The Tabby Terror by P. G. Wodehouse
The story revolves around a mischievous cat that wreaks havoc on a boarding house, stealing food and other items from its inhabitants. The cat's antics cause panic among the residents, who try to figure out how to stop it. A plan is hatched to get rid of the cat by convincing Mrs. Prater to give it away to Trentham's sister, who has recently moved into a new house. Mrs. Williamson visits the Praters and falls in love with the cat, but ultimately decides not to buy it due to propriety. The cat continues its thieving ways until it finally goes too far by eating a canary from its cage. The Praters decide that they must get rid of the cat, and Trentham's sister is given the opportunity to take it in. However, Mr. Prater ultimately decides not to give the cat away, and it leaves the house. The story ends with the Tabby Terror finally being brought under control, but not before causing significant chaos and destruction throughout the boarding house.
By P. G. Wodehouse · First published 1920 · Genre: Comedy, Satire, Fiction · 2,511 words
First lines
The struggle between Prater's cat and Prater's cat's conscience was short, and ended in the hollowest of victories for the former. The conscience really had no sort of chance from the beginning. It was weak by nature and flabby from long want of exercise, while the cat was in excellent training, and was, moreover, backed up by a strong temptation. It pocketed the stakes, which consisted of most of the contents of a tin of sardines, and left unostentatiously by the window. When Smith came in after football, and found the remains, he was surprised, and even pained. When Montgomery entered soon afterwards, he questioned him on the subject.
What this Textopian page supports
The Tabby Terror is listed on Textopian as a short story by P. G. Wodehouse, dated 1920 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: P. G. Wodehouse
- Date: 1920 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Comedy, Satire, Fiction
- Length: 2,511 words
- Structure: 1 section, 60 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Tabby Terror by P. G. Wodehouse
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Tabby Terror?
- How does this short story by P. G. Wodehouse fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Comedy first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Rummy Affair Of Old Biffy by P. G. Wodehouse
- The Autograph Hunters by P. G. Wodehouse
- Bingo And The Little Woman by P. G. Wodehouse
- The Babe And The Dragon by P. G. Wodehouse
- Laffaire Uncle John by P. G. Wodehouse
- Leave It To Psmith by P. G. Wodehouse
Genres
- Comedy — P. G. Wodehouse's work, including 'The Tabby Terror', commonly employs humor and wit, making 'Comedy' the most fitting genre.
- Satire — The book often pokes fun at societal norms and conventions, characteristic of 'Satire'.
- Fiction — 'The Tabby Terror' is a narrative generated from the author's imagination, which qualifies it under the 'Fiction' genre.
Tags
comedy · humor · fiction · mystery · cats · adventure · British literature · satire · lighthearted · whimsical · short stories · character-driven