Cat’s advice to her babies (A story for children)

( This is a story which I had written years ago when I was a school student and it was written for my little niece. )

All the Kittens were panting.

“What’s the matter with you my babies, what happened to you?”

“Mum you know that stupid dog Tom, he chased us all.”

“You mean that Tom who does nothing but runs here and there and sits under the tree?”

“Yes mum, that’s the one.”

“Does he know that I am your mum?”

“Most probably he doesn't.”

“Why did you go up there, you won’t let your mum have a nap in peace, will you? Didn’t I tell you not to go anywhere without my permission?”

“Sorry mum.”

“You see you are all very little. You don’t know the nature of the dogs, they think a lot of themselves. Everyday I am giving you lessons – how to jump, how to climb on the trees but your lessons are not complete as yet. You will now have to learn how to frighten the dogs.”

“Frighten the dogs?”

“Yes, frighten the dogs. They have more physical strength than we have I agree but they are not as cunning as we are. Now look at me, open your mouth as I do and show your teeth and make a loud sound and remember to give a very angry look. Yes, you all seem to be doing very well. Practice this every single day. If you do this properly dogs will not dare to touch you. Now come with me.”

“Where mum?”

“ We are going to see Tom. He is there sitting under the tree and looking at us.”

“ But mum we are scared.”

“Come on, be brave. Remember, this time your mum is with you. You just follow me.”

So the mother cat ran slowly with the kittens following her.

“Hello Tom” the cat, cried out in rage.

“ Well, what's the matter?”

“Tell me why did you chase my babies?”

“That was only for fun.”

“Be careful Tom, I must not hear any complaint in future. Please stay away from them or else I shall teach you a good lesson . Now come close and take a good look at all of them, make sure you recognize them next time.”

“But they all look alike!”

“ No they all look different, you have a very poor eye sight.”

“Perhaps so. I tell you what , to be on the safe side I won't chase any kittens henceforth and that's a promise. Forgive me for what I did.”

“I have forgiven you but will not next time. For God’s sake don’t you try to play any tricks. If you do, you will have to pay a very heavy price my dear. Now just put your tongue inside and sleep.”

The cat returned, singing all the way with her babies following her.

They stopped just outside a jungle.

“Well my babies, you have to tackle situations cleverly. Always be very careful of dogs and never trust them or trust anyone. Tomorrow is your next lesson, I shall show you how to make yourself look very sad so that someone takes pity on you and take you home. I am looking for suitable houses where there are no dogs and where you can get all your favourite food and all attention, love and comfort, where you will be regarded as part of the family, a house with children will be ideal because you will know for sure that plenty of milk will be available there . Always remember to please everybody in the house with your sweet behaviour. Never ever steal milk, fish or any foodstuff and spoil my reputation. You all brothers and sisters must keep in touch with one another and meet at a particular place every single day. You can share your experiences and exchange your thoughts and ideas. I shall be there too to listen to your problems and give you further advice which you must follow in toto.”