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Baby Quote by Rudyard Kipling

“The cat will keep his side of the bargain. He will kill mice, and he will be kind to babies when he is in the house, just so long as they do not pull his tail too hard. But when he has done that, and between times, and when the moon gets up and night comes, he is the Cat that walks by himself, and…” quote by Rudyard Kipling
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“The cat will keep his side of the bargain. He will kill mice, and he will be kind to babies when he is in the house, just so long as they do not pull his tail too hard. But when he has done that, and between times, and when the moon gets up and night comes, he is the Cat that walks by himself, and all places are alike to him. Then he goes out to the Wet Wild Woods or up on the Wet Wild trees or on the Wet Wild roofs, waving his wild tail and walking by his wild lone.”

Rudyard Kipling

About This Quote

Source Short Story: The Cat, 1902

A cat balances independence with conditional affection, valuing freedom over control.

In simple terms: Cats are independent but kind when respected.

Key Takeaway

Respect boundaries to earn a cat's trust.

Themes

independence trust boundaries

Mood

playful observational

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • pet ownership
  • family life
  • wildlife observation

Key Concepts

animal behavior personal space

Questions to Reflect On

  • What boundaries do you set with pets?
  • How do you respect animal autonomy?
A Different Perspective

Cats may act unpredictably despite clear rules.

3.6 out of 5 (5 ratings)

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