Told in 1st person. Starts with young Tugger. His mum ran away from the Jellicle Tribe, & now all but the kindest cats see him as an outcast, especially his 'brothers', Munkustrap & Macavity. Then, after Macavity is kicked out, Tugger risks his life to save 2 kittens, who wander too far, from a vicious pollicle attack, & the cats' opinions towards the young tom immediately change. Unfortunately, so does he…

I remember only too well the day she left. I was about 4 months old, & very content in the tribe of the Jellicles. My mom, a white Persian called Griddlebone, had finally settled into the tribe when I'd been born, so that I would live a safe life. Everything was cool - up until that fateful day.

I remember waking up feeling cold & alone. It took me a moment to register why, but when I did, it hit me like a kick in the gut, & unable to help myself, I sat back on my haunches, & cried.

About 5 minutes later, a middle age pale tabby queen called Jellylorum, my aunt, came running in, followed a moment later by the Jellicle Leader, Old Deuteronomy. While Jellylorum comforted me, Deuteronomy searched the old oven that was my home, eventually coming back to us, with a note clasped in his hand. Jellylorum looked at it, then shakily took it from Deuteronomy & read it. When she got to the end, she gasped, & turned tear-filled eyes towards me.

Puzzled by the fact that 'Auntie Jelly' was on the verge of tears, I went & snuggled up to her, & whimpered "Auntie Jelly, where's Momma, why ain't she here?"

Jelly gave Deuteronomy a trapped look, but he nodded at her. Taking a deep breath, she said, rather shakily, "Oh, Tugger, I'm afraid your mum isn't going to be with you any more."

"Huh, how come?" I whimpered, getting more frightened by the moment. Oh, by the way, my name is Rum Tum Tugger.

"Oh, little one, I'm afraid she ran away, with-", again she looked at Deuteronomy, who held up his hand to say that it was all right, then turned to me, & said "I'm sorry, Tugger, but your mother has run off to be with your father, a pirate cat, called Growltiger. I'm so sorry."

I looked at him pitifully for a fraction of a second, then turned & buried my face in Jellylorum's fur. (I did not know it at the time, but some small part of me swore vengeance on both my mum & my dad). Somewhere behind me, I heard Deuteronomy sigh, & crumple up the letter. Then, after sighing once more, he said, solemnly, "Well, he can't stay here all alone. I will take him in. As you know, the mother of my 3 kittens also left - he will not be alone in that fact. I will raise him as my son. I can't really say much for your sister, but she was a good mother, & taught this young one well, as far as I know."

I looked up to see Jelly nod, but she was looking slightly worried. Deuteronomy immediately picked up on this, & said "Is something wrong?"

"Well, it's nothing really major," Jelly began ", it's just, meaning no offence, but, well, you know what Munkustrap & Macavity can be like. I mean, they haven't really inherited the nobleness promised them yet, have they. And, well, they never really took a liking to this little one in the 1st place, did they. Are you sure it's wise to bring him up with 3 other kits who are very unlikely to act friendly towards him?"

For the 1st time, Deuteronomy's eyes clouded over, & he sighed yet again. "I am going to have to admit, Jelly," he said, wearily, ", you are making a very good point. Plato, although the youngest, is making quite rapid process as the weeks go by. But Munkustrap & Macavity just lead each other on, getting more & more rebellious. I had expected rebel to show in Macavity, but, as Munkustrap is the next potential leader, so I had expected more of him. But, I just can't keep him & Mac away from each other-"

At this, Jelly suddenly stood up straight, & when I looked up, there was a kinda fire in her eyes, that made me shudder slightly, & turn away. Next second, I heard Jelly say, somewhat more-than-firmly, "Deuteronomy, I know it's not really my place to say, but you have got to get those kittens into line. If you feel that they won't warm up to Tugger, then I will look after him. My young Admetus has been greatly influenced by Plato, & I'm sure he will show Tugger the brotherly love he needs. Would you like me to look after him, or do reckon those boys of yours can start acting mature?"

Deuteronomy considered what Jelly had said for a moment, then, after looking once more at me, he said "No, you're absolutely right, Jelly. I need to be much firmer with Munkustrap & Macavity. Yes, I will take Tugger in. It will be a test for those 2. If they can prove themselves worthy, then I will let them remain together. If not, then I may have to consider separating them."

Jelly nodded, still trying to hold back tears, & then, Deuteronomy took my small hand in his, & led me away from the home I had known all my very short life, away, to a family that might just reject me. As we reached the chamber that was to be my new home, I broke down, & wept once again.