"The Cat in the Rain" is a short story written by American author Ernest Hemingway, first published in 1925 as part of his collection In Our Time. Set in Italy, the narrative follows an American couple staying at a hotel during a rainy day. The wife notices a cat sheltering from the rain and expresses a desire to care for it—a simple wish that reveals deeper emotional needs and dissatisfaction with her current life.
Through sparse prose and subtle dialogue, Hemingway explores themes of isolation, gender roles, and the yearning for connection and purpose. The story remains one of his most studied works for its symbolic depth and minimalist style.
Though brief, "The Cat in the Rain" resonates with readers through its quiet portrayal of human longing and the small gestures that carry profound emotional weight.