Howard begins by recounting his exposure to the harsh realities of life in oil boom towns, comparing these human tragedies to the profound impact of witnessing a cat's suffering. This introduction sets the stage for a deeper exploration into the nature of cats and their paradoxical relationship with humans.

He reflects on the inherent wildness of cats, their undomesticated spirit, and how they serve as reminders of a primal past that humanity has long forgotten but which still lurks in our subconscious. Howard portrays cats as creatures of selfishness and survival, embodying traits that are both repellent and fascinating: vanity, greed, and a profound sense of self-centeredness.

Howard shares anecdotes to illustrate the cat's utilitarian relationship with humans, contrasting it with the dog's loyalty and service. He mentions a unique case of a cat "paying for its salt" through its owner's cunning rather than any inherent virtue of the cat itself.

Through his life experiences, Howard describes the transient and often mysterious nature of cats in his life, from the mongrel cats that came and went in his childhood to the profound impact of observing cats' survival instincts, their battles with rats, and the devastating effects of disease.

One particular cat, Blackface, is highlighted as an embodiment of feline mystique and survival. Blackface's behavior during times of plague and her mysterious disappearances and returns symbolize the cat's deep-rooted wildness and indomitable spirit.

Howard concludes by pondering the essence of cats, portraying them as embodiments of the dark, abyssal forces of nature. He reflects on the inevitability of death and the cat's role as a silent observer and beneficiary of the end of human life, ultimately casting cats as creatures of the abyss, untamed by civilization and deeply connected to the primitive forces of the universe.