Synopsis
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Pacing
- Slow
- Mood
- Contemplative, Poignant, Serene, Heartwarming
- Read it if
- You enjoy gentle, contemplative stories about art, faith, and the special bond between humans and animals, particularly cats.
- Skip it if
- You prefer fast-paced plots or stories without spiritual themes.
The Cat Who Went to Heaven Plot Summary
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
The Arrival of the Cat
In a small Japanese village, a poor but respected artist lives simply. Temple priests hire him to paint the death of Buddha, a task that will bring him honor and some money. One day, a small, starving three-colored cat with fur like 'a tortoiseshell, black and gold and white' wanders into his home. Despite his poverty and the added expense of a pet, the artist feels a strong connection to the cat and adopts her, naming her Good Fortune. He shares his small amount of food with her, and the cat quickly becomes a beloved friend.
The Commission and the Dilemma
The artist begins his sacred work, preparing his brushes and paints. He consults old texts and traditions. These state that all animals of the world should mourn Buddha's passing, with one exception: the cat. Legend says the cat did not weep for Buddha, or was too proud, or killed a mouse during the sermon. This exclusion deeply bothers the artist, as his cat, Good Fortune, has become an important part of his life and a quiet comfort during his creative process. He feels a growing fondness for Good Fortune and struggles with the artistic and spiritual problem this tradition creates.
Good Fortune's Devotion
As the artist works on his painting, Good Fortune is always quietly by his side. She watches him with intelligent, loving eyes, often purring softly. She seems to understand the seriousness of his work and his inner struggle. Her devotion is clear; she never demands attention but offers silent, comforting companionship. She often sat for hours, watching the master as he drew the animal figures, her gaze fixed on him with an almost human understanding. This steady presence only deepens the artist's bond with her and makes his problem about her exclusion from the sacred painting even stronger.
The Dream and the Revelation
One night, the artist has a vivid dream. In his dream, Buddha appears and explains the old story behind the cat's exclusion. Buddha reveals that the first cat, driven by hunger, did not mourn during his passing but instead hunted a mouse. However, Buddha also reveals a prophecy: a cat of special purity and devotion would one day redeem its kind and earn a place in Paradise. This dream deeply affects the artist, suggesting a way forward for his artistic and spiritual problem. The dream clarifies the past but also offers hope for Good Fortune's spiritual standing.
The Artist's Bold Choice
Waking from his powerful dream, the artist feels a renewed purpose and a clear direction. He looks at Good Fortune, sleeping peacefully beside him, and sees in her the very cat described in his dream—a creature of deep love and devotion. Defying centuries of tradition and risking the anger of the temple priests, he makes a brave decision. With a steady hand, he adds Good Fortune to his painting, showing her among the mourning animals, her small form resting respectfully near the reclining Buddha. He believes this act is not disrespectful, but an act of truth and compassion, fulfilling the prophecy from his dream.
The Priests' Reaction
When the painting is finished, the artist presents it to the temple priests. They are first amazed by the work's beauty and skill. However, their admiration quickly turns to dismay and then anger when they find the small, three-colored cat among the animals mourning Buddha. They cite the old traditions, condemning the artist for his sacrilege and demanding he remove the figure. They threaten to reject the painting and withhold his payment, which would leave the artist poor and disgraced. The artist stands firm, explaining his dream and his belief that Good Fortune belongs there as a divine inclusion.
Good Fortune's Sacrifice
The tension in the artist's home is strong as the priests discuss. Good Fortune, sensing the seriousness of the situation and perhaps the artist's distress, approaches the painting. She looks at her own image in the sacred scene and then at the artist with deep understanding. In a moving moment, she collapses peacefully and dies. Her death is shown not as a tragedy, but as a final, beautiful act of devotion, almost as if she offers herself as a sacrifice to confirm the artist's vision and secure her place, and the place of all cats, in the spiritual world. The artist is heartbroken but also understands the deep meaning of her passing.
The Miracle and Acceptance
Good Fortune's peaceful death, happening at the moment of highest tension, is seen by the priests and the artist as a divine sign. They interpret it as a miracle, confirming the truth of the artist's dream and the cat's spiritual worth. The priests, deeply moved and amazed by this unexpected event, change their decision. They declare the painting a true masterpiece and accept it for the temple. The artist is praised for his courage and vision, and his poverty is lessened by the payment. The painting, with the redeemed cat, is hung in the temple, becoming a cherished artifact.
The Cat's Ascent to Paradise
After Good Fortune's death and the acceptance of his painting, the artist has another strong vision. He sees Good Fortune, no longer a small earthly cat, but a shining spirit, ascending to Paradise. She is welcomed among the other animals and spirits, her place beside Buddha secured. This vision brings the artist great peace and confirms his belief that his cat's devotion and his own artistic courage were divinely guided. It strengthens the theme of redemption and the idea that true devotion, no matter its form, is recognized and rewarded in the spiritual world.
Lasting Legacy
The artist's painting, now famous, hangs in the temple for all to see. It becomes a beloved and respected work, not only for its artistic quality but for its story—the story of the artist's courage, the cat's devotion, and the breaking of an old prejudice. The painting is a lasting reminder of the power of compassion and the idea that even the most overlooked creatures can achieve spiritual importance. The artist continues his life, forever changed by his encounter with Good Fortune, his heart full of peace and gratitude, knowing he had fulfilled a sacred purpose.
The Cat Who Went to Heaven Characters
The Artist
Protagonist
A poor, skilled Japanese painter commissioned to depict Buddha's death.
The artist is a man of humble means but immense talent and spiritual sensitivity. He lives a simple life, deeply connected to nature and his art. Despite his poverty, he possesses a generous spirit, evident in his adoption of Good Fortune. He is deeply reverent of tradition but also possesses an innate sense of justice and compassion that allows him to question established norms when faced with a moral dilemma. His internal struggle between tradition and his heart's truth is central to the story.
Relationships: Good Fortune (Deep bond of companionship, mutual love, and spiritual connection.); Temple Priests (Employer-artist relationship, initially respectful but strained by artistic defiance, later restored to reverence.)
Good Fortune (Miyo-san)
Supporting/Catalyst
A small, three-colored cat whose devotion and sacrifice bring redemption.
Good Fortune is a small, starving three-colored cat (black, gold, and white) who embodies quiet dignity, loyalty, and profound devotion. She is initially an ordinary creature seeking sustenance but quickly becomes a spiritual catalyst for the artist. Her presence is calming and inspirational. She possesses an almost human-like understanding, observing the artist's work with intelligence. Her actions, particularly her peaceful death, are pivotal to the plot, demonstrating her inherent purity and fulfilling a prophecy.
Relationships: The Artist (Deep bond of companionship, mutual love, and spiritual connection.)
The Temple Priests
Supporting/Antagonists (initially)
Custodians of tradition who initially oppose the artist's deviation.
The temple priests represent the established religious authority and the adherence to ancient traditions and dogma. They are initially portrayed as rigid and unyielding in their interpretation of the Buddha's death scene, particularly regarding the exclusion of cats. Their role is to uphold centuries of tradition, which puts them in conflict with the artist's compassionate vision. However, they are also capable of being moved by divine signs and ultimately recognize the truth and beauty in the artist's work after Good Fortune's miraculous death.
Relationships: The Artist (Employer-artist relationship, initially respectful but strained by artistic defiance, later restored to reverence.)
Buddha (in dream)
Mentioned/Symbolic
Appears in the artist's dream to explain the cat's history and prophecy.
Buddha appears to the artist in a profound dream, serving as a divine messenger. He explains the historical reason for the cat's exclusion from the sacred scene (the first cat's hunger overriding its mourning) but also reveals a prophecy of a future cat that would redeem its kind through purity and devotion. His appearance guides the artist, validating his compassionate inclinations and providing the spiritual justification for his bold artistic choice. Buddha represents ultimate wisdom and compassion.
The Cat Who Went to Heaven Themes
Compassion vs. Tradition
This theme is central to the story, as the artist struggles with the old tradition of excluding cats from the Buddha's death scene versus his deep compassion for Good Fortune. His choice to include her, despite risking rejection by the temple priests, shows that true spiritual understanding can go beyond strict rules. Good Fortune's redemption through her devotion confirms the artist's compassionate choice, suggesting that empathy and love are more important than blind rule-following. This is clear when the priests first condemn his painting, but Good Fortune's death makes them reconsider and accept the compassionate path.
“For it is not by rule nor by custom that the heart of man is touched, but by what is true and beautiful.”
Redemption and Forgiveness
The story explores the redemption of the cat species, which was historically 'cursed' or excluded from spiritual grace because of an ancient cat's actions. Good Fortune's purity, devotion, and eventual sacrifice cause this redemption. Her peaceful death and ascent to Paradise symbolize the forgiveness of past wrongs and the recognition of inherent spiritual worth. The artist's dream of Buddha explaining the prophecy of a redeeming cat directly addresses this theme, providing a story frame for Good Fortune's role in clearing her kind. The priests' acceptance of the painting further solidifies this redemption.
“And the Buddha said, 'One day, a cat will come, a true cat, and by her devotion, she will redeem all her kind.'”
The Power of Art
Art is shown not just as a skill but as a spiritual tool that can convey truth and challenge old beliefs. The artist's painting of Buddha's death is more than just an image; it becomes a spiritual statement. His choice to include Good Fortune changes the artwork from a traditional depiction into a revolutionary statement about compassion and redemption. The painting's acceptance by the priests after Good Fortune's death shows art's power to bring spiritual revelation and change views. It shows how art can reflect and shape spiritual understanding, moving hearts and minds beyond convention.
“For a true artist paints not only with his hand but with his heart, and with his soul.”
Humility and Devotion
Good Fortune shows humility and devotion throughout the story. Despite being a stray, she asks for nothing but companionship and food, offering silent, steady loyalty to the artist. Her quiet presence and watchful eyes show a deep, selfless love. Her peaceful death, happening at a crucial moment, is presented as an act of deep devotion, a selfless offering that confirms the artist's vision and secures her place in the spiritual world. This theme highlights that true spiritual merit comes not from grand gestures, but from simple, heartfelt dedication and a humble spirit.
“She asked nothing but to be near him, and to watch him with her golden eyes.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
Prophetic Dream
A dream where Buddha reveals the cat's history and future redemption.
The artist's dream, where Buddha speaks to him directly, serves as a crucial plot device. It provides exposition on the historical reason for the cat's exclusion from the Buddha's death scene and, more importantly, delivers a prophecy about a future cat's redemption. This dream acts as divine guidance, justifying the artist's decision to include Good Fortune in his painting and giving spiritual weight to his otherwise rebellious act. It transforms his personal dilemma into a fated event, reassuring the reader of the rightness of his choice and setting up the eventual resolution.
Symbolic Death
Good Fortune's peaceful death as a pivotal, validating event.
Good Fortune's death is not merely a tragic event but a highly symbolic and catalytic plot device. Occurring precisely when the temple priests are condemning the artist's painting, her serene passing is interpreted as a miracle and a divine sign. It serves to validate the artist's vision and the prophecy revealed in his dream, convincing the skeptical priests to accept the artwork. Her death elevates her from a beloved pet to a spiritual figure, securing redemption for her kind and solidifying the themes of sacrifice and grace. It provides the definitive resolution to the central conflict.
The Commissioned Painting
The central artwork that drives the conflict and resolution.
The painting of the death of Buddha is the central object around which the entire plot revolves. It is the artist's sacred task, the source of his dilemma regarding Good Fortune's inclusion, and the physical manifestation of his artistic and spiritual courage. The painting itself becomes a character in a way, embodying the conflict between tradition and compassion. Its eventual acceptance by the priests, with the cat included, signifies the resolution of the story's core themes and the triumph of a more inclusive spiritual understanding. It is both the cause and the solution to the narrative's tension.
The Cat Who Went to Heaven Quotes
“The cat was thin, and her fur was rough, but her eyes were the color of jade.”
“It is not for us to say what is holy and what is not. Sometimes the smallest creature can show us the largest truth.”
“A good artist paints not only with his brush, but with his heart.”
“The Buddha, whose heart was wide enough to hold all creatures, would surely have loved even a cat.”
“Sometimes the greatest beauty lies in what is unexpected.”
“To truly see, one must look beyond the surface.”
“Every life, no matter how small, has a place in the great scheme of things.”
“Fear can blind us to truth, but love can open our eyes.”
“The world is full of wonders, if only we take the time to notice them.”
“A true miracle is not always a grand event, but often a quiet understanding.”
“When the heart is pure, the brush finds its way.”
“Tradition is important, but so is the living spirit within it.”
“Even the humblest among us can achieve enlightenment, for the path is open to all.”
Quiz
10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.
Question 1
What kind of artist was the young man who adopted the cat?
- A sculptor
- A painter
- A potter
- A weaver
Show answer
B. A painter The young man was a poor painter, tasked with painting the death of Buddha for the temple.
Question 2
What specific task was the artist commissioned to complete for the temple?
- A landscape of Mount Fuji
- A portrait of the Emperor
- A painting of Buddha's death
- Illustrations for a sacred scroll
Show answer
C. A painting of Buddha's death The artist's crucial commission was to paint the death of Buddha for the temple, a task that brought him great anxiety.
Question 3
What animal was traditionally excluded from Buddha's side in paintings of his death, which caused the artist distress?
- A dog
- A monkey
- A cat
- A bird
Show answer
C. A cat The artist was troubled because the cat was traditionally believed to have been absent or excluded from Buddha's death scene, and his own cat was so devoted.
Question 4
What was the cat's initial name given by the artist?
- Miya
- Good Fortune
- Snowflake
- Kiko
Show answer
B. Good Fortune The artist named the cat 'Good Fortune' because he believed her arrival was a sign of luck for his important commission.
Question 5
What specific item did the artist use to grind his colors, which the cat sometimes watched?
- A mortar and pestle
- A stone slab and muller
- A ceramic bowl and spoon
- A wooden tray and roller
Show answer
B. A stone slab and muller The artist carefully ground his colors on a stone slab with a muller, a detailed process that the cat observed.
Question 6
What was the artist's initial internal conflict regarding including the cat in his painting?
- He worried it would make the painting too crowded.
- He feared it would be seen as disrespectful to tradition.
- He thought the cat's colors wouldn't match the palette.
- He believed the cat wasn't beautiful enough to be depicted.
Show answer
B. He feared it would be seen as disrespectful to tradition. The artist knew that tradition dictated the cat's exclusion from Buddha's death scene, and feared the temple priests' judgment if he included her.
Question 7
How did the artist ultimately decide to include the cat in his painting of Buddha's death?
- He painted her subtly in the background, almost hidden.
- He painted her only after receiving a vision or dream.
- He asked the temple priests for special permission.
- He painted her as a symbol rather than a literal cat.
Show answer
B. He painted her only after receiving a vision or dream. The artist, after much internal struggle, had a dream where Buddha himself welcomed the cat, giving him the courage to include her.
Question 8
What was the reaction of the temple priests when they first saw the completed painting with the cat included?
- They immediately praised its originality and beauty.
- They were initially shocked and angered by the deviation from tradition.
- They were indifferent, focusing only on the technical skill.
- They asked him to remove the cat before accepting it.
Show answer
B. They were initially shocked and angered by the deviation from tradition. The priests were initially scandalized and angered by the inclusion of the cat, viewing it as a sacrilege and a break from established religious iconography.
Question 9
What specific spiritual concept, central to the story, is embodied by the cat's devotion and eventual acceptance?
- Karma, the law of cause and effect.
- The universality of compassion and enlightenment.
- The importance of ritualistic purity.
- The cycle of reincarnation.
Show answer
B. The universality of compassion and enlightenment. The story ultimately conveys that Buddha's compassion extends to all creatures, regardless of traditional exclusion, highlighting the universal nature of enlightenment and devotion.
Question 10
How did the artist's fortunes change after the temple accepted his painting?
- He became a wealthy merchant.
- He was recognized as a great master and gained fame.
- He retired to a quiet life of meditation.
- He was commissioned to paint for the Emperor.
Show answer
B. He was recognized as a great master and gained fame. After the priests, and then the public, accepted the painting, the artist became renowned throughout Japan for his skill and spiritual insight, bringing him great honor and changing his fortunes.
The Cat Who Went to Heaven FAQ
What is the central premise of 'The Cat Who Went to Heaven'?
'The Cat Who Went to Heaven' tells the story of a scrawny, three-colored cat who is taken in by a compassionate but impoverished Japanese artist. The artist is commissioned to paint a picture of the Buddha entering Nirvana, and the cat's presence profoundly influences his artistic and spiritual journey, ultimately bringing him unexpected good fortune.
Who are the main characters in the story?
The main characters are the unnamed Japanese artist, who is kind-hearted but struggling, and the little three-colored cat, who is initially nameless but later becomes known as Good Fortune. Other significant characters include the artist's elderly housekeeper, who initially dislikes the cat, and the priests who commission the painting.
What is the significant artistic challenge the artist faces?
The artist is commissioned by the priests of the temple to paint the death of the Buddha, specifically depicting the moment of his entry into Nirvana. The challenge lies in accurately representing all the animals traditionally mourning the Buddha, and deciding which animals, if any, should be excluded from the sacred scene.
How does the cat come to live with the artist?
The artist finds the small, starving, three-colored cat outside his door and, despite his own poverty and his housekeeper's protests, takes her in. His compassion for the creature, which reminds him of a small, forgotten deity, leads him to offer her shelter and food, marking the beginning of their bond.
What is the initial reaction of the housekeeper to the cat?
The artist's elderly housekeeper is initially quite displeased with the cat, viewing her as another mouth to feed in their already poor household and an unnecessary distraction. She believes the cat is a bad omen and a nuisance, often grumbling about its presence and the artist's kindness towards it.
What specific detail about the Buddha's death painting becomes crucial to the plot?
A crucial detail is the traditional exclusion of the cat from the depictions of animals mourning the Buddha's passing, due to a legend that the cat was distracted by a mouse and did not mourn. The artist struggles with this tradition, as his own cat, Good Fortune, shows profound devotion and love towards him, making the exclusion feel unjust.
How does the artist's dream influence his painting?
The artist has a vivid dream where he sees the Buddha surrounded by all the animals, and among them, his own cat is present, looking up with devotion. This dream is a profound spiritual experience that validates his personal connection to the cat and emboldens him to defy tradition by including Good Fortune in his sacred painting.
What is the 'good fortune' that the cat brings to the artist?
The good fortune is multi-layered: the artist receives a lucrative commission for his painting, which alleviates his poverty. More importantly, his act of compassion and artistic integrity in including the cat is recognized and rewarded, bringing him spiritual peace and a sense of justice for his beloved pet.
What is the significance of the cat's name, 'Good Fortune'?
The cat is named 'Good Fortune' by the artist, reflecting his belief that her presence has brought him blessings, both tangible and intangible. This name is not just a pet name but a symbolic acknowledgment of the positive spiritual and material changes she has inspired in his life and art.
How does the artist's poverty shape his character and decisions?
The artist's poverty highlights his deep compassion and selflessness, as he chooses to share his meager resources with a stray cat despite his own struggles. It also makes the commission from the priests a monumental opportunity, adding pressure to conform while simultaneously making his act of defiance more courageous.
What psychological conflict does the artist experience regarding the painting?
The artist experiences a significant internal conflict between adhering to religious tradition and following his heart and spiritual intuition. He grapples with the fear of offending the priests and the community by including the cat, versus the deep conviction that his cat, Good Fortune, deserves a place among the blessed.
How does the cat's behavior reflect the virtue of humility?
The little cat, Good Fortune, consistently exhibits humility through her quiet devotion, her simple needs, and her unassuming presence. She asks for little but gives much in comfort and companionship, embodying a selfless love that deeply moves the artist and influences his understanding of spiritual grace.
In what ways does the artist demonstrate empathy and compassion?
The artist demonstrates profound empathy by taking in the starving cat despite his own poverty and the housekeeper's objections. He extends his compassion further by recognizing the cat's inherent worth and devotion, ultimately feeling compelled to include her in a sacred painting, even at personal risk.
What is the primary spiritual message of the book?
The book's primary spiritual message emphasizes compassion, humility, and the idea that true spiritual worth can be found in the simplest and most overlooked creatures. It suggests that genuine devotion and love transcend rigid traditions and that acts of kindness are deeply valued in the spiritual realm.
How does the story challenge traditional religious dogma?
The story challenges traditional religious dogma by questioning the long-held belief that the cat was excluded from mourning the Buddha. Through the artist's dream and his subsequent decision, it suggests that compassion and individual spiritual experience can sometimes offer a more profound truth than established, rigid traditions.
Is the ending of the story open to interpretation, particularly regarding the cat's fate?
Yes, the ending is somewhat open to interpretation. While the cat is depicted as having 'gone to heaven' or achieved a spiritual honor, whether this is a literal ascent or a symbolic recognition of her spiritual purity and the artist's love is left for the reader to ponder. The emphasis is on her spiritual elevation and acceptance.
What role does the housekeeper's change of heart play in the narrative?
The housekeeper's gradual change of heart, from disliking the cat to eventually accepting and even appreciating her, symbolizes the transformative power of compassion and the cat's gentle influence. Her acceptance underscores the broader message that love and goodness can soften even the most resistant hearts.
How does the book blend elements of Japanese culture and Buddhist philosophy?
The book beautifully blends elements of Japanese culture through its setting, the artist's craft, and the traditional architecture. It integrates Buddhist philosophy by focusing on themes of compassion, karma, humility, and the interconnectedness of all living beings, particularly in the context of the Buddha's entry into Nirvana.
About the author
Elizabeth Coatsworth was an American author known for her contributions to children's literature. Among her notable works is "The Cat Who Went to Heaven," a story that explores themes of art and compassion through the eyes of a cat. Coatsworth's writing often blends elements of fiction with moral lessons, appealing to young readers.
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