PUSSY-CAT AND THE DUMPLINGS

THE ROLE OF CATS IN NURSERY RHYMES
by Sarah Hartwell

Following on naturally from cats and puddings we have cats and dumplings.

Pussy-cat ate the dumplings, the dumplings,
Pussy-cat ate the dumplings.
Mamma stood by, and cried, “Oh, fie!
Why did you eat the dumplings?”

I have also heard this rendered “Pussy-cat ate the ducklings” which would put it in the same category as other cat-and-bird rhymes used to teach children of the relationship between hunters and prey.