Señor Don Gato facts for kids

The song "Señor Don Gato" is a popular children's song. It tells a funny story about a cat named Don Gato. He is sitting on a roof when he finds out exciting news. His true love has said yes to marrying him! Don Gato gets so excited that he falls off the roof. He gets very hurt. The animal doctor, called a veterinarian, tries to help him. But sadly, Don Gato dies. However, as his funeral goes past a market, a strong smell of fish fills the air. This amazing smell brings Don Gato back to life!

This English version of the song is very famous. Many school children in North America learned it from a music book. The book was called 'Making Music Your Own,' Grade 3. The words are a bit different from the original Spanish song. That song is called "Estaba el señor Don Gato." But the tune for the English version comes from a different song. It is called "Ahora Que Vamos Despacio." There is also a French version of the original Spanish song. It is known as "Monsieur le Chat."

The Story of Señor Don Gato

This section shares the full story of Don Gato. It is told through the song's lyrics.

Oh, Señor Don Gato was a cat,

On a high red roof Don Gato sat.

He went there to read a letter, Meow, meow, meow

Where the reading light was better, Meow, meow, meow

It was a love note for Don Gato.

"I adore you," wrote the lady cat

Who was fluffy, white, and nice and fat.

There was not a sweeter kitty, Meow, meow, meow

In the country or the city, Meow, meow, meow

And she said she'd wed Don Gato.

Oh, Señor Don Gato jumped with glee,

He fell off the roof and broke his knee.

Broke his ribs and all his whiskers, Meow, meow, meow

And his little solar plexus, Meow, meow, meow

"¡Ay caramba!" cried Don Gato.

Then the doctors all came on the run,

Just to see if something could be done.

And they held a consultation, Meow, meow, meow

About how to save their patient, Meow, meow, meow

How to save Señor Don Gato.

But in spite of everything they tried,

Poor Señor Don Gato up and died.

Oh it wasn't very merry, Meow, meow, meow

Going to the cemetery, Meow, meow, meow

For the ending of Don Gato.

As the funeral passed the market square,

Such a smell of fish was in the air.

Though the burial was slated, Meow, meow, meow

He became re-animated, Meow, meow, meow

He came back to life, Don Gato.