The Story of a Cat, a Mouse, a Lizard and an Owl

Name: The Story of a Cat, a Mouse, a Lizard and an Owl
Author: S.M. Mitra

Four creatures—a cat, an owl, a lizard, and a mouse—inhabit a banyan tree in an Indian forest, each wary of the others. The cat, confident in her hiding spot, preys on the mouse, who fears both the cat and the owl. The lizard, basking in the sun, avoids both predators. The cat's pursuit of the mouse leads her into a hunter's snare, leaving her helpless. The mouse, seizing the opportunity, offers to help the cat in exchange for her promise of friendship and safety. The cat, desperate, agrees, and the mouse pretends to nibble the snare while actually delaying. As night falls, the cat grows weaker, fearing other predators. When the hunter approaches, the mouse finally bites through the snare, freeing the cat, who quickly escapes. The mouse, aware of the cat's true nature, flees to safety. The next day, the cat attempts to befriend the mouse, expressing gratitude for his help. However, the mouse remains cautious, recognizing the cat's potential for betrayal. Despite the cat's repeated attempts to forge a friendship, the mouse avoids her. Eventually, the owl captures the mouse, and the cat kills the lizard. The cat and owl continue to live in the banyan tree, ultimately dying of old age, while the cycle of predator and prey remains unbroken.

By S.M. Mitra · First published 1970 · Genre: Fable, Children's Literature, Adventure · 6 chapters · 2,845 words

First lines

This is the story of four creatures, none of whom loved each other, who lived in the same banyan tree in a forest in India. Banyan trees are very beautiful and very useful, and get their name from the fact that "banians," as merchants are called in India, often gather together in their shade to sell their goods. Banyan trees grow to a very great height, spreading their branches out so widely that many people can stand beneath them. From those branches roots spring forth, which, when they reach the ground, pierce it, and look like, columns holding up a roof. If you have never seen a banyan tree, you can easily find a picture of one in some dictionary; and when you have done so, you will understand that a great many creatures can live in one without seeing much of each other.

What this Textopian page supports

The Story of a Cat, a Mouse, a Lizard and an Owl is listed on Textopian as a short story by S.M. Mitra, dated 1970 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Short story
Author: S.M. Mitra
Date: 1970 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fable, Children's Literature, Adventure, Fantasy, Animal Fiction
Length: 2,845 words
Structure: 6 chapters, 18 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Fable — The story features anthropomorphized animals and conveys a moral lesson about trust and the nature of relationships.
Children's Literature — The narrative style and themes are suitable for a young audience, focusing on animals and simple moral lessons.
Adventure — The plot involves the characters facing dangers and challenges, particularly the cat's predicament and the mouse's cleverness.
Fantasy — The story includes fantastical elements, such as talking animals and their interactions in a magical setting.