From his own head, but Macavity was supposed to be the feline version of Moriarty, Sherlock Holmes’ arch-nemesis, the only man who could outwit him. Moriarty was never caught, just like Macavity.
Isn’t Macavity not a cat? Isn’t he a fiend?
Let me clarify this once and for all for the few of you who misunderstood that line: Macavity is a cat. ‘For he’s a fiend in feline shape’ is just a description of him. It is not, I repeat not, literal. I said so-and-so was a rare flower, it doesn’t mean so-and-so is actually a flower. Get it? Good.
Why does the tribe hate Macavity?
Nobody knows why for certain. There are many stories written about this subject. Most of them have something to do with Macavity being a part of the tribe, and then leaving for some reason or another (more often than not because Munkustrap got picked to be the leader instead of him); but that is all conjecture. It cannot be because he’s a criminal, because Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer are criminals as well, but the tribe accepts them.
Why is Macavity so evil?
Ahh, the big question with no easy answer. Is Macavity really that evil? According to his song, he steals, stifles Pekes, and basically annoys people. No where in the poem does it mention him killing anyone or even hurting another cat.
Of course, in fanfics Macavity is accused of anything and everything. In these fanfics, he’s killed his siblings, mates, children, friends, henchcats, jellicles, whole families, and kittens, and usually without motive as well. Remember that when he kidnapped Old Deuteronomy, he didn’t harm him. In fact, Old D didn’t even look that traumatized, simply a little confused about how he got back.
What’s up with him and Bombalurina?
Something happened between Bombalurina and Macavity; otherwise, how would she know so much about him? And why would she dance that way while singing about them? The general conclusion is that they were once in a relationship, but once again, it’s all conjecture.
Why did he kidnap Demeter when she was a kitten?
Another question without a solid answer. It’s generally accepted that Macavity loved Demeter, and that was why he kidnapped her. A great many fanfics have been written along this line. However, nothing is etched in stone. The truth is left up to you to decipher.
Does Macavity have any brothers and sisters?
Again it is left up to the individual. In my Internet travels I’ve seen Bombalurina, Munkustrap, and Rum Tum Tugger said to be his siblings, and Grizabella to be his mother. That last one I personally agree with, as I think it would explain a lot about why he dislikes the Jellicles.
Is it true there’s a missing verse to the song?
Yes! I can’t understand why they left it out either, because it’s a pretty awesome verse! The missing verse (reproduced below) is between ‘He’s outwardly respectable…’ and ‘Macavity, Macavity…deceitfulness and suavity…’
‘And when the Foreign office find a treaty’s gone astray,
Or the admiralty lose some plans and drawings by the way,
There may be a scrap of paper in the hall or in the stair,
But it’s useless to investigate – Macavity’s not there!
And when the loss has been disclosed, the Secret Service say:
“It must have been Macavity!” but he’s a mile away.
You’ll be sure to find him resting, or a-licking of his thumbs,
Or engaged in doing complicated long-division sums.’
Is Macavity ‘Macavity’ in all the international productions?
More often than not, yes; however, there are a few where he is not. I cannot list them, being as the sites where I saw them worked hard to dredge up that info and I’m not about to infringe on copyrights.
Is it true that Macavity is magical?
Yes and no. In his poem, it states that he has powers of levitation. Obviously no normal cat can float in the air, so we must assume he has limited powers. Maybe all he can do is levitate, for the poem never mentions any other magical talents, unless you count the fact that “Macavity’s not there!” as an indication of magical powers.
If you would like another question added to the FAQ, just email me and I'll answer it and post it up here. Thank you.
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Note: 'The Macavity FAQ' is the property of Vanessa/Nefret. Please do not take or reproduce it in any form without my permission.
