren’t watching, can be seen as a parody of domestic order and the roles women were expected to play in society. Bustopher Jones, the portly cat-about-town, offers a humorous portrayal of upper-class snobbery and self-indulgence. These feline characters are far more than mere pets; they are mirrors held up to human society, reflecting its oddities and contradictions with a sly smile.
A Legacy in Literature and Theater
Though beloved in its own right, Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats found new life—and international fame—when it was adapted into the musical Cats by Andrew Lloyd Webber in 1981. The stage production, one of the longest-running musicals in Broadway and West End history, introduced Eliot’s whimsical poems to a new generation.
Webber’s adaptation expanded on the personalities and stories of Eliot’s cats, turning the loosely connected poems into a full-length narrative centered around the Jellicle Ball, where one cat is chosen to ascend to the Heaviside Layer for rebirth. While the musical departs from the book’s minimalist charm, it honors Eliot’s inventive spirit and poetic style. The show’s success also reignited interest in the original text, cementing its place in both literary and pop culture history.
Why the Book Still Resonates
Despite being written over 80 years ago, Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats retains a timeless quality. Its playful rhythms, inventive vocabulary, and character-driven structure appeal to children, while its subtle humor and literary references engage adult readers. Eliot’s blend of nonsense verse with intellectual depth invites repeated readings and new interpretations with each revisit.
The book also resonates because of its gentle celebration of individuality. Each cat is unique, and their differences are not only accepted but celebrated. Whether it’s the magical talents of Mr. Mistoffelees or the quiet dignity of Old Deuteronomy, Eliot’s cats show that everyone has a place and purpose—even if they march to the beat of their own paw.
In a world that often prizes conformity, Eliot’s poems remind us to value eccentricity, to find joy in language, and to look twice at the cats curled up by our window—because who knows what secrets they might be keeping?
Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats continues to enchant readers with its lighthearted tone, memorable characters, and deeper layers of meaning. Whether you’re a lifelong cat lover or a curious newcomer to Eliot’s work, this delightful collection is sure to leave a lasting impression.
