T. S. Eliot’s book of poetry, Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats was the basis for the hit Broadway musical, Cats. Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats was published in 1939; the poems had originally been written for Eliot’s grandchildren. Rum Tum Tugger was one of the characters from the book who made it into the musical.

I really enjoy this poem, it reminds me very much of my cat, Boo. Boo is a rascal and a trouble maker and if he were an outdoor cat he would be just like Rum Tum Tugger.  He certainly follows the “he’s always on the wrong side of any door.”

The Rum Tum Tugger

 The Rum Tum Tugger is a Curious Cat:
 If you offer him pheasant he would rather have grouse.
 If you put him in a house he would much prefer a flat,
 If you put him in a flat then he’d rather have a house.
 If you set him on a mouse then he only wants a rat,
 If you set him on a rat then he’d rather chase a mouse.
 Yes the Rum Tum Tugger is a Curious Cat -
   And there isn’t any call for me to shout it:
    For he will do
    As he do do
     And there’s no doing anything about it!

 The Rum Tum Tugger is a terrible bore:
 When you let him in, then he wants to be out;
 He’s always on the wrong side of every door,
 And as soon as he’s at home, then he’d like to get about.
 He likes to lie in the bureau drawer,
 But he makes such a fuss if he can’t get out.
 Yes the Rum Tum Tugger is a Curious Cat -
   And there isn’t any call for you to doubt it:
     For he will do
    As he do do
     And there’s no doing anything about it!

 The Rum Tum Tugger is a curious beast:
 His disobliging ways are a matter of habit.
 If you offer him fish then he always wants a feast;
 When there isn’t any fish then he won’t eat rabbit.
 If you offer him cream then he sniffs and sneers,
 For he only likes what he finds for himself;
 So you’ll catch him in it right up to the ears,
 If you put it away on the larder shelf.
 The Rum Tum Tugger is artful and knowing,
 The Rum Tum Tugger doesn’t care for a cuddle;
 But he’ll leap on your lap in the middle of your sewing,
 For there’s nothing he enjoys like a horrible muddle.
 Yes the Rum Tum Tugger is a Curious Cat -
   And there isn’t any call for me to spout it:
    For he will do
    As he do do
     And there’s no doing anything about it!

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