Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats covers thirteen distinct characters and plot lines. Each character has his or her poem and is thoroughly discussed. There are also two poems dedicated to the naming and addressing of cats; these chapters do not introduce any characters, but serve as an opening and a closing to the work, thoroughly acquainting the reader with the behavior of cats. The cats range from very practical to highly impractical.

We begin with Jennyanydots, who is a typical cat. Her life is spent doing for others and she is very industrious. After Jennyanydots, however, we move to a different type of character. Although Growltiger is also a cat, he is not like Jennyanydots. He is gruff and feared, a menace to society. His reign of terror is due to end soon, as his enemies gather forces around him.

After the drama of the...