FELIS CATUS
by John T. Baker
Felis Catus, once revered,
Later burned as pestilence;
Superstition falsely feared
Thy capricious impudence.

Family of Fellidae,
Proud, possessive carnivore,
Coated tongue with papillae,
Prone to pilfer and explore.

Mammal mighty, odd they toes:
Five in front and four behind;
Claws retractile in repose,
Armed and ready when inclined.

Keen of hearing, e'er at ease,
Independent, haughty, wild,
Stubborn, bossy, hard to please,
Yet oft gentle as a child.

Moody, baleful, vain, aloof,
Constantly the cruel coquette,
Quite unmindful of reproof,
More a mentor than a pet.