The Cat Who Went to Heaven facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
The Cat Who Went to Heaven

Author	Elizabeth Coatsworth
Illustrator	Lynd Ward
Country	United States
Language	English
Genre	Children's novel
Publisher	Aladdin Books; Reissue edition (November 30, 1990)
Publication date	1930
Media type	Print (Hardback & Paperback)

The Cat Who Went to Heaven is a children's novel written by Elizabeth Coatsworth. It was published in 1930 and won the Newbery Medal in 1931. This award is given for excellent American children's literature.

The story takes place in ancient Japan. It is about a poor artist and a special calico cat that his housekeeper brings home. The book is inspired by old Buddhist folk tales. It also shares short stories about the life of the Buddha and his past lives as different animals. These animal stories are similar to the Jataka tales. Each of the eight chapters ends with a song from the housekeeper. These songs share her thoughts about what is happening in the story.

The Story of Good Fortune

A Japanese artist is very poor and has little money. He sends his housekeeper to buy food. But she comes back with a cat instead! She says the house feels "lonely." The artist is upset because he is hungry. He even says he cannot remember what rice cakes taste like. He also believes cats are bad luck.

However, he feels a little better when he sees the cat's fur. It is a calico cat, meaning it has three colors. This is thought to be very lucky.

Good Fortune's Special Behavior

The cat behaves very well, which surprises the artist. He starts to like the cat and names her "Good Fortune." One morning, the artist sees the cat bowing to a picture of the Buddha. This makes him think about how he hasn't prayed much because of his hard life. Soon after, he sees the hungry cat catch a small bird. But then, the cat gently lets the bird go! Good Fortune always acts politely. She even leaves the room when she isn't needed.

A Big Painting Job

The artist is almost completely broke. But then, the priests at the local temple give him a job. They chose him after a special test. They put slips of paper with different artists' names outside. Only his paper stayed after the wind blew the others away.

The artist's task is to paint a picture of the dying Buddha. The painting must show many animals gathered around the Buddha, paying their respects. The priests give the artist a lot of money as a first payment. This helps him feel calm and focused.

Painting the Buddha's Story

As the artist works on the painting, he thinks deeply about the Buddha's life. He also thinks about the Buddha's past lives as animals. He does this to make sure every part of his painting feels real and heartfelt.

Near the end of the painting, after adding many animals, the artist realizes something. His own cat, Good Fortune, is a truly noble creature. But he cannot include her in the painting. People at that time believed that cats were cursed. They thought cats were too proud and refused to bow to the Buddha. Because of this, they believed cats could not reach Nirvana (a state of perfect peace). This meant no cat could go to Heaven.

The Artist's Choice

When the painting is finished, Good Fortune seems to notice. She looks sad that no cat is in the picture. The artist is deeply moved by her sadness. He decides to paint a small white cat into the picture. He knows this might make the priests unhappy.

After seeing herself in the painting, Good Fortune dies peacefully from joy. By her grave, a peach tree grows with a bell on it. The housekeeper sings that she can hear the bell ringing, singing "Rejoice!"

A Temple Miracle

The artist delivers his painting to the temple. The chief priest praises it greatly at first. But then he sees the cat in the painting. He becomes very angry and rejects the painting completely. He even plans to burn it.

However, the next morning brings amazing news. The artist arrives to find a miracle. The painting is being honored in the temple! The image has changed on its own. The dying Buddha now has his hand extended in blessing over the white cat. The cat is sitting right next to him.