A gathering of guests at Lady Blemley's house-party finds itself captivated by Mr. Cornelius Appin, a scientist claiming to have taught a cat, Tobermory, to speak human language. Initially met with skepticism, the guests are astonished when Tobermory confirms Appin's claims by engaging in conversation. The atmosphere shifts from disbelief to excitement as Tobermory displays a sharp wit, revealing the guests' secrets and opinions about one another, leading to discomfort and panic among them. As Tobermory's revelations escalate, the guests become increasingly anxious about the implications of a talking cat. They fear that he might share their private conversations with the household staff, prompting discussions about the necessity of silencing him. Appin, proud of his discovery, is dismayed by the guests' reactions and their plans to eliminate Tobermory. Despite the tension, the party continues, but the mood is somber. Tobermory goes missing after a brief escape, and the guests speculate about his whereabouts. The next day, Tobermory's body is discovered, having been killed by a rival cat. The guests' relief is palpable, but Appin is left to mourn the loss of his groundbreaking achievement. The story concludes with a darkly humorous twist, as a subsequent incident involving Appin leads to his own demise, suggesting the unpredictable consequences of meddling with nature.
By Saki · First published 1911 · Genre: Satire, Humor, Fantasy