This hilarious masterpiece of Japanese literature recounts the adventures of a disdainful cat accidentally cohabiting with a group of grotesque characters, all members of Tokyo’s sanctimonious middle class during the Meiji era. THese characters include the dyspeptic professor Kushami and his family, who are theoretical owners of the house where the cat lives; the teacher’s best friend; the irritating charlatan Meite; and the young scholar Kangetsu. A satire with acerbic wit and sardonic perspective, this novel runs through the vicissitudes of a fickle cat philosopher who never tires of making the most incisive comments on the disparate band of human beings with whom he lives.