Our Top 10 Cats in Literature, Poetry & Classic Stories

3. Mog – Mog the Forgetful Cat Series by Judith Kerr

Written by Judith Kerr, this collection of children’s books introduced us to a grey and white cat called Mog, who is known for her loveable, forgetful and sometimes mischievous nature. Mog lives with her human, Thomas, and his family, often causing chaos that ends in heartwarming resolutions.

The cat in this story is actually based on Kerr’s first family cat, also named Mog. After being amused by some of the unusual things she did – like licking her daughter’s hair as she slept – Kerr decided to transform Mog into a cat in literature. So, everyone could experience a bit of Mog’s heartwarming charm!

4. The Pussycat – The Owl and the Pussycat by Edward Lear 

The Owl and the Pussycat is a charming and whimsical poem by Edward Lear, first published in 1870. The poem, about a cat and an owl, is one of Lear’s most well-loved works, written in his signature playful and nonsensical style.

The curious cat in the poem goes to the pussycat’s house, where it explores a variety of quirky things. The poem is often interpreted as a playful exploration of the world through the cat’s eyes, blending fun language to create a humorous and light-hearted passage. Sounds a lot like our Kitty Point of View articles!

5. The Cat in the Hat – Dr. Seuss

Although cats in real life don’t like wearing hats, this one certainly does. From one nonsensical cat story to another, Dr. Seuss created The Cat in the Hat in 1957: one of his most famous and beloved books. It’s a classic children’s story known for its rhymes, colorful illustrations and sense of humor.

This chaotic but charismatic cat quickly turns a quiet day into a whirlwind of fun, symbolizing imagination, rebellion and responsibility. The Cat in the Hat remains one of the most iconic cats in fiction, and the book continues to be a staple of children’s literature.

6. Tom Kitten – The Tale of Tom Kitten by Beatrix Potter

Another cat often found getting into mischief comes from the wonderful writing of Beatrix Potter in The Tale of Tom Kitten, which introduces us to a kitten on a journey. When one of three kittens, Tom, is dressed up for a tea party by their mother, Tabitha Twitchit, he quickly loses his clothes and gets into trouble with puddle-ducks.

7. Pangur Bán – 9th Century Irish Poem

Written by a monk about his white cat, Pangur Bán, this poem about a cat celebrates the quiet companionship and shared focus between a scholar and his furry companion. It’s a beautiful reflection on solitude, study and feline grace.

8. Puss in Boots – Charles Perrault 

Puss in Boots is a bold character that added swashbuckling to the list of traits from cats in literature. This classic European fairy tale has been retold many times since it was first published by Giovanni Francesco Straparola in the 16th century and later popularized by Charles Perrault in 1697.

The tale centers around a clever and resourceful cat who helps his poor master rise to wealth. Over time, Puss in Boots has become an iconic, lawless ginger cat, boldly challenging authority and showing us humans that cats can do it too!

9. Maurice – The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents by Terry Pratchett

Another cunning kitty comes in the form of Maurice, a talking cat who teams up with a group of unusually intelligent rats to pull off a series of cons. 

The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents is a unique and witty fantasy novel by Terry Pratchett, first published in 2001. It is part of his Discworld series and won the Carnegie Medal for excellence in children’s literature.

10. Bagheera – The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling

Bagheera might be a bigger cat than one we’d find in our homes, but this character from The Jungle Book takes on all the traits of our feline friends. The cat in this fictional story is a wise and protective black panther who is a friend and guardian to the young boy, Mowgli. 

Unlike the mischievous or playful cats we’ve seen in other stories, Bagheera embodies strength, intelligence, and quiet authority, giving us insight into how cats care for us.