The Cat’s Meow is straight-ahead swinger in the same vein as Benny Golson’s classic Killer Joe. The melody is a very simple riff that repeats at different levels over the course of the form. The cat who inspired the tune is a furry exotic Persian named Berlioz who took up residence in the composer's house. Like most cats, his life consists mainly of eating and sleeping. He most often resides at the top of the stairs, and never bothers to try to get out of the way.