The Black Cat

"The Black Cat" is a short story by Edgar Allan Poe, first published in 1843. It follows a narrator who descends into madness, driven by alcoholism and guilt. He describes his relationship with his pet cat, Pluto, whom he mistreats, ultimately leading to violence. After a series of troubling events, including the cat's return in a haunting form, he faces the consequences of his actions. The story explores themes of guilt, the effects of addiction, and the unreliable nature of perception, exemplifying Poe's mastery of psychological horror and the macabre.