23-17CatchARatWithACat

Once upon a time, in the prosperous kingdom of Elidom, the people faced a troubling issue - a rampant infestation of rats in their fields. Determined to find a solution, the citizens took their grievances to the king's court, seeking relief from the troublesome rodents. The concerned king gathered his ministers to deliberate on the matter. After careful consideration, they devised a plan they believed would effectively eliminate the rat problem. The king announced that each family in Elidom would receive a cat to catch the rats, and a cow to supply milk for the cats. The people were thrilled at the prospect, grateful for the king's intervention. The families took the cats, and the cows grazed in communal pastures, ready to provide nourishing milk. The citizens embraced their new feline companions with enthusiasm, expecting them to rid their homes of the annoying rats. Little did they know that the cats had other plans. As the days went by, it became apparent that the cats were not fulfilling their duty. Instead of hunting rats, they grew lazy and content, indulging in the abundance of cow's milk provided to them. The citizens' homes remained infested with rats, while the cats roamed lazily, relying solely on the readily available milk. Among the disappointed populace, there was one man who saw through the deception of the cats. His name was Tenali Raman, a clever and insightful individual. He, too, had received a cat from the king, but from the very first day, he decided to take a different approach. Tenali Raman understood that the cats had grown accustomed to the easy meal of milk, no longer willing to put forth the effort to catch rats. He knew he had to break this cycle. The next morning, Tenali served his cat a bowl of hot milk, unknowingly scalding the cat's tongue. From that moment on, Tenali's cat developed an aversion to milk. The cat, driven by hunger, focused solely on catching rats as its source of sustenance. Tenali's home became free of rats, and the cat remained vigilant, never straying from its duty. News of Tenali's success spread throughout the kingdom, reaching the ears of the king. Intrigued by Tenali's cat's unique behavior, the king summoned all the citizens and their cats to the court for inspection. The cats from other households eagerly lapped up the bowls of milk, while Tenali's cat stood apart, uninterested. Shocked by this observation, the king questioned Tenali about the reason behind his cat's refusal to drink milk. With a mischievous smile, Tenali revealed the truth – he gave hot milk once, which had scalded its tongue. Ever since that day, the cat rejected milk and focused solely on catching rats for sustenance. Tenali pointed to the milk-fed, plump, and lazy cats before the king, emphasizing that they had become dependent on the easy supply of milk and had forsaken their duty to hunt rats. He proudly declared that his cat, driven by hunger and never enticed by milk, had successfully eliminated the rat problem in his household.

The king, enlightened by Tenali's explanation, realized his mistake in providing an excess of milk to the cats. Acknowledging the wisdom of Tenali's cat and the flawed approach, the king issued a new decree. From that day forward, the citizens should follow Tenali's lead and provide only the necessary sustenance for their cats.

The people of Elidom heeded the king's decree, adjusting their cats' diets accordingly. As the cats' reliance on milk diminished, their instincts to hunt rats were reawakened. No longer spoiled by the easy availability of milk, the felines roamed the fields and homes of Elidom, diligently pursuing the rats that had plagued the kingdom.

One by one, the cats proved their worth as skilled hunters. They swiftly eliminated the rat infestation, restoring peace and prosperity to the kingdom. The people rejoiced, grateful for Tenali Raman's insight and the king's willingness to rectify the situation.

Tenali Raman, hailed as a hero, received praise from both the citizens and the king. His clever strategy had not only solved the rat problem but also taught a valuable lesson about complacency and the consequences of excess. The kingdom of Elidom thrived once again, with grateful citizens living harmoniously with their cats.

As a gesture of appreciation, the king honored Tenali Raman with a prestigious title and entrusted him with the task of advising the royal court on matters of wisdom and strategy. Tenali's quick thinking and keen observation had not only saved the kingdom from the rat menace but had also earned him a place of high regard within the royal circle.

From that day forward, the people of Elidom remembered the tale of Tenali Raman's cat as a lesson in balance and resourcefulness. The cats became revered as diligent protectors of the kingdom, their role as rat catchers honored and celebrated.

And so, with wit, ingenuity, and a touch of mischief, Tenali Raman had not only solved a problem but had also left a lasting legacy in the kingdom of Elidom, reminding its people of the importance of adapting, thinking outside the box, and never underestimating the power of a determined feline.