The Cats of Ulthar
The Cats of Ulthar is a horror short story written by H. P. Lovecraft and published in 1920.
In the village of Ulthar there is a law: you can't kill cats. In this short story, we will learn the origin of this law and the murky past that this village had.
Where does the origin of such a prohibition come from? And why is it forbidden to kill a cat in Ulthar?
Despite its short length, this story is able to immerse you in an atmosphere of collective fear, mystery, death and mysticism.
"It is said that in Ulthar, which lies beyond the river Skai, no man may kill a cat; and this I can verily believe as I gaze upon him who sitteth purring before the fire."
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Public domain (US)·No sign-up·DRM-free·Real text, not scans
Copyright note. The Cats of Ulthar by H. P. Lovecraft is believed to be in the public domain in the United States only. It may still be copyrighted in other countries. If you are not in the United States, please check your local laws to ensure this eBook is in the public domain in your country before downloading The Cats of Ulthar in PDF or EPUB.
- Pages
- 9
- Reading time
- 7 minutes
- Pace
- Fast
- First published
- 1920
- Language
- English
- Downloads
- 2,007
106 years later, still timely
Why Read The Cats of Ulthar in 2026?
A dark fable with a clean moral: harm invites reckoning. In a few pages, superstition, justice, and empathy for animals entwine into a quietly satisfying shiver.
Today's connection
Short, eerie tales travel well online. This one invites reflection on cruelty, community norms, and why protecting the vulnerable matters. Read it as a caution about what we tolerate—and the strange ways a town writes its laws.
Folklore chill
Myth with a message.
Animal regard
Care over cruelty.
Rough justice
Customs with teeth.
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About the author
H. P. Lovecraft
Cosmic horror and a shared mythos that reshaped modern weird fiction and pop culture.
