cat-under-christmas-tree

I’ve always loved Clement Clarke Moore’s poem The Night Before Christmas. Over the years, there have been many cat versions of the poem out there, but none better than the one dictated to Harry Shubin by the Ghost of Catmas Future on a dark winter night.

T’was the night after the adoption event,
And all through the store,
Not a creature was stirring, not even a stray cricket on the floor
The Adoption Counselors were all snug in their beds
Thinking of ways to move adoptions ahead.

The cage cards were hung on the enclosures with care,
Each telling the story of the cats who were there.
Poor Fluffy, poor Mittens, Whiskers and Sprite
Abandoned and alone on this cold Post-Adoption night.

Each cat was nestled in a blanket, and thought twice,
I wasn’t naughty, I really was nice.
Why was I left in a shelter,
Almost about to pay the price.

When out in the store, there arose such a clatter,
All the kitties stood, stretched, took a lap of water,
nibbled some food, groomed themselves for a moment,
And looked to see what was the matter.

When what to their wondering eyes should appear,
But an old, tired-looking volunteer.
She was dressed in cat earrings, cat shoes covered her toes,
Her T-shirt full of claw holes, her hair the color of snow.

There was fur on her clothing,
A cat toy behind her ear,
She had catnip in her pockets,
On her sleeve, an unidentified smear.

“Look at you kitties, stuck here for the night!
This will not do, this is not right!
Come Scruffy, Come Midnight, come with me all,
I’m taking you home, we’ll have a ball!”

“We’ll play with felt mousies,
We’ll eat lots of treats,
I’ll brush you and comb you,
And nibble on your cute little feets!”

She gathered some carriers, and began to pack them all,
When a little grey kitten, who was rounder than tall,
Asked her a question, with a mew quite small:

“Are you our adopter, are you taking us home?
Will you love us forever, and ever, when we’re combed?”
The volunteer sat down, in her eyes there was sadness,
But then, in a twinkle, the kittens saw gladness!

“No! I’m just your foster, though I’m taking you home,
It’s only for the holidays, where you will roam,
Free of these cages, it will be fun.
And after the weekend, when we’re all done,

Back to the store, we will be on our way,
But this time, with you I will stay.
I’ll tell the adopters that once in their home,
You’ll be fabulous cats, when you’re all grown,

For you’re with our rescue now, you’ll always be safe
You’ll find love, you’ll have a great place,
You’ll always be cared for, even if things go wrong,
But they won’t, because our counselors are strong.

They’ve been well trained in interviewing,
They know what to do,
To find perfect forever homes,
For each one of you.”

So with her they went,
Out to her car,
Though it was cold,
It didn’t seem far.

And then each one found a home
That was good and was right,
And as they left the store, one and all.
They thought they heard the volunteer call

“Merry Catmas to all, and to all a good life!”

© Harry Shubin, All Rights Reserved. Republished with permission.

Harry Shubin is a patent attorney in Northern Virginia who has been active in cat rescue for most of his life. He is currently a board member of the  Feline Foundation of Greater Washington. He shares his home with three cats. His wife Julie, daughter Rachel, and son Michael are also involved in cat rescue.

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14 Comments on The Night Before Catmas

  1. I love this version. Reminds me of my dear friend who does all the cat rescue. As a matter of fact, I was at her house yesterday and seen so many cats that are waiting for their forever home. These cats that she is taking care of are so spoiled! They have their own large carriers and are out and socializing with the other cats. This poem fits her to a tee.

    • This is wonderful!. I have 2 wonderful cats. We love each other so much. My heart breaks for those in need. Please help these animals if you are in a position to help. They have so much love to share.

      • I have my own little girl Tasha who is 14 years old. She is my shadow and the light of my life. I would have more cats, but my health precludes me from taking any more in. I already have plans for Tasha if any thing happens to me. Merry Christmas.

  2. Ghost Of Catmas Christmas sounds wonderfully eerie and The Night Before Christmas is just so fitting and cute. Both poems are just wonderful, Ingrid, and I’m sure everyone has enjoyed reading the poems, as much as I did. Thank you again, Ingrid, for calling our attentions to these great pieces of artful work.

  3. I love this version much more than the original. (Probably ’cause I like felines so much more than most humans.) Thank you for reposting it each Christmas Eve.

    May you and Alegra enjoy this Holiday season. May the kitty angels you have loved who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge send you love and purrs.

  4. I volunteer at a cat rescue and it makes me so sad to know the babies are caged and without their forever home. I am hoping for some adoptions this xmas week.

    I also lost my 14 yr old baby on dec. 2nd two yrs. ago My parrot and I miss him terribly.

    Wishing you and Allegra a peaceful holiday!

    • What a wonderful version. Not only is it great for cats, but it is a poem for all pets waiting to find their perfect home.

  5. This poem is so sweet and it brought tears. Lord, I wish I could adopt every furry kitty, dogs, too. They would all get along. Our cat came from a rescue back in September, 2019. Don’t know much about her. She is finally coming around. We would not have it any other way. Life without animals is so sad.

  6. What a beautiful poem; it made me cry and smile at the same time. I will share this with a gal I know who’s life is cat rescuing all hours of the day and night. Saving them from abandoned houses, the wild ones that roam everywhere. Wishing you and Allegra a Very Merry Christmas!

    Theresa & Tasha

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