I Love Little Pussy

First recorded: 1830

Origin: England

Lyrics

I love little pussy,Her coat is so warm,And if I don't hurt her,She'll do me no harm.So I'll not pull her tail,Nor drive her away,But pussy and I,Very gently will play.

She shall sit by my sideAnd I'll give her some food;And pussy will love meBecause I am good.I'll pat pretty pussy,And then she will purr;And thus show her thanksFor my kindness to her.

I'll not pinch her ears,Nor tread on her paw,Lest I should provoke herTo use her sharp claw.I never will vex herNor make her displeased:For pussy can't bearTo be worried and teased.

A child lists all the ways not to treat a cat, no pulling her tail, no pinching her ears, no treading on her paw, on the logic that a gently handled cat will be a friendly one. "I Love Little Pussy" is a small lesson in kindness to animals, dressed up as a promise ("pussy" here is just the old word for a cat).

When was the rhyme I Love Little Pussy first published?

The rhyme first appeared in print in 1830 in "The Child's Song Book, for the Use of Schools and Families," compiled by an anonymous editor and published in Boston. In this publication, it was a longer poem titled "Pussy," beginning with "I like little Pussy."

The word "pussy" in this context refers simply to a cat, which is an archaic English usage that was common at the time. Early printed variants of the rhyme can be found in chapbooks from the mid-nineteenth century.

When was the melody of the rhyme first recorded?

The melody commonly associated with the rhyme was first recorded in 1870 by James William Elliott, helping to establish the song's popularity in nurseries and schools.

Was Jane Taylor the author of I Love Little Pussy?

The rhyme is sometimes attributed to the poet Jane Taylor (1783-1824), known for writing "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star." However, this attribution is generally considered incorrect. While the style of the rhyme might conform to Taylor's writing, the fact that its first known publication date (1830) is after her death in 1824 suggests it originated from traditional or anonymous sources rather than directly from Taylor.

What are the main themes and messages of the rhyme?

The rhyme depicts a child's affectionate relationship with a pet cat and promotes several important values:

Kindness to animals: The child promises to be gentle and not pull her tail.
Empathy: Understanding that the cat will growl if treated roughly.
Responsibility: Caring for a pet requires thoughtful behavior.
Mutual respect: If the child is kind, the cat will love and play with them in return.

How is I Love Little Pussy used to teach children?

The rhyme has long been used to teach young children how to treat pets and animals. Its simple message, that kindness begets kindness, remains relevant today.

How is the rhyme classified in folk song indexes?

The rhyme is classified under the Roud Folk Song Index as number 12824, placing it within the formal catalog of traditional English folk songs and nursery rhymes.