The Scaredy Cat: Funny Cat Poem for Kids about being different

The Scaredy Cat

He’s known around as Scaredy-Cat
He’s scared of this, he’s scared of that
He’s scared of birds, he’s scared of mice
He’s scared of fish, he’s scared of lice

He’s scared of tails, full of fur
He’s scared of throats, full of purr
He’s scared of fangs, full of gnaws
He’s scared of paws, full of claws

He’s scared of yowls, under moons
He’s scared of Tom, in cartoons
He’s scared of hiss in his howl
He’s scared of spit in his growl

So Scaredy-Cat, hides under cars
and scaredy-cars, hide under stars
and scaredy-stars hide in the sky
and scaredy-skies, hide way up high

So if you spy The Scaredy-Cat
Afraid of this, afraid of that
Beneath the cars and stars and sky
Don’t point and laugh or pass him by

Just tempt him out with things he loves
Not fish below or birds above
The Scaredy-Cat loves bubble baths
And naughty dogs who make him laugh

So bathe him, paint his claws bright red
Then tie a bow upon his head
Arrange a date: a handsome Pug
Watch Scaredy-Cat walk tall, strut smug

He may not like what most cats do
He’s different, just like me, like you
The Scaredy-Cat feels proud and sure
He’s found his courage, scared no more

Mark Bird ©2021

💡 Literacy Lesson Ideas for Teachers and Students:

This funny cat poem for kids offers a wonderful springboard for exploring rhythm, rhyme, and repetition in poetry. Its playful tone and imaginative imagery will delight young readers while subtly encouraging empathy and acceptance. As a poem about being different for kids, it opens up thoughtful discussion about individuality and self-confidence. In the classroom, students can examine how humour is used to soften serious themes and write their own animal poems featuring unusual fears or quirks. They could also create illustrations of Scaredy-Cat’s adventures or invent new verses about how he overcomes his worries. A great follow-up activity could be writing a letter to Scaredy-Cat offering advice, or composing a poem from the perspective of his cheeky Pug friend. Through laughter and creativity, children learn that being different is something to celebrate.