The Grimm Brothers’ Fairytale, ‘Cat and Mouse in Partnership’

In this fable published by the Grimm Brothers, a mouse learns a difficult lesson after trusting someone it thought was a friend.

An illustration of a cat from "The Story of a Little Gray Mouse" by author and illustrator Dorothy Sherrill. Public Domain

The Grimm brothers chose well when they titled their story “Cat and Mouse in Partnership.” For, though the cat claims to be friends with the mouse, their relationship proves to be more of a partnership (aimed at achieving something) than a friendship.

After making a mouse’s acquaintance, a cat says “much to [the mouse] about the great love and friendship she feels for her.” Hearing such sweet words and promises, the mouse decides to live with the cat.

However, they both realize that winter is coming and that they'll need food to sustain them both during that time. To combat the winter cold, they buy a pot of fat and hide it in the church where no one will find it. They feel satisfied with their arrangement, as well as their hidden pot of fat, and settle into life.

The cat and mouse shake on a partnership, in "The Cat and Mouse in Partnership" by the Grimm Brothers. Public Domain

Playing Cat and Mouse

Yet the cat begins thinking of the hidden pot and soon craves a taste of fat. To avoid the mouse’s suspicions, the cat tells the mouse: “My cousin has brought a little son into the world, and has asked me to be godmother.”

The mouse encourages the cat to go and the cat quickly heads out, making her way to the church. However, rather than standing in as godmother, the cat uncovers the hidden pot and licks the top of the fat off. Satisfied with her excellent treat, the cat seeks out a rooftop upon which to doze.

The mouse knows little about the cat's true motivations, in this 1909 illustration from the Brothers' Grimm story "The Cat and Mouse in Partnership." Public Domain

After a day of eating and dozing, the cat comes home. The mouse kindly inquires after the christening and asks what her godson’s name is. “Top off,” replies the cat. The mouse is astounded. What kind of name is “Top off”?

Nevertheless, it doesn’t take long for the cat to crave the fat again. She tells the mouse that she has been asked to be a godmother again. The mouse agrees again, and the cat sets out.

Making her way to the church, the cat decides to eat half of the pot of fat. Feeling quite satisfied with her snack, she thinks to herself: “Nothing ever seems so good as what one keeps to oneself.”

The cat finally makes it back home where she announces that the christening went well. When the mouse asks the name of the kitten, the cat replies, “Half-done.” The mouse exclaims that she has never heard such names before.

For a third time, the cat craves the fat and, for a third time, she announces that she must perform her godmother duties. This time she finishes the pot of fat and announces that the christened cat’s name is “All-gone.” And now, the cat and the mouse have nothing saved for winter.

An illustration from a 1920 compilation of the Grimm Brothers' Fairytales. Public Domain

Through this fairy tale, the Grimm brothers demonstrated the difference between a mere partnership and a true friendship. They highlighted the importance of true, honest friendship by showing a relationship that lacks it. In doing so, they prove that true friendships are a blessing to those who participate in them.

Just as Charlotte Brontë in “The Letters of Charlotte Brontë,” the Grimm brothers emphasize: “Friendship however is a plant which cannot be forced—true friendship is no gourd springing up in a night and withering in a day.”

Unlike the relationship between the cat and mouse, true friendship needs work and effort, but will be stronger and last longer. A real friendship is worth fighting for because it brings light, laughter, and joy to life’s winter moments.

What arts and culture topics would you like us to cover? Please email ideas or feedback to [email protected]